3 of the Most Fascinating Facts about Great Seal State Park
With miles of multi-use trails, stunning scenic vistas, and a rich and interesting history, Great Seal State Park in Ohio attracts thousands of locals and visitors each year. This 1,862-acre park is perfect for a day of adventure, exploration, or relaxation amongst nature, and it’s just a short 45-minute drive from the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls! Whether you choose to partake in a challenging hike or a peaceful picnic, you’ll love spending an afternoon in this beautiful area. Here are some of our favorite things about Great Seal State Park.
Spend a Day at Great Seal State Park
1. Great Seal State Park History
The State Park gets its name from the state emblem, “The Great Seal of the State of Ohio”. The emblem’s primary feature is a circular coat of arms that depicts a sunrise in Chillicothe, Ohio’s first capital, along with symbols of the state’s origins. The sheaf of wheat represents Ohio’s agricultural strength, and a bundle of seventeen arrows shows Ohio to be the 17th state to enter the Union. The rising sun over the mountains features thirteen rays of light, which represent the thirteen original colonies. It is said that this rising sun over Mt. Logan and the hills was inspired by the area that is now the Great Seal State Park.
2. Tons of Recreational Activities
For a day of fun out in the fresh Ohio air, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during any time of year. The State Park is home to an 18-hole disc golf course, 23 miles of challenging trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and even one trail that can be used for cross-country skiing. There are volleyball, basketball, and horseshoe courts in day-use areas of the park, and playground equipment is also available for the kids. When it’s time for lunch, enjoy a picnic lunch under the shady trees for the perfect compliment to a relaxing afternoon.
3. Beautiful Natural Features
Great Seal State Park has a variety of breathtaking features, including glacial plains, hardwood forests, and rugged hills. Looming chestnut oaks and sugar maples abound, and the warm spring months bring wildflowers to the moist coves. In the fall, guests can expect to see a variety of wildlife feeding on native fruit plants like pawpaw and persimmons, and on a clear day, some trails in the park feature expansive views of Columbus, Ohio, to the north.
Head Home to the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
Before you head out for an afternoon of fun at Great Seal State Park, be sure to book your stay at our Hocking Hills resort! Our comfortable geodomes, cozy cottages, and peaceful cabins will provide you with a restful night’s sleep before you start your day, and you’ll be treated to a hearty gourmet breakfast each morning that will leave you feeling refreshed and restored. We can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
For more information on the best outdoor attractions in Ohio, including Wayne National Forest,
download our free Hocking Hills vacation guide.