Located in Butler County, Ohio, Hueston Woods was a family favorite for summer vacation camping. An hour and a half drive from Springfield, we would leave shortly after our father finished his work day with plenty of time to put up our tent and settle in for the evening.
The next day we would wake up early, enjoy a breakfast cooked over an open fire and then hike off our morning meal. The park offers 12 miles of trails with the longest measuring just over 2 miles. Our favorite hikes included animal sightings and a creek where we could search for crawdads. We would also search for firewood and kindling for the evening’s fire.
Although we did not own a boat, we would pack a picnic and make a trip down to the marina. On sunny days, boaters would drop off their boats, park their trailers and enjoy a day on the lake. We would also find fishing holes in the nearby coves in hopes of catching our dinner of bluegill and catfish.
On a recent visit to Hueston Woods, I noticed the beautiful covered bridge over Four Mile Creek. I couldn’t remember the bridge from our days of camping and soon learned that it was completed in 2012 to replace the previous metal bridge. The covered walkways attached to the bridge allows visitors to pass through safely.
Nearby, Historic Hopewell Church is listed as a stop on the Underground Railroad trail. Dating back to 1808, the original log church was replaced by the current brick structure in 1825. The nearby Hopewell Cemetery is the final resting place for local church attendees who died during the Civil War. Nearly 1000 locals are buried here.
Overall, my favorite memory of Hueston Woods, was the reception of my aunt and uncle’s wedding. They had met while attending the University of Miami of Ohio, so this was a perfect place to celebrate. I will never forget that it was the first time, at the age of nine, that I accidentally drank the spiked punch at the reception. I promise, it was only one sip.
Have you visited Hueston Woods near Oxford, Ohio? What memories do you have of visiting this great Ohio state park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.
What to See and What to Do:
Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH 45003
Telephone: 513 523 6347
Where to Stay:
Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH 45003
Telephone: 513 523 6347
Where to Eat:
The Bagel Shop and Deli
119 East High Street
Oxford, OH 45056
Telephone: 513 523 2131
- Hours: Sunday and Monday from 8AM to 12 AM and Tuesday through Saturday from 8AM to 2:30AM
- Tips for Your Visit: The lines can be long when the local bars close, so plan accordingly.
