A large population of Wild Turkey breeds here. Good numbers of warbler species pass through the park in spring. All seven species of Ohio woodpeckers as well as three species of owls can be seen here during the winter months. Western Grebe, Horned Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Long-tailed Duck, and Little Gull were all seen from the south beach (swimming beach) on January 20, 1999. Early morning is the best time to view birds from the swimming beach. This may be one of the best places in Southwest Ohio to see Red-shouldered Hawks large numbers of waterfowl gather on the lake, if not disturbed by boaters. The East Fork State Park bird checklist is also available here. Be sure to get a map of the entire area available at the park office. Limited access to the eastern portion of this park is via Route 133. For the last ten years, great horned owls have nested approximately 1/4 mile before you get to the end of the road. In season, Great Blue Herons and numerous species of waterfowl are found in the river.
Use caution here because it is a narrow, two-lane road and is well traveled. There is a small parking area at the end of the road. When you come to the split in the road, take the right fork. You can drive along the Little Miami River to the dead end. Other Birding Spots in the Areaįrom Route 125, go north on Route 222 approximately 7 miles to Elklick Road and turn right. These two trails are not shown on the park map. Another road similar to this one leads east and can be accessed from the same turn-around. This road comes out at the lake approximately a mile from the gate. Go around the large gate and you will find that you are on an old road that runs beside the old forest. Park your car on the side of the turn-around.
If time permits, there are two areas of the park accessible to birders that are located at the east end of Williamsburg-Bantam Road (refer to park map). There are restrooms inside the visitor’s center and at the foot of the dam. This area overlooks the lake and a side road leads to the base of the dam. Slade road is approximately 3/4 of a mile north. To get to Slade Road, turn north on Route 222 off of Route 125. The Army Corps of Engineers visitor’s center is located on Slade Road, on the west side of the park. Restaurants in the Areaįrisch’s, Arby’s, and McDonald’s restaurants can be found at Bethel. Harmful Insects, Poisonous Plants, or Animals The north side has open restrooms all season (no heat). Restrooms are closed from late November to early May on the south side. Do not park on the side of the roads or in the grass as you will be ticketed by the park police. The campsite is closed to the general public during the camping season. The north side of the park has very limited parking areas.
On the south side of the lake, the parking is more than adequate. During the summer months, park personnel will also be available during special events. The park is open year round, but the park office hours are: Monday-Friday 8:00AM to 5:00 PM. Over 235 species of birds have been recorded in the park.Ī separate Trail Guide is available at the park office. The meadows and remnant prairies contain big bluestem grass and purple coneflower among others.Īnimals of the area include skunks, eastern plains garter snake, fence lizard, red fox, deer, and raccoon. The swamp forests contain silver maple, American elm, sycamore, and black gum. Woodlands are composed of beech, sugar maple, red and white oak, shagbark hickory, and wild black cherry. This diversity lends well to an abundance of plant and animal life. Illinoian glacial deposits are not common in Ohio but can be observed at East Fork and the surrounding area.Įast Fork’s diverse landscape includes dry-forested hills, rocky cascades abandoned farmlands, thickly grown floodplains, marshy grasslands and swamp forests. Shaped by the forces of the Illinoian and Wisconsinan glaciers, the East Fork region is characterized by beautiful hill country scenery and is noted for the occurrence of remnant prairie habitats. Clermont County’s rolling hills and meandering river valleys provide a colorful backdrop for spacious East Fork State Park.
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