Welcome to the William H. Harsha Lake (also known as East Fork) website. The lake is situated in Clermont County in southwestern Ohio, about 25 miles east of Cincinnati.   The dam is about four miles south of Batavia, Ohio, on the East Fork of the Little Miami River.

William H. Harsha exists as a cooperative management effort between the Corps of Engineers and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Watercraft, and Wildlife. A variety of other partnerships play important roles in the management of the 10,000 plus acres of public lands at William H. Harsha Lake.

William H. Harsha Lake was authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1938. The Louisville District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed, built, and operates the project to reduce flood damages downstream from the dam.

During the fall and winter months, when excessive rainfall is likely, the lake is kept at a lower level referred to as winter pool. Should heavy rains occur, surface water runoff is stored in the lake until the swollen streams and rivers below the dam have receded and can handle the release of the stored water without damage to lives or property.

William H. Harsha, for whom this lake is named, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was graduated from Portsmouth High School and earned B.A. and Ph.D degrees from Kenyon College and a Law Degree from Western Reserve University. Mr. Harsha was elected to Congress in 1960 and served until his retirement in January 1981. While in Congress, he served on the Public Works and Transportation Committee, and was the ranking Republican from 1970 to 1981.

William H. Harsha Lake lies within the Little Miami River Basin. The drainage patterns and topography of the region were determined to a large extent by the Kansan, Illinoian, and Wisconsin periods of glaciation. The Illinoian period--estimated to have occurred 300,000 years ago--covered the entire Little Miami Valley, leaving deposits that formed the soils of much of the area. The bedrock formations of the region were formed during two periods of the Paleozoic Age -- the Ordovician Era dating back 360-400 million years and the Silurian Era, which ended 320 million years ago.

In its upper reaches, the East Fork of the Little Miami River meanders through gently rolling country. Below Williamsburg, the valley descends rapidly and for several miles the river flows on bedrock confined within a narrow gorge. The river then enters and continues in a broad deeply-filled valley to its juncture with the Little Miami River near Milford.

In 1869 there were two goldmines within what is now the William H. Harsha Lake project boundaries. One--located on the north bank in the vicinity of Elk Lick--consisted of a flume for the washing of glacial deposits. The other was a tunnel mine in the vicinity of Twin Bridges.

The "Old Bethel Church," located approximately one mile north of Bantam on Elk Lick Road near the park office, was built in 1867. It occupies the site of a log church built about 1807 by Rev. John Collins that was replaced in 1818. The present church is believed to contain some of the hand-hewn timbers secured with wooden pegs and hand-forged nails that remained from the 1818 structure. In the adjacent cemetery are buried many of the original settlers of the area, among whom are John and Sarah Simpson, maternal grandparents of Ulysses S. Grant. The Rev. John Collins and his son, General Richard Collins are also buried there, along with Andrew Pinkham, the sea captain who named the tiny village of Bantam after a small village on the island of Java.

Point Pleasant, a short distance south of William H. Harsha Lake along the Ohio River, is the birth place of Ulysses S. Grant. Born April 27, 1822, Grant was destined to serve his country in war and peace. Graduated from West Point in 1843, he served with distinction during the Mexican War and the Civil War. In 1868, Grant ws elected as the 18th President of the United States and served two full terms. The general died July 23, 1885 at Mount McGregor in the Adirondacks, and was buried in Riverside Park, New York City.

Directions

These driving directions are to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center located at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, Ohio, 45103.  Note: If you use MapQuest, GPS or similar tools, the visitor center is located approximately one and a half miles further on Slade Road, just past the main dam and boat ramp. The East Fork State Park campground is located off SR 32 and the Half Acre Road exit. The East Fork State Park Office, Main Beach, and other day-use facilities are located on OH-125 and Bantam Road.

WilliamHHarshaLakeMap.pdf

From Cincinnati, Ohio: Merge onto I-71 South toward Louisville. Merge onto I-471 South via Exit Number 1J toward Newport, Ky. Merge onto I-275 East via Exit Number 1A- on the left- toward Columbus, Ohio. Take the OH-125 exit- Exit Number 65- toward Amelia/Beechmont Ave. Turn right onto OH-125/Ohio Pike. Continue to follow OH-125. Turn left onto OH-222. Turn right onto Slade Road. End at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, Ohio. Distance is approximately 28 miles.

From Dayton, Ohio: Merge onto I-75 South via the ramp- on the left- toward Cincinnati. Merge onto I-275 East via Exit Number 16 toward I-71/Columbus. Take the OH-125/Beechmont Avenue exit-- Exit Number 65- toward Amelia. Turn left onto OH-125/Ohio Pike. Continue to follow OH-125. Turn left onto OH-222., Turn right onto Slade Road. End at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, Ohio. Distance is approximately 69 miles.

From Columbus, Ohio: Merge onto I-71 South. Merge onto I-275 East via Exit Number 17A toward OH-32. Take the OH-125/Beechmont Avenue exit--Exit Number 65- toward Amelia. Turn left onto OH-125/Ohio Pike. Continue to follow OH-125. Turn left onto OH-222. Turn right onto Slade Road. End at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, Ohio. Distance is approximately 116 miles.

From Indianapolis, Ind.: Merge onto I-65 South. Merge onto I-74 East via Exit Number 106. Merge onto I-75 South toward Lexington. Take the exit on the left. Take the I-71 North exit-- Exit Number 1A- toward I-471 South/Exits 1B-C-D/US-50 East/Downtown. Merge onto US-50 East. Merge onto I-471 South. Merge onto I-275 East via Exit Number 1A- on the left- toward Columbus, Ohio. Take the OH-125 exit- Exit Number 65- toward Amelia/Beechmont Avenue. Turn right onto OH-125/Ohio Pike. Continue to follow OH-125. Turn left onto OH-222. Turn right onto Slade Road. End at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, Ohio. Distance is approximately 136 miles.

From Lexington, Ky.: Merge onto I-75 North toward Louisville/Cincinnati. Merge onto I-275 East via Exit Number 185. Take the OH-125 exit-- Exit Number 65- toward Amelia/Beechmont Avenue. Turn right onto OH-125/Ohio Pike. Continue to follow OH-125. Turn left onto OH-222. Turn right onto Slade Road. End at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, Ohio. Distance is approximately 100 miles.

General Information

Accessibility

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed to providing universal access so that the lake facilities and programs will be available to the widest possible range of visitors, including people with disabilities. William H. Harsha Lake has the following accessible facilities:

Dam and Lake Facts 

Regulations

To view rules and regulations concerning the public use of land and water areas under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers click here.

For more information on Hunting/Fishing Rules or Regulations, contact:

Division of Wildlife Headquarters
1840 Belcher Drive
Columbus, OH 43224-1300
(614) 265-6300
1 (800) wildlife
Click here.

For more information on Ohio State Parks Rules and Regulations, Click here.

For more information on Ohio DNR Division of Watercraft Rules and Regulations, contact:

Division of Watercraft Headquarters
4435 Fountain Square Drive
Columbus, OH 43224
(614) 265-6480

Click here  

Helpful Phone Numbers

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 from anywhere in the park

Sheriff’s Office 513-732-7500

Ohio Highway Patrol: 513-732-1510

Fire Department: 513-732-3876

Corps of Engineers Office: 513-797-6081

East Fork State Park: 513-734-4323

East Fork Camp Office: 513-724-6521

East Fork Wildlife Office: 513-875-2111

Water Quality

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates William H. Harsha Lake for flood reduction.  Between April 1 and May 1, the lake is raised four feet from winter pool elevation of 729 feet mean sea level (msl) to summer pool elevation of 733 feet msl.  The lake level is lowered to winter pool elevation from September 1 to December 1.  For lake elevation and outflow readings, click here.  More information about the current lake elevation can be found on the USGS website.

The quality of the water in William H. Harsha Lake is very important to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Throughout the warmer months, lake personnel gather a temperature and dissolved oxygen profile. Further testing is conducted by other agencies. For more information about water quality in Corps Lakes, go to the Louisville District Water Quality website.  It has information on a variety of related topics, including harmful algal blooms, typically referred to as HAB's.  HAB's have become a concern recently, and lake personnel gather water samples for further testing whenever an algal bloom is detected. For more information about water quality testing of East Fork State Park's two swimming beaches, click here.

This algal bloom was detected in June 2012.

Recreation

Boating

Imagine racing across a beautiful lake in a powerboat or jet ski, sending a plume of white spray behind or sailing under clear skies with a steady wind and strong sails. Enter a quiet cove to cast a line and catch bass, bluegill or crappie, or glide slowly past an ever-changing shoreline with the only sounds of canoe or kayak paddles dipping into the water. If any of these scenarios sound appealing, plan a visit to Harsha Lake today. William H. Harsha Lake offers 2,160 water acres for boating enthusiasts of all types. Six launch ramps, including one for registered campers only, offer easy access to any area of the lake.

All Ohio DNR Division of Watercraft regulations apply. A no-wake zone extends 300 feet from shore around the entire lake. No-wake zones are also marked in narrow channels and around launch ramps. Boats are not permitted in the area adjacent to the dam and control tower.

Boat Ramp Availability
No fees are charged to launch your boat at William H. Harsha Lake. Boat ramps are normally available year-round except during construction activity or times of high water or other unsafe conditions, such as ice-covered ramps. The Corps and Northshore Boat Ramps may be closed and access to the west bay may be restricted during special events such as rowing regattas. Check the Events Page for dates.

Camping

East Fork State Park operates a 416-site class A campground located off SR 32 at the Half Acre Road exit. Each site includes 30 or 50 amp electric hook up, a paved pad, a picnic table and a campfire grill. Several full-hook up sites are also available. The campground offers four cedar cabins and four camper cabins. Seventeen sites are designated for campers with horses.

The campground also offers two walking trails, a beach and boat ramp exclusively for registered campers. Campsites are now reserveable by calling 1 (866) 644-6727 or at Ohio State Parks.

Four primitive campsites are available to backpackers who register to hike the Steve Newman World Walker Perimeter Trail or the Backpack Trail.

Picnicking

Tailwater Recreation Area – This area offers fourteen picnic tables with grills that are always available on a first come, first serve basis. A picnic shelter with eight tables and two grills may be reserved.

Corps Boat Ramp – This cozy site offers five tables with grills and is popular with boaters and anglers. This site is not reservable.

East Fork State Park Picnic Areas

Matt Maupin Pavillion - Located at the Main Beach, this large shelter has a sweeping view of the lake and is open to picknicking on a first-come, first serve basis at this time.

Beech Grove – Located just above the Beach on Park Road # 2, this site offers tables and a grill, and is shaded most of the day.

Indian Mound – Located on Park Road # 2 across from Park Road # 3, this area has a shelter that is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and several picnic sites. The Elk Lick Indian Mound can also be found at this site.

Apple Blossom Meadow – This area is located on Park Road # 1. It includes tables and a grill, and is shaded most of the time.

Playgrounds

Children will enjoy the playground equipment recently added to the Tailwater Recreation Area.  It is located near picnic sites, a reservable picnic shelter and fishing access.  You will also find a playground at the Williamsburg Community Park and within the East Fork Campground in Loop C.

Fishing and Hunting

The beautiful waters of William H. Harsha Lake offer innumerable opportunities to catch the "Big One." Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife stocks the lake with hybrid striped bass and walleye, providing the angler with two of the most thrilling game fishes found in inland waters. Crappie, bass, bluegill and channel catfish can be caught in the lake and tailwater. Fly fishing has also become popular in the river downstream from the dam. Anglers may fish anywhere along the lake shoreline except boat docks and ramps, and immediately below the Control Tower.

Approximately 5,000 acres of public land is open to hunting at William H. Harsha Lake. Hunters need to be aware of the various restrictions. Most of the area is managed by the Division of Parks and Recreation. Sunday hunting is not permitted on park administered land.

East Fork State Wildlife Area and the open water area of the lake are open to hunting during legal times and dates, including Sundays.

All Ohio DNR fishing and hunting regulations apply. Fishing and hunting maps are available from the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife. Copies are also available at the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and the East Fork State Park office. For general wildlife information, visit the Division of Wildlife website.

For more information contact:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife District 5 Office
1076 Old Springfield Pike
Xenia, OH 45385
Phone: (937) 372-9261

East Fork State Wildlife Area Manager
c/o Indian Creek Wildlife Area
4258 Snow Hill Road
Fayetteville, OH 45118
Phone: (513) 875-2111

Swimming

Ohio State Park regulations restrict swimming to the following designated areas at William H. Harsha Lake:

Swimming is only permitted at East Fork State Park's Main South Beach located off State Route 125. Registered campers may swim at the Camper's Beach.  Swimming is not permitted in non-designated areas such as boat launching sites, designated mooring points and public docks. Swimming is also not permitted along the lake's shoreline.

Lifeguards are not provided, swim at one's own risk.

State Park regulations state that flotation devices may not be used while swimming. U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets may be worn.

Boaters may swim from their boats in the designated area only. The Boat Swim Area is the wide cove between the Main Beach and Tate Boat Ramp.

Ohio State Parks require permission of the State Park Manager to scuba dive in Ohio State Parks.

If you have questions about swimming, contact the park manager at (513) 734-4323.  For information about water quality monitoring at East Fork State Park's two swimming beaches, click here.

Visitor Center

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center is located at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, OH 45103.  Note: if you use GPS or MapQuest, you will need to drive one and ahalf miles further on Slade Road. The Visitor Center has a stone patio, large windows, cedar beams and stone walls. The Visitor Center houses permanent displays about area history, flood control, wildlife management and natural history. Short-term displays on various topics are rotated throughout the year, so you will see something new almost any time you visit. The younger set will enjoy the Children's Corner with puzzles, puppets and a touch table, plus a Wildlife Viewing Window. Check out our Events page so you don't miss any fun activities.  Boaters and other water enthusiasts will find a wide selection of water and boating safety brochures and give-aways. Make sure you take home a water safety message!

Families and others with children should not leave the visitor center without a School Break Activity Guide! Inside you will find fun activities that will make your visit even more enjoyable.

Fossil and geology enthusiasts will enjoy the Fossils of an Ancient Sea display and fossil brochure. Afterward, search for your own ancient sea creatures in the nearby emergency spillway.

Facilities near the Visitor Center include an overlook, intimate picnic shelter, half-mile interpretive trail, and native wildflower gardens that attract butterflies and depict prairie plants. Also in the Corps Operations Area are a four-lane boat ramp plus shoreline fishing access, emergency spillway with model airplane field, and the Tailwater Recreation Area with a larger picnic shelter, hiking trail and fishing access.

Hours:
M-F 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Year round
S&S 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spring/Fall
S&S 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Summer

Events

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers are proud to offer a variety of programs and events for our community.  Many of the programs and events listed here are held at the Corps Visitor Center located at 2185 Slade Road, Batavia, OH 45103. Note: If you use MapQuest, GPS or similar tools, the visitor center is located approximately one and a half miles further on Slade Road, just past the main dam and boat ramp.

If you are an educator looking for a special activity for your group, scroll down to the bottom of the page for information about how to schedule a program with a Park Ranger. A calendar of events can also be downloaded here for your convenience.

Always call ahead to confirm the program is being held by calling the Park Ranger at 513-797-6081. This calendar of events is a work in progress with some details still being ironed out, so check back often for additions or changes.

William H Harsha Lake

2019 Calendar of Events

MARCH

30 March 2019– VOLUNTEER KICK-OFF MEETING– 10am to Noon @ USACE Visitor Center

Have you ever wanted to help your park? Maybe you’re interested in learning more about Bluebirds or Butterflies? Or is your interest in helping keep our trails clean and open? Join Park Rangers on Saturday, March 30^th from 10am to Noon to learn more about the many volunteer opportunities that are available at the lake. Volunteer positions include but aren’t limited to – Bluebird Monitoring, Butterfly Monitoring. Purple Martin Monitoring, Trail Maintenance, Invasive Species Removal and Gardening. For more information please contact Ranger Sam at 513-797-6081 or by email at Samantha.K.Ferrarelli@usace.army.mil.

APRIL

1 April 2019 – LAKE BEGINS FILLING FOR SUMMER POOL

13 April 2019 – CINCINNATI INVITATIONAL REGATTA – All day @ Beach and USACE Boat Ramp

Cheer on local rowers as they attempt to qualify for regional and national competitions. Corps Boat Ramp will be closed at this time.

13 April 2019 -  ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN-UP – Starts at 8am @ TBA location

Calling all nature lovers, hunters, anglers, boaters and everyone else who enjoys the park. Let's fight dirty! This is your chance to help clean up the park for another season of fun. A picnic lunch is provided. More information coming soon.

30 April 2019 -  LAKE REACHES SUMMER POOL (733ft elevation)

MAY

18-19 JUNE 2019- MIDWEST ROWING REGATTA CHAMPIONSHIP – All day @ Beach and USACE Boat Ramp

Cheer on regional rowers as they attempt to qualify for regional and national competitions. Corps Boat Ramp will be closed at this time.

JUNE

15 JUNE 2019 – CORPS OF ENGINEERS OPEN HOUSE – 10am, Noon and 2pm @ USACE Boat Ramp near Dam

Ever wonder how the lake was built? How does the Corps know how much water to let out of the lake and when? What’s inside that big tower near the Dam? Now is your chance to learn all about the Corps of Engineers, the history of William H Harsha Lake and get a chance to tour the Control Tower. This event is free and open to the public. Those with a fear of heights may not wish to view the control tower as it requires walking across the access bridge. Please park for this event at the Boat Ramp located near the Dam. A Ranger will begin the talk at the ramp then hike to the Control Tower from the ramp. Those that can’t walk that distance will be directed to park at a closer location to the control tower at the time of the tour. Tours will be roughly 1.5hrs each. For more information please contact call 513-797-6081 or email at Samantha.K.Ferrarelli@usace.army.mil.

18-20 JUNE 2019 – JUNIOR RANGERS DAY CAMP – 10am to Noon Daily @ USACE Visitor Center

Children aged 8-12 explore nature and the environment during hands on activities. This year's theme for Jr. Rangers is Adaption! Learn how plants, animals and people have adapted to their ever changing habitats over time. Children who complete all sessions receive the highly-coveted Junior Ranger Patch!  Registration is required and limited to 20 children. To register call 513-797-6081 by June 15.

JULY

9-14 JULY 2019- USROWING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA – All day @ Beach and USACE Boat Ramp

Cheer on rowers from across the country as they attempt to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics! The Corps Boat Ramp will be closed at this time.

SEPTEMBER

1 SEPTEMBER 2019 – LAKE BEGINS DRAWDOWN FOR WINTER POOL

28 September 2019 – NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY- 9am to Noon @ USACE Visitor Center

Join thousands of other volunteers from across the nation and participate in the annual National Public Lands Day event! NPLD is a volunteer service day based on helping out your local public lands. This year, we will be planting native trees and shrubs and removing invasive species from the Visitor Center area. This is a great opportunity for scout groups, families or the service-inclined individual. To better organize this event, please pre-register by contacting Ranger Sam at 513-797-6081 or by email at Samantha.K.Ferrarelli@usace.army.mil.

OCTOBER

TBA October 2019 - NOT QUITE AND ANNUAL HALLOWEEN CAMPOUT – 5 to 9pm @ East Fork Campground

This supreme park event has the thrills of Halloween mixed with the experience of fall camping. Trick or Treat tops off these weekends! Regular camping fees apply. Call EFSP at 513-734-2730 for dates and details. Or call 1 866-644-6727 to make reservations up to six months in advance for either weekend. Check the Ohio State Parks website for a link to online reservations.

DECEMBER

1 December 2019 - LAKE REACHES WINTER POOL (729ft)

Educators Take Note!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers fun, educational programming at NO COST to local schools and organizations. Groups could include 4-H clubs, scout troops, or any age classroom. We can come to your classroom or schedule a field trip to lake. Program topics can include anything from water safety and flood control to animal habitats and invasive species. If it has anything to do with a park, we can cover it!

 We also provide scout badge programs for brownies, cubs, webeloes and junior girl scouts. Badges include Insects, Forestry, Naturalist, Geology, Rocks Rock, Wildlife and Ecology.

 Your organized group may request a tour of the Control Tower to discover how a modern dam works for flood control and much more. A tower tour must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and may be cancelled due to heightened security.

 All programs are offered free of charge. Call the Park Ranger at (513) 797-6081 to schedule or via email at Samantha.K.Ferrarelli@usace.army.mil.

EAST FORK STATE PARK ACTIVITIES

 Many activities and facilities are offered by East Fork State Park. For more information, call 513-734-2730 or go to the East Fork State Park website at http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/eastfork.

Campsites are now reservable. Call 1 (866) 644-6727 or go to the Ohio State Parks website to make your reservation up to six months in advance.

Group Picnic Shelters

Planning a family reunion, company outing or social get-together? Two group picnic shelters may be reserved in the Corps Operations Area. Current rates are $75 for weekends and federal holidays, and $35 for weekdays. The Tailwater and Overlook Shelters may be reserved by calling the Visitor Center at (513) 797-6081.

The Tailwater Shelter accommodates 60 people and is conveniently located near a playground and fishing access below the dam.  Electric is available at the shelter and water is located at the nearby restroom building.

The Overlook Shelter accommodates 40 people and is conveniently located near the Visitor Center and Overlook.  Electric and water are available at the shelter.  

If you would like to reserve a Shelter and/or the Overlook for your wedding, contact the Visitor Center at 513-797-6081 to request a special events permit. 

W.H. Harsha Group Picnic Shelters.pdf

Trails

William H. Harsha Lake and East Fork State Park offer an extensive trail system for hikers, bikers and horseback riders, with over 70 miles available for short rambles or several-day jaunts. In the Corps Operations Area, hikers will find access to three trails. The North Entrance to East Fork State Park gives access to many miles of bridle trails open to hiking plus two walking trails in the Campground. The South Trailhead Access Parking Lot is the main staging area for hikers, backpackers and mountain bikers alike. Also located in the South Entrance to East Fork State Park are three walking trails. Trail Maps showing trailheads may be obtained from East Fork State Park and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Corps Operations Area Trails:

Deer Ridge Trail – Located across from the Visitor Center, this ½ mile trail tells the story of change in the East Fork River Valley. Maps of this interpretive trail are available from the Visitor Center and at the trailhead.

Tailwater Trail – Located below the dam near the restroom building, this one-mile loop climbs a steep hill through mature woodlands and an open field. Spring wildflowers are plentiful, and deer and other wildlife may be seen year round. (White Blazes)

Steve Newman World Walker Perimeter Trail – The park’s longest trail may be accessed from the Spillway Entrance Parking lot by hikers and horseback riders. It is a challenging 31.5 miles and is blazed in green. A section of the Buckeye Trail follows this same portion of the Perimeter trail. For more information, contact the Buckeye Trail Association at P.O. Box 254, Worthington, OH 43085, or visit their website.

North Entrance Trails – Bridle Trails open to Horseback Riding and Hiking

Perimeter Trail – This 31.5 mile loop trail for riders and hikers alike is East Fork’s longest and most demanding trail. It provides beautiful scenery and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities year-round.  It can be accessed from Horseman’s Loop A and via the Campground Trail.

Cascades Trail- Named after a steep-sided ravine. Sparkling waters tumble over limestone bedrock, forming miniature waterfalls. This three-mile loop trail winds through hardwood forests and offers challenging ravine crossings. (White Blazes).

Pin Oak Trail – A three- mile loop through mostly flat fields and woods, this trail offers good viewing of wildlife. (Red Blazes).

Twin Bridges Trail – This nine-mile loop takes the rider along rocky, picturesque creeks with miniature waterfalls and offers scenic views of Harsha Lake. It has many steep ravine crossings. (Yellow Blazes).

Red Fox Trail – This challenging five-mile loop crosses many steep ravines and winds along the hilltops high above Harsha Lake, offering spectacular views. (Orange Blazes).

Campground Trail – This two-mile trail connects the Horseman’s parking lot with the Horseman’s Camp Loop. (Medium Blue Blazes).

Connector Trails – These trails allow the rider to shorten a loop or switch to a different trail, and are marked by white squares with a colored dot in the center.

Campground Walking Trails

Whippoorwill Trail – Park in the Camp Office parking lot and find the trailhead just to the west. This trail traverses wooded hillsides and bubbling creeks. Look for wild turkey in the mature woods. Access to the Perimeter Trail is located across from the Camp Office lot.

Fern Hill Trail – This moderate but challenging two-mile trail provides hilly terrain and many stream and ravine crossings. The trail is located just north of the Camper’s Beach parking lot, and is open to registered campers only.

South Access Trailhead Parking Area Trails

Backpack Trail – This 12-mile trail, blazed in red/orange, provides a moderate hike through oak-hickory forests and open fields. Two overnight areas are accessible from this trail, and all backpackers must register with East Fork State Park.

East Fork Ridge Mountain Bike Trails – Dedicated to mountain bikers, these trails are also open to hikers. Three loops of varying skill levels take the adventurer through wooded hillsides and beautiful meadows. A map is available at the State Park Office and Corps of Engineers Visitor Center.

Steve Newman World Walker Perimeter Trail – Popular with hikers and equestrians alike, this is the park’s longest and most challenging trail at 31.5 miles. It is blazed in green, and circles the entire lake. Four overnight areas are provided, and registration is required.

South Entrance Area Walking Trails

Cedar Pond Loop Trail – An easy loop trail located just west of the Turkey Ridge Shelter area on Park Road # 1. It offers a great opportunity to view wildlife and is one-half mile long.

Prairie Trail – Located across Park Road # 3 from the Blackberry Thicket picnic area, this trail is one mile long. It was developed through the cooperative efforts of the Division of Wildlife, the National Wild Turkey Federation and East Fork State Park.

Lake Trail – This moderate one and one-half mile trail begins at the south end of the Lake Overlook parking lot on Park Road # 3. This woodland trail offers abundant spring wildflowers and spectacular vistas of Harsha Lake year round. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Here at Harsha Lake, volunteers help maintain all the natural wonders the park has to offer, and help others to appreciate them through a variety of tasks. Volunteering is for those who enjoy the outdoors, have a few hours to spare, and enjoy meeting new people. Check out the list below for a volunteer opportunity to suit your skills and abilities.  If you see anything that interests you, call 513-797-6081 or contact the webmaster.

Boundary Maintenance – With over 30 miles of park boundary, volunteers can help survey, mark and clear the park boundary.

Program Assistant – Every year school children, scouts and other groups visit William H. Harsha Lake. Volunteers can share their love of the outdoors with people of all ages.

Public Lands Day – Spend a crisp Autumn morning keeping the park cleaner and safer for all to enjoy. Great for families, scouts and students seeking community service hours. This event is held in September.

River Sweep – This annual event draws families, groups and individuals to help the entire park with a variety of projects. Participants might plant trees or flowers, build trails, clean up litter from boat or canoe, or grease bluebird posts. Make plans to be a part of this event in April.

Trail Maintenance – Hiking is a favorite activity at William H. Harsha Lake. Volunteers are needed to walk trails, remove debris, look for safety hazards, and aid with trail improvements.

Wildlife Management – At William H. Harsha Lake, volunteers help wildlife to thrive. Volunteers might gather prairie seeds, plant trees, create a wetland pond, gather seeds of trees, shrubs and flowers, or remove non-native plants.

Wildlife Monitor - Become a Nest Box Monitor, checking up on bluebirds, tree swallows, chickadees and wrens. Or, become a Butterfly Monitor and count red admirals, tiger swallowtails, hairstreaks and more!

You can find more information and volunteer applications at the Volunteer Clearinghouse http://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Recreation/VolunteerClearinghouse.aspx.

Water Safety

Enjoy an outstanding outdoor recreation experience while visiting William H. Harsha Lake. Visitors planning to hunt, camp, hike or picnic near the water, or fish, swim or enjoy other water sports are asked to use common sense and practice water safety. Lives depend on it. Remember, water safety is everyone's responsibility.  For more information about water safety including fun activities for children, click on the water safety link on the right.

No matter where the location or size boat, safe boating should be the number one priority. For more information, call Boating Safety Hotline at 800-368-5647. Call BOAT/U.S. Foundation Courseline for a class at 800-336-BOAT or go to the BOAT/U.S. website for an on-line course.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary performs boat safety checks free of charge at the Corps of Engineers Boat Ramp. The exams are usually scheduled in May - July. Contact William H. Harsha Lake to see when the next boat safety checks are scheduled, or go to the Coast Guard Auxiliary website and click on vessel safety to find out what is included in a safety check and how to schedule one.  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft also offers boating safety courses and performs vessel safety checks.

Brand New Life Jacket Loaner Program!
Boating at William H. Harsha Lake has just gotten a little bit safer because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has teamed up with Boat U.S. Foundation to offer life jackets for temporary loan. Let's say you have guests for the weekend. You want to take them out on the lake, but you not have enough life jackets for everyone. Just call our office at 513-797-6081 to request a loan and stop by between 7:30 am and 3:30 pm to pick up a life jacket on loan for the day or weekend. After a day on the water, just drop off the jacket at the Visitor Center located on Slade Road near the dam. This program will run from May 1 through the end of September.


Are You Next?
Expect the Unexpected - Wear Your Life Jacket

A slip or fall overboard can happen to anyone.

Wearing a life jacket buys time for you to be rescued.

It takes an average of 60 seconds for an adult to drown, but just 20 seconds for a child.

A STRONG swimmer averages 10 MINUTES to put on a life jacket after entering the water. How long would it take YOU?

Regardless of how well you swim, you could have to fight for your life due to unexpected conditions such as waves, current, exhaustion or injury.

A fellow swimmer or boater can help you when you encounter the unexpected, so never swim alone.

Swimming abilities are likely to decrease with age, so don't overdo it.

If you won't wear a life jacket for yourself, WEAR IT for those who love you.

Remember these tips to be safer in and around the water:

Learn to swim WELL.

Always swim with a Buddy.

Never dive into unknown water.

Do not overload the boat.

Alcohol, drugs and water do not mix.

Always wear a life jacket; it's a friend for life.

The leading causes of boating accidents are capsizing, falls overboard, and collisions. Be safe while boating. Learn the rules of the road. Keep a distance from other boats and fishermen.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in more than 40 percent of fatal boating accidents. Alcohol induces fatigue, and affects coordination and balance. In combination with motion and engine noise of the boat and the effects of the sun, wind and glare, alcohol can be deadly for anyone on the water.

Life jackets can prevent serious injury or death, but will only work when used properly. Boat Smart from the Start - Wear a Life Jacket.