Paint Creek Lake: Make Sure You Walk Harmony Trail

19 April 2015

Lake #24        Paint Creek Lake, Paint Creek State Park, Highland and Ross Counties

Paint Creek is located 10 miles east of Hillsboro. Leaving Columbus, I arrived at 9:30 a.m. to a cloudy, dreary 61 degrees morning.

View of Paint Creek Lake From SR753 Bridge

If I waited for perfect weather for kayaking then I would have about 3 lakes done. I am starting to think that us Ohioans did something pretty bad to piss Mother Nature off. Oh well, a day paddling is always better than a day not paddling, no matter what the weather. It is suppose to storm later today so I am hoping to beat it with an early start. On my way into the park, I passed several turkey vultures on the road. I hope they are not some kind of ill omen.

Turkey Vultures Heading Into Park 

And More

Watching From the Trees

1,190-acre Paint Creek Lake has 30 miles of shoreline, with the southeastern section of the lake being the most open. I chose to put in at the boat ramp located off of Snake Road that is on the south shore of the western arm of the lake. I picked this location so I could paddle under the State Route 753 bridge (I told you I have a thing for bridges) and explore the area heading up into Rattlesnake Creek. There were 2 boat trailers in the parking area when I arrived so there were at least two other nuts out on the lake.

Snake Road Boat Ramp 

I put in and started paddling west toward the bridge. The water felt very sluggish. The area had experienced a lot of rain lately (big surprise) and the water was muddy. I heard several songbirds during my paddling.

Heading West From Boat Ramp 

Heading West Toward SR753 Bridge 

SR753 Bridge in the Distance

Baby Island 

Under the Bridge I Go

As I paddled under the bridge, the rain began. I like paddling in a light rain because it is easier to get close to wildlife. I saw what I believe was a double-crested cormorant; I am a beginner bird watcher so I could be wrong. As Olivia the pig (you know who she is if you read children books) would say, “I’m pretty all sure.”

West Side of SR753 Bridge 

Double-Crested Cormorant

One of the coolest things I saw was spawning carp. I was in the middle of the lake and their splashing around at the bank’s edge easily caught my eye. I am going to try posting video but who knows if you will be able to play it. I am still having technical difficulties with video on this blog, ugh.

There were several dead trees in the water that made for fun paddling around. As I was doing the tree slalom course, the rain started to come down hard and the wind picked up dramatically. I decided that it was time to turn around and head back to the put in, but first I scored a field goal between two of the dead trees.

Slalom Course 

Heading East Back Toward Bridge 

Field Goal

The paddle back to the ramp was a work out; I had to paddle against the wind and waves, so no photos heading east. Hard to believe that last weekend I didn’t have to wear a skirt or a paddle jacket. Thank goodness I had them today. I have learned to throw pretty much everything I own in the car because with crazy Ohio's weather you never know what might happen.

After packing up the kayaks, my husband and I headed to check out the boat ramp at the Marina. There was evidence all around of high water. The restrooms here were locked. I don’t know if that was because it was still early in the season or because it looked like they were recently under water.

Marina Boar Ramp

Flooded Restrooms 

Marina

Evidence of High Water

Next, we visited the U.S. Army Corps office and met a super nice officer. We also took advantage of their clean restrooms. The officer told us that the water level had been 15 feet higher just a week prior to our visit. Paint Creek has 2 spillways. The officer told us that if needed they would open up the second spillway and flood the entire park. Let’s hope the rain stops before that is a necessity. The officer recommended we go check out the area below the spillway and I am so glad that we did; the area is a gem.

View of Lake From US Corps Office Overlook 

Paint Creek Lake From US Corps Office Overlook 

It was still raining pretty hard but we were dressed for it. The Harmony Trail runs through trees along the creek. A variety of wildflowers were in bloom, blanketing the ground with color. There were several old trees with interesting bark and shapes. It was so beautiful; it was like a fairy world. The views of the creek with its limestone cliffs made for an even prettier backdrop. I spent several minutes watching a great blue heron fishing in the creek.

Harmony Trail 

Views of the Creek From Harmony Trail

Limestone Cliffs 

One of Many Cool Trees

Creek Running Fast and High

Great Blue Heron 

The area had picnic tables; unfortunately, none of them were covered so we ate our lunch in the car. It was raining so hard that our food would have been a soggy mess otherwise. There were also open restrooms. The area had a playground that kids would love. I fell in love with the super long slide. It was incredible!

The Ultimate Slide 

The creek was running fast and high. We headed to its source, the spillway from Paint Creek Lake. Wow, the water was pumping out of there like crazy.

Paint Creek Lake Spillway 

Paint Creek Lake Spillway, You Can Walk Around It to the Other Side

Back Up Dam Release

Fishing in the Spillway Over Flow

A Vulture Convention

Next stop, we checked out the campground area. Miracle of miracles, the camp store was open. It was the first camp store that was open this year. The staff were super nice. We were able to get hot coffee. After being out in the cold rain, I can’t tell you how fantastic that coffee tasted. There was a Luna Moth on the outside wall of the camp store. I decided to name the baby duck for this lake Luna, in his honor and for the nice people at the camp store. It’s amazing how a friendly person and a hot cup of coffee can perk you up.

Paint Creek Camp Store

Luna Moth, One of the Largest Moths in North America 

A Male Luna Moth Has Bushier Antennae Than a Female, Male?

Paint Creek Lake Baby Duck Luna

For the most part, I don’t care for Ohio State Park’s camping: too many people crowded into too little a space. The campground at Paint Creek is one of the nicest that I have seen. The campground appears more roomy and private than most, and it is well taken care of.  I picked out my favorite campsites for a possible future stay. There are two with decks over looking the lake that are very private, sites 116 and 34. There is also a very nice site without a deck, number 55. The campground has a putt putt golf course. I mention this because although many state parks have a putt putt course most of them are in such bad condition that there is no reason to play them. The one at Paint Creek is in great shape.

Campsite 116 

Campsite 34 

Campsite 55

Putt Putt Golf Course at Paint Creek 

One last stop before leaving the park was to check the boat launch area on the eastern shore located off of Taylor Road. Putting in here would allow for easy access to paddle up the Paint Creek arm. The Paint Creek arm is known for its limestone cliffs. I plan to put in here on my next visit to Paint Creek. 

Taylor Road Boat Ramp

View From Taylor Road Boat Ramp 

Looking Toward Paint Creek Arm of the Lake

Overall, this is one of the nicest parks I have been to visit. Everyone I met was very friendly and they obviously take pride in their park and work to keep it in good condition. I loved this park and will definitely be coming back once my BHAG is complete.

May all your roads end in water,

Mama Duck Mona