Pater Lake Wildlife Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Pater Lake Wildlife Area is located in the state of Ohio and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
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Summary
The area boasts a diverse range of wildlife and flora, including over 200 species of birds, deer, coyotes, and foxes, as well as rare plant species.
Visitors to Pater Lake Wildlife Area can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and hunting. The area has several designated trails that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. The lake itself is a popular spot for fishing, with anglers catching a variety of fish species, including bass, crappie, and catfish.
One of the most notable points of interest at Pater Lake Wildlife Area is the Wetland Boardwalk, a 1,000-foot boardwalk that offers visitors a unique perspective on the area's wetlands. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and features informative signs about the area's plants and animals.
Interesting facts about the Pater Lake Wildlife Area include that it was once used as a military training site during World War II and that the area's forests are dominated by oak and hickory trees. Visitors should also keep an eye out for the area's numerous beaver lodges, which can be spotted throughout the wetlands.
The best time of year to visit Pater Lake Wildlife Area depends on the activity you're interested in. Spring and summer are great for birdwatching and hiking, while fall and winter are popular for hunting and fishing. Visitors should also keep in mind that some areas of the wildlife area are closed during hunting season.
Overall, Pater Lake Wildlife Area is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to explore Ohio's natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
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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.
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