Lake Ramona Trails
Clear Creek Metro Park Lake Ramona
“So lovely was the loneliness of a wild lake.” ― Edgar Allan Poe
Lake Ramona Trails
Clear Creek Metro Park is a beautiful park that has something for everyone. From flat trails, rugged trails to fishing and picnicking. The area is breathtaking and contains prairies as well as thick forests.
It is located in Fairfield and Hocking Counties and is comprised of 5300 acres. 4769 of these acres are the Allen F. Beck State Nature Preserve.
Lake Ramona Trail
This Ohio Metro Park has several different trails to choose from. On this trip, we decided to visit Lake Ramona. Years ago, we visited the area and was lucky enough to see a beaver swimming through the pond. We weren’t as lucky this time.
Below is a map of the area. We have HIGHLIGHTED and MARKED the trails to make things easier to understand.
A-D
The “Lake Trail” (A-D) measures approx. .7 miles long. It is a steep trail that provides a pretty good workout. It is a natural trail that can be slick and has stones and tree roots. If there has been a lot of rain it can be muddy. We would recommend a good pair of hiking boots.
A
The beginning of the trail can be reached from the Valley View Parking area.
B
It starts with a gradual decline and is surrounded by tall trees and has a steep ravine on the right-hand side. The trail’s decline gets steeper decline and ends with wooden steps and sandstone rocks.
C
At the bottom of the trail, you will find a small deck with a couple of metal benches. The deck overlooks the large lake. This side of the lake is serene. You can barely hear any vehicles in the distance.
Lake Ramona covers 5 acres of land. It has bluegill, brown trout, channel catfish and smallmouth bass.
D
When leaving the deck, the trail follows the edge of the lake. Over the edge, you can see areas of water and undergrowth. There are also several trees that have been taken down by the beavers.
Once the trail curves away from the river, there is a steep incline. It continues all the way up to the top. It can be difficult, and you may need to rest several times before you reach the end.
E
The “Lake Trail” ends into the “Chestnut Trail.” Follow this trail back to the parking lot. It is about .1 miles in length and is downhill. This trail was an old road and is easy to walk.
F-H
There is a second entrance to Lake Ramona. It is often used by fishermen. This side of the pond isn’t as tranquil as the upper trail side. The sound of traffic is very noticeable. Luckily, Clear Creek Road isn’t too busy.
F
There is a very small parking area on Clear Creek Road. It is directly across the street from the Lake Ramona sign. There is enough room for two vehicles.
G
There is a small boardwalk at the beginning of the path. After it ends, there is a steep grassy hill that you must climb. Once you get to the top, you will cross another boardwalk that ends with a deck. From the beginning of the path to the deck measures approx. 350’.
When we visited the lower trail, it had flooded recently. This hillside was very slick and somewhat difficult to climb.
There was a thin layer of mud was covering the deck. This is where we spotted a large animal print. There was much discussion on what type of animal it was. Many people believe it to be a bear, while others are certain that it is a cougar. Looking closely at the print we are leaning towards a cougar. Another reason is a cougar (mountain lion) had recently been spotted near Shallenberger State Nature Preserve.
H
Leaving Lake Ramona, you can head back down to your car or continue on another path. This path has a steady incline and measures approx. 400’. It ends on the road that leads to the Valley View Parking area.
I-K
We chose to take the long way back to the car. We walked down the blacktop entrance road to the Valley View Parking area. Then turned right and headed down Clear Creek Road.
I
The road that leads to the parking area declines to Clear Creek Road. It is an easy walk with tall trees on both sides. From the trail to Clear Creek Road measures approx. 2000 ft.
J
Clear Creek Road is a beautiful walk. You just have to be careful and watch out for cars. There are huge rock formations and waterfalls on one side and the creek on the other side. It is blacktop and mostly flat. It's about 2100' from the Valley View Parking area entrance to the Lake Ramona parking spot.
K
Not far from the 2-car parking area is a larger parking area for fishing access. There is a very short trail that leads to Clear Creek. There is a beach area that is perfect for fishing. During the spring and fall, the area is stocked with rainbow trout.
Birding
When we visited the park in March, we didn’t spot many birds. However, Clear Creek Metro Park is known for its amazing birding. There have been over 150 species of bird spotted at the park. With 20 of these being breeding warblers.
Our Thoughts
We visit Clear Creek Metro Park often. It is rarely crowded and there are many paths to choose from. We have been told that the park has gotten crowded during the Coronavirus quarantine. So, it might be one that you put off until after things get back to normal.
The “Lake Ramona” trail isn’t the easiest to hike. It can be difficult for some people. The lake itself is large and beautiful. If you are wanting to get away and enjoy some peace and quiet, walk down the lake using the upper path. The lake is tucked back between the hills and is very peaceful. During our last visit, we had the pleasure of listening to the spring peepers.
What You Can Expect at Clear Creek Metro Park
Please note that park rules and regulations can change at any time. The following information was in effect for Walnut Woods Metro Park as of March 2020.
The bathrooms are clean and have running water.
Bicycles are prohibited.
Great place for birding in Ohio.
There are no bridges on the lake trail.
Concealed carry is permitted.
Pets are prohibited on the Lake Trail.
Rugged trail.
Blacktop parking areas. Parking lot has 37 spots. There are 2 specified ADA spaces.
There are 6 picnic tables located in the shelter house.
There is NO playground.
Trail seating is only available on the decks.
There is plenty of shade available.
A large shelter house is located next to the main parking area.
Trails are marked and easy to see.
Trails are natural.
There were 2 trashcans located at the shelter house.
Lake Ramona is a 5 acre lake.
2 ADA parking spots are available in the Valley View Parking area. The trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Boating is prohibited on Lake Ramona.
Clear Creek Metro Park has several areas for fishing.
