Noble County: Lakes, Wildlife Areas and History

Lakes and hilly forest landscapes give Noble County a strong connection to nature, while covered bridges, historic houses and churches also tell the story of the region’s past. For planning, you can distinguish between these highlights: time by the water, activities in wildlife areas, scenic drives, or historic buildings and places.

Lakes, Trails and Nature

Wolf Run State Park covers 1,046 acres in the rugged hills of southeastern Ohio. Scenic forests and cool, clear waters shape the landscape. Motorboats of up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Wolf Run Lake; a boat ramp and docking facilities are also available. As these operational details may change, check them before your trip.

A 3-mile stretch of the Buckeye Trail runs along the west shore of Wolf Run Lake. Check trail conditions before setting out. This gives you two distinct options for planning time at the same lake: a shoreline trail and boating opportunities. Nearby, Seneca Lake Park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, water sports, camping, hiking, swimming and nature programs. Check the latest information about these offerings before your visit.

Wildlife Areas and Scenic Drives

Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area provides habitat for white-tailed deer, turkeys, grouse and other wildlife. Hunting, fishing, trapping and other forms of wildlife recreation are also possible there. At Ales Run Wildlife Area, possible activities include hunting, biking and birdwatching. The two areas therefore offer different starting points for planning: Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area is also a focus for the wildlife species mentioned and several forms of wildlife recreation, while Ales Run additionally offers biking and birdwatching. If you plan to hunt or trap, find out about the applicable regulations in advance.

Noble County is also a destination for scenic drives: well-maintained two-lane roads wind through rural landscapes and rolling hills. The Appalachian Byway runs along State Route 78 through Noble County. Road conditions can change; check them before driving. Nearby, in neighboring Muskingum County, is The Wilds. From Noble County, it can be reached via Belle Valley Exit 28 and State Route 340; check road conditions here in advance as well.

Bridges, Houses and Historic Places

The Parrish Covered Bridge in Noble County was rebuilt after a flood in 1914 and moved to the fairgrounds at Heritage Park. Heritage Park also includes a relocated log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse and a relocated church used for weddings and worship services. Manchester Covered Bridge was built in 1915 and restored in 2005. Together, these structures illustrate different aspects of regional architectural history: rebuilding after a flood, later restoration, and the use of relocated buildings at one site.

Samuel Caldwell built the house now known as Ball-Caldwell Homestead in 1832. Ball-Caldwell House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 27, 1980. The Historic Jail Museum dates to 1882 and is also listed on the Register. Both the jail and the jailer’s residence were housed under one roof. This layout offers a different historical perspective from Noble County’s houses and churches.

The area’s church history is also associated with several dates. St. Henry’s Catholic Church and its rectory were added to the National Register of Historic Places together in 1982. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at Fulda was built in 1874–75 and added to the Register in 1979. The congregation dates to 1847 and was founded by German settlers.

North America’s first oil well is located in Thorla-McKee Park. The original sycamore wood is still visible; the well continues to produce limited amounts of oil, gas and salt water. Another historic event is the crash of the U.S.S. Shenandoah over Noble County on September 3, 1925, which claimed the lives of 14 men.

Discover more destinations: Caldwell, Harrison County, Union, Columbiana County, Scioto County, Allen, Lorain, Williams.

For the main travel overview: Ohio.