East Fork Lake: 5.6 Mile Backpack Trail Run

The first time I ran this trail was for the Dirt Days Fleet Feet summer trail series (check out my review of trail races here).

My prior experience at this park was a memorable visit to the lake beach with friends and family, so I knew the area was worth a second glance!

This park is enormous and and has trails of all kinds for a variety of outdoor types. From mountain biking, horseback riding to backpacking adventures, you could easily escape the city for days on end. This “small” 5.6 mile route is a mere fragment of what the park trail system has to offer.

While this route is surrounded by water, the trail is just far enough away from the lake and rivers that you only see water briefly in one area, until you reach to the beach. I personally reveled in seeing natural ferns throughout the woods. Some say the area reminds them of the Appalachian Trail.

Location:

Bethel, OH

This trail path begins and ends at the beach on the SOUTH side of the lake.

Parking is at the beach. The trail begins up the hill, off the entrance paved road. At this location the trails are unmarked.

Map Directions:

Link to Maps

GPS coordinates: 39°01’01.2″N 84°08’00.6″W

Use Route 125.

Click here for the East Fork State Park Map

Distance:

This route is a 5.6 mile loop that’s made up of a variety of trails, including the Whippoorwill and Cedar mountain bike trails, the larger 16 mile Backpack Trail and the 33 mile Steve Neuman World Walker Perimeter Trail.

Park Details:

The trails are dirt bike paths with a good mix of ups and downs that make the pace enjoyable.

In the summer, there aren’t any worthwhile views of the water from the trails so make sure to account for any time you’d like to spend at the beach. This run is about the woods.

East Fork State Park Website

Dogs are allowed on trails and in the park, however they are not allowed on the beach sand to keep the sand clean. You must keep them in the grassy areas of the beach.

You may want to check the water safety before visiting as sometimes bacteria levels or algae blooms can be concerning if say, you have a toddler who might eat sand or a preschooler who has ear tubes where bacteria may cause ear infections. This map shows where certain bodies of water are currently flagged with red flags being the most concerning.