Fox Lake in Ohio

Trip Overview

Fox Lake is an Ohio State Wildlife Area in the Southeastern corner of Ohio. This means that it is protected yet sees very little traffic. The three other lakes near Athens-- Stroud's Run (Dow Lake), Lake Snowden, and Lake Hope--receive a vast majority of traffic, leaving Fox Lake a natural and quiet beauty. The circumference of Fox Lake can be paddled in a little over an hour and a half if you are moving very quickly in a kayak. I have also spent more than four hours slowly drifting around the lake on a lazy afternoon. During either of these trips you will pass a few small waterfalls (easy to see in Winter, but impossible in Summer months), a marshy area with an abundance of wildlife, and a seemingly endless number of Great Blue Herons.

Fox Lake is minimally developed and very beautiful. Steep ridges of mixed hardwoods provide an excellent backdrop for paddling, or a great place to get in a quick hike afterwards. Trails are, however, narrow and unmaintained (overgrown if not traveled), providing a wilderness feel.

Accommodations:

Parking lot provides easy access to the lake (boat ramp). This is a beautiful lake that is very undeveloped, surrounded by thick tree growth and tall ridges. You will be likely to see a few anglers, but rarely anyone else.

Directions:

From Athens, take SR 56 West to Radford Road (you will see a sign indicating Fox Lake). Turn Left on Radford Road until you reach Baker Road. Turn Right on Baker Road. Take Baker Road to Fox Lake Road and turn Right. Fox Lake will be on your right side just about a mile down this road.

Resources:

Ohio Department of Natural Resources