You’re driving through Pickaway County, mostly seeing cornfields and that specific kind of Ohio flatland that feels like it goes on forever, and then you hit it. A.W. Marion State Park. It isn't one of those massive, sprawling parks that gets all the glossy magazine covers. It’s not Hocking Hills with its dramatic caves or Geneva-on-the-Lake with the resort vibes. It’s small. It’s quiet. Honestly, it’s basically just a big, beautiful bowl of water surrounded by some really dense woods.
Most people skip right past it. They're heading south to the bigger name attractions. But if you’re looking for a spot where you can actually hear yourself think, this is it. It’s located just a few miles northeast of Circleville—yeah, the Pumpkin Show town—and it centers entirely around Hargus Lake.
The lake is the heart of the whole place. It covers about 145 acres, which is just enough to feel substantial without feeling like you're lost at sea. The park itself is named after Alice Westwater Marion, who was actually a pretty big deal in the early days of Ohio’s conservation movement. She was the first woman to serve on the Ohio Natural Resources Commission. That’s a cool bit of history most folks walking the trails don't even realize.
The Reality of Hiking Around Hargus Lake
If you come here to hike, you’re basically doing the Hargus Lake Trail. It’s a loop. You go around the water. Pretty straightforward, right?
Well, it’s about 4 miles long, and it’s surprisingly rugged in spots. You’ll be walking along a flat, easy path one minute, and then suddenly you're dealing with some decent elevation changes and a few muddy patches that’ll ruin your white sneakers in a heartbeat. It’s a great workout. You’ve got these narrow ridgelines that give you a perfect view of the water through the trees, especially in the late fall when the leaves are mostly gone.
The woods here are heavy with oak, hickory, and maple. In October? It’s a firestorm of orange and red.
- Squawroot and Wildflowers: If you’re a plant nerd, look down. In the spring, the forest floor is covered in trillium and Dutchman's breeches.
- The Multi-Use Factor: There are about 7 miles of trails total if you count the bridle paths. Be prepared to share some space with horses.
- The "Secret" Spots: There are little offshoots where people have clearly set up unofficial fishing spots. They offer the best views.
Fishing and Boating: What to Actually Expect
Let’s talk fishing. Hargus Lake is known for being a "quiet" lake. That means electric motors only. No screaming jet skis. No massive speedboats kicking up a wake that’ll flip a kayak. It’s peaceful.
You’ll find largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. People also pull some decent-sized channel catfish out of the deeper spots near the dam. Is it the best fishing in the state? Maybe not. But it’s consistent. If you have a kid and want them to actually catch something so they don't get bored in twenty minutes, the bluegill here are usually pretty cooperative.
There’s a boat ramp on the west side of the lake. It’s simple. It works. If you don't own a boat, there’s a small concession stand that usually does rentals during the peak season—kayaks, canoes, and rowboats.
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Why the Dam Matters
The dam at A.W. Marion State Park is actually a pretty impressive piece of engineering if you stop to look at it. It was completed back in the late 1940s. Before that, this area was just rolling farmland and a small creek. The creation of the lake changed the local ecosystem entirely. Now, it serves as a massive water source and a haven for migratory birds.
During the winter, if the ice is thick enough (which is becoming a gamble these days with Ohio winters), you’ll see people out there ice fishing. It’s a dedicated crowd. They sit out there in the wind, huddled over tiny holes, waiting for a perch to bite.
Camping and Staying Overnight
The campground here is... cozy. That’s the polite way to put it.
It’s small. We’re talking about 60 sites total. About half of them have electric hookups. If you’re looking for a massive RV resort with a swimming pool and a gift shop, this isn't it. This is more of a "sit by the fire and look at the stars" kind of place.
The campsites are mostly shaded, which is a lifesaver in July when the Ohio humidity feels like a wet wool blanket. There are pit toilets and a pressurized water system. It’s basic, but it’s clean. The staff from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) keep a pretty close eye on things.
The real draw for camping here is the proximity to the water. You can wake up, grab your coffee, and be on the trail or at the shoreline in about three minutes.
A Note on the Local Wildlife
You’re going to see deer. Lots of them. They’re fairly used to people, but they’ll still bolt if you make too much noise.
What’s more interesting are the birds. Because of the lake and the surrounding hardwood forest, A.W. Marion is a massive draw for birdwatchers. You’ll see:
- Great Blue Herons: Usually standing perfectly still in the shallows.
- Ospreys: They occasionally dive for fish right in front of you.
- Wood Ducks: Look for them in the brushier, swampier parts of the lake edges.
The Seasonal Vibe Shift
Spring is all about the mud and the wildflowers. Summer is for the kayaks and the humid evening hikes. Fall is easily the peak—the colors around the lake are incredible.
Winter is different. It’s stark. The park feels much bigger when the leaves are gone and you can see the contours of the land. It’s the best time for a solo hike if you really want to be alone. You might be the only person on the entire four-mile loop.
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Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you’re heading to A.W. Marion State Park, here’s how to do it right.
Check the Water Quality: Like many Ohio lakes, Hargus Lake can sometimes deal with algal blooms in the peak of summer heat. Check the ODNR website before you plan on doing any heavy wading or letting your dog swim.
Bring Your Own Gear: The rental shop is great, but its hours can be a bit "flexible" depending on the weather and the season. If you have your own kayak, bring it. The launch is easy.
Pack for Mud: Even if it hasn't rained in two days, the back side of the lake trail stays damp. Wear boots with actual tread.
Visit Circleville After: Since you’re right there, stop in Circleville. Grab a pizza at Wittich's or some donuts. It rounds out the day perfectly.
Download an Offline Map: Cell service is okay, but in the deeper ravines along the Hargus Lake Trail, it can drop out. Having a map saved on your phone is just smart.
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This isn't a "destination" park in the sense that you’d fly across the country for it. But it is a perfect example of what makes the Ohio State Park system so good. It’s accessible, it’s well-maintained, and it offers a genuine escape without requiring an eight-hour drive. It’s just a solid, beautiful piece of land that does exactly what a park is supposed to do: it lets you breathe.
Load up the car. Grab some bug spray. Just go.