Tar Hollow State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Tar Hollow State Park is a scenic and popular recreational area located in the state of Ohio.


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Summary

It offers a variety of outdoor activities and attractions, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

One of the main reasons to visit Tar Hollow State Park is its stunning natural beauty. The park is known for its dense forest cover, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes. The tranquility and peacefulness of the surroundings provide an ideal setting for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.

There are several specific points of interest within Tar Hollow State Park that are worth exploring. The Tar Hollow Lake is a prominent feature, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also encompasses miles of hiking and horseback riding trails that wind through scenic areas and provide breathtaking views. The Moonville Tunnel and Bridge are historical attractions that can be accessed from Tar Hollow State Park, offering a glimpse into the past.

Interesting facts about the area include its rich history as a former coal mining region, with remnants of old mining towns and structures still visible. Additionally, Tar Hollow State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various bird species.

The best time of year to visit Tar Hollow State Park is typically during the spring and fall seasons. Spring brings blooming flowers and rejuvenated vegetation, while fall offers stunning foliage with vibrant colors. The temperatures during these seasons are usually mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. However, the park can be enjoyed year-round, with winter offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

To ensure accuracy, it is always recommended to verify information across multiple independent sources, such as the official Tar Hollow State Park website, Ohio State Parks website, local tourism websites, and visitor reviews.

       

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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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