== History of the Area ==



Much of the history of the Dillon region can be attributed to the effects of transportation through the park. The Licking River provided transportation for Native Americans on their way to Flint Ridge where outcroppings of flint were found. In the Blackhand Gorge, carved by the Licking River, a sandstone cliff bore a soot blackened engraving of a human hand. This mysterious petroglyph is thought to have served as a guide marker for Indians searching for Flint Ridge. Specimens of Flint Ridge flint have been found as far east as the Atlantic seaboard, as far south as Louisiana and as far west as Kansas City.

Other methods of transportation affected the Dillon region. The Old National Road, just south of the park, was partly responsible for the establishment and growth of nearby Zanesville. The Ohio-Erie Canal followed the route of the Licking River for several miles and boosted trade and commerce to surrounding towns. An inter-urban railroad that connected Zanesville and Newark with Columbus passed through Blackhand Gorge. Steamboat traffic was busy through Zanesville on the Muskingum River.

In 1803, Moses Dillon purchased the land bordering the Licking River where the park is located. This industrious, early American built and operated a local iron foundry, founded the village of Dillon Falls and dammed the Licking River to provide water power for the community. Moses Dillon is probably most noted for his contributions toward the design and construction of the world-famous "Y" bridge in Zanesville.

Dillon Reservoir was constructed for flood control by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was completed in 1961. The park was dedicated in August 1968.

The wooded hills and scenic valleys of the Dillon area offer a picturesque setting for outdoor adventure. Whether boating the quiet coves and inlets of the lake or hiking the forest trails, Ohio's rural hill country provides an outstanding recreational experience at Dillon State Park. Special Events Affecting Park Use
July 11-15 Boat Races Use of the beach and the lake area by the beach will be limited because of the boat races. Call the park office for more information.
Nov 17-18 Youth Hunt Youth hunt in the park

Boating

Boating with unlimited horsepower is permitted at Dillon. Three boat ramps are provided for access to the lake. A boat concession offers boat/motor rental, fuel, fishing and boating supplies, and snacks. Seventy docks are available for rent on a seasonal basis.

Swimming

An excellent 1,360-foot swimming beach is located near the park office. The wading pool is closed until summer 2007.

A game area is adjacent to the beach offering volleyball and a playground area as well as lighted courts for tennis and basketball.

Fishing and Hunting

Largemouth bass, muskie, bluegill, crappie and catfish are plentiful. Hunting with shotgun or longbow is only permitted in season and in designated areas. Duck hunting is also popular; duck blind permits are available through the park office. A valid Ohio hunting and/or fishing license is required.

Sportsmen's Area

This modern facility includes lighted trap and skeet fields with high, low, and combination houses, a 100-yard rifle range and 25-yard pistol range with firing line shelter and tables. Restrooms and meeting space are located indoors.

Trails

Visitors who enjoy nature study will find that Dillon's trails are pathways to discovery. There are 15 miles of wooded bridle trails. Please call or visit the park office for a map.
Photo courtesy of SpokeJunkies
The Ruffed Grouse Nature Trail is approximately 3/4-mile long and introduces the hiker to the varied habitats of the area. This trail is a branch of the 6-mile long Licking Bend Trail which skirts the lakeshore. Three other fascinating trails--Blackberry Ridge Trail (1 mile), King Ridge Loop (1.1 miles) and Hickory Grove Loop ( 1.5 miles) are located very near the camping and cottage area.

Picnicking

Picnic areas complete with tables and grills are located at many pleasant and scenic spots throughout the park. Two shelters available on a first-come, first-served basis, are located at the overlook area and beach. A boater's picnic area with well water and vault-type latrines is located on the lake.

Nature of the Area

Dillon State Park in Muskingum County is situated in an area of the state that possesses diverse and interesting natural featuresresulting from the unique properties of the Black Hand Sandstone. Sand, eroded hundreds of millions of years ago from mountains farther east, accumulated in a vast delta in the sea covering the region. This hard bedrock erodes to form sheer cliffs and supports a lush, hardwood forest.

The rolling, reverting farmland of the Dillon area provides visitors the opportunity to see some of Ohio's most magnificent wildlife. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse and wild turkey can be seen by quiet observers. During migration, numerous species of waterfowl visit Dillon's waters and sightings of bald eagles have also been reported.

South of the Dam

Just south of the Dam in the area known as "The Spillway" an abundance of nature can be found. Another significantly notable point to this sight is that it is also the official embarkation point for the Randy Graham Memorial Float. Participants of the float launch here and are recovered at point downstream in the Licking River known as Dillon Falls.