Welcome

Welcome. . , A Landscape Shaped by Ice , Thousands of years ago, glaciers carved and sculpted this land, leaving behind rich soils and rolling hills. At Mt. Gilead, three glacial moraines converge, shaping the park's terrain and setting the stage for its natural beauty., Echoes of the Past , Settlers arrived after the War of 18 12, building sawmills and gristmills along nearby Whetstone Creek. Mt. Gilead played a key role in the Underground Railroad and, more recently, was the center of a 1960s oil boom. This park holds layers of history beneath its quiet trails., From Creek to State Park , The first lake here was built in 1919, followed by a second in 1930. These waters once powered local mills and now offer peaceful recreation. Recent dam redesigns allow for a more natural flow-complete with scenic footbridges over both spillways., A Forest Through Time , Mt. Gilead's beech-maple woods are a living glimpse into Ohio's past. This second- growth forest bursts with wildflowers each spring-trillium, hepatica, bloodroot-and is alive with birdsong from the wood thrush, wren, and nuthatch. Deer, raccoons, and skunks are often spotted among the trees., Try this! , Fun for the Family , Test your aim on the park's 18-hole disc golf course, a favorite for beginners and seasoned players alike. Pack a lunch and enjoy one of five scenic picnic areas-four tucked into the peaceful south side of the park and one conveniently located near the Route 42 entrance.