Summary
The park is known for its peaceful and scenic setting, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park has a variety of activities to offer, including swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and picnicking.
One of the main attractions of Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is, of course, the lake itself. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including catfish, bass, and bluegill, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can also rent paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks to explore the lake's serene waters.
The park also has several trails for hiking and nature walks, including a 1.5-mile trail that circles the lake. Visitors can enjoy the park's beautiful natural scenery, including wooded areas, grasslands, and wildflowers. There are also several picnic areas throughout the park, making it a great spot for a family outing or a romantic picnic.
Interesting facts about the park include that it was established in 1964 and was named after the nearby town of Greenleaf. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and foxes, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
The best time of year to visit Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy the park's scenic beauty in all seasons.
Overall, Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy nature in a peaceful and scenic setting. With its variety of activities and beautiful natural scenery, it's a perfect spot for a weekend getaway or a family vacation.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
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Piepenburg County Park
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Piepenburg Co Park
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Masonic/West River City Park
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Masonic West River Park
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Lake Ripley County Park
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Collinwood County Park
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