Clear Fork Reservoir

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clear Fork Reservoir is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Ohio.


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Summary

The reservoir covers 1,150 acres and is located in Richland County. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

One of the main attractions at Clear Fork Reservoir is the fishing. The reservoir is stocked with a variety of fish, including bluegill, catfish, crappie, muskie, and bass. Anglers can also fish from the shore or from a boat.

There are several points of interest to see at Clear Fork Reservoir. The North Shore Marina offers boat rentals, a bait shop, and a snack bar. The Reservoir Ridge Trail is a popular hiking trail that offers scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. The Clear Fork Gorge Trail is another hiking trail that offers stunning views of the gorge below.

In addition to fishing and hiking, Clear Fork Reservoir also has several camping options. The Mohican State Park campground is located nearby and offers both RV and tent camping sites. There are also several cabin rentals available in the area.

Interesting facts about Clear Fork Reservoir include its history as a coal mining site and its use as a drinking water source for the city of Mansfield. The reservoir was created in 1949 and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The best time of year to visit Clear Fork Reservoir depends on the activities you are interested in. Fishing is best in the spring and fall, while hiking and camping are popular during the summer months. The fall foliage is also a beautiful sight to see in the surrounding hills.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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