Rock Mill Lake Park
Located in Lancaster, OH 43130. Between Lithopolis Road and Wilson Road.
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Hocking River Trail is located at Rock Mill Lake Park. Not at Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, the old flour mill. If you try to find this trail by searching Google, it will take you to the Mill. I would suggest that you check out the watermill instead of the Hocking River Trail.
The Hocking River Trail is very underwhelming. The area is not kept up and there is trash everywhere. Supposedly the trail forms a loop around the pond and meets back up at the parking lot. That is not the case.
The Trail
The trail is not marked at all. It is rough and unkempt. You can see where it goes for a short distance. But as soon as you reach the dam it disappears. We used our trail app and tried to stay on the path as well as we possibly could. But the trail just isn’t there. What is there are heaping mounds of trash.
In one area there was what looked like a hunting camp set up and left in shambles. This was close to the farmland that had piles of garbage sitting next to the tree line. The junk had made its way into the park. There were tires, buckets, big hunks of metal, just junk. And it was everywhere.
Getting Out
Following the non-existent, muddy, overgrown trail we made our way back to the Hocking River where there was supposed to be a crossing. There wasn’t a crossing anywhere to be found. We finally had to cross the river. There wasn’t any other choice. We got our feet soaking wet and our pants muddy.
In Conclusion
The only good thing about this place is the large pond. I don’t know how the fishing is, but you can tell people fish there. I would also guess that it might be a good place for birding during migration.
This could be a very nice place if it had some extensive work done to it. If you choose to visit this park, I suggest that you take a trash bag along and try to clean up the area.
What You Can Expect at the Hocking River Trail
Please note as of January 2020, that were no signs at this park stating the rules and regulations.
There are no bathrooms available.
It might be a good place for birding in Ohio.
Rough trail that is almost impassible in areas.
Parking lot is small. It is paved.
This trail has sun and shade.
Trails are not marked.
There is one trash can located at the parking area. There was trash scattered all around it.
There is a large pond, and the Hocking river.
It is not wheelchair accessible. ADA parking is not available.
It looks as though fishing is permitted. But who knows. There aren't any signs posted.
Special Features - Nothing at all. It's a shame. This could be a very nice park with some work.
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