Timbre Ridge Lake: Zenlike Serenity

15 November 2014

Lake #4    Timbre Ridge Lake, Ironton Ranger District, Wayne National Forest, Lawrence County

It was a cold but sunny 20 degree morning when I arrived at Timbre Ridge.  I had never been to this beautiful and hidden 100 acre lake before.  Access to the lake is from County Road 37 (Scottown-Lecta Road) approximately 1.5 miles south of the town of Lecta, latitude:  38.6552, longitude:  -82.3821.  I am sure that you have heard the saying "the water was as smooth as glass," well looking at Timbre Ridge was like looking into a mirror.  A mirror which reflected back to you the encircling forested hills.  There are over 1,200 acres of Wayne National Forest surrounding the lake.

The mirror that is Timbre Ridge Lake

Some of the 1,200 acres of forest surrounding Timbre Ridge

The lake is 25 to 35 feet deep in its center and very clear.  It is recognized by the State of Ohio as one of the top lakes in water quality.  The lake was built in the 1970's by an entrepreneur who hoped to develop a resort and sell individual lots.  His plan failed and the Forest Service purchased Timbre Ridge Lake in 1991.  There are a few private lots which remain near the lake's dam and one isolated home.  If anyone has information on who owns the home please let me know.  I would love to contact them about renting out the house.

The only structure on the lake

Who owns me?

There is a concrete boat ramp with a dock located at the earthen dam.  There is also a fancy outhouse which was open (any restroom is a good restroom).   There is plenty of room to turn around a trailer in the parking lot on the dam and there is ample parking for trailers below the dam.  Only electric motors may be used to power your boat (this would help keep it quiet in warmer weather).  The parking area, dam, and boat ramp are closed 10:00 p.m. to 6:00a.m. unless you are fishing or camping.  I don't quite get this rule but it is what it is.

Timbre Ridge's earth dam

Timbre Ridge concrete boat launch

Timbre Ridge's courtesy dock with dam in background

Deluxe outhouse

In music, timbre is what makes a particular sound different from another, like the difference between a guitar and a piano playing the same note at the same loudness.  After spending a few moments out on Timbre Ridge Lake it became very apparent that the lake was appropriately named.  The clear quiet of the lake magnifies every little sound, sounds you might easily over look elsewhere.  I sat in my kayak just listening.  I heard the sound of a single leaf spiraling down and landing lightly on the water's surface.  In that moment I felt total peace and felt the warmth of happiness spread throughout my body.  All the work of traveling to the lake, transporting the kayaks, and dressing for the 20 degree weather was made worth it in that single instant.  I was happy!

Timbre Ridge Lake heading west from the dam 

Timbre Ridge Lake

 My daughter was feeling a little blue with me being away from home two weekends in a row kayaking so I gave her the honor of naming this weekend's ducks.  May I present Timbre Ridge's duck--Delila Kimberly.

Delila Kimberly

Delila Kimberly getting lost in the reeds of Timbre Ridge Lake

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has placed five fish attractors in the lake.  The lake is known for an abundant largemouth bass population.  The ODNR stocks the lake with channel catfish and rainbow trout.  I can't imagine a more wonderful place to fish.  I watched a Snow Goose eating along the shore.

Snow Goose

In the first finger of the lake I let my kayak float to where the lake wanted to take me.  I listened to the   soft rustle of the few remaining leaves on the trees.  I gazed in awe at the beauty of the lingering moon.  I discovered alien ship bubbles hovering on the water's surface.

Timbre Ridge's First Finger

The moon hanging over Timbre Ridge Lake

Alien bubbles at Timbre Ridge Lake

Purple--my favorite color

Which is land? Which is water?

The clarity of the water makes it a challenge to differentiate between what is real and what is merely a reflection.   I could have sat there for hours meditating on the bubbles but I had rest of the lake to paddle and another lake to complete afterwards so off I went.

Timbre Ridge Lake

Morning sunshine at Timbre Ridge Lake

Trailing slowly behind my kayaking partner

Part of me does not want to share this magical place in fear that it will be destroyed by too many visitors but so many of us need a place like this in our lives.  If you have not been to Timbre Ridge Lake I strongly urge you to go and to feel its Zenlike serenity.

Heading back to the boat launch at Timbre Ridge Lake