Ohio State Parks
  • rss subscription

Lake White State Park

Lake White (SW)

Address/Directions

2767 State Route 551
Waverly, OH 45690

Contact & Mailing Address

Pike Lake State Park
1847 Pike Lake Road
Bainbridge, OH 45612

Pike Lake Park Office

740-493-2212

Maps

Park Map

GPS Coordinates:

39.098627, -83.03278

Information

Picturesque Lake White is nestled between the ridges of southern Ohio’s rugged hills. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing at this scenic 92-acre park.

Nature of the Area

Located in the Appalachian foothills near the Scioto River, Lake White State Park supports a variety of natural wonders. The forested hills are similar in character to the southern Appalachians with magnificent stands of oak, hickory, tulip, ash, maple and scores of other hardwood species. In spring, the forest trails are lined with flowering dogwood and redbud trees and numerous woodland wildflowers. The sandstone outcroppings are coated with various ferns, mosses, lichens and fungi including the prized morel mushrooms in spring.

The dense forest and remoteness of the area create excellent habitat for some of Ohio’s most elusive wildlife. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse and the secretive wild turkey are abundant in this region. Red fox, skunk, opossum, gray squirrel and raccoons are often sighted. Many reptiles and amphibians find the park’s cool waters desirable.

History of the Area

The cultural history of this area dates back to the Adena and Hopewell Indians who settled in the Scioto Valley around 800 B.C. These mound building tribes left behind extensive earthworks throughout the Scioto Valley region. Adena, near Chillicothe, was the site of the first mound excavation attributed to these prehistoric people. Other mounds in the area include Seip Mound, Spruce Hill, Fort Hill and Serpent Mound.

The Scioto River played an important role in the early history of this area. Indian and frontiersmen alike paddled the stream from the Ohio River to the heart of the new frontier. The Shawnee used the river as their primary means of transportation from one village to another. The river also brought the first European settlers to the area in the 1790s. Many of these first Ohioans were veterans of the Revolutionary War claiming land due them for military service.

The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal heightened the hopes of those along its path that were destined to prosper from canal traffic. Initial plans placed the canal through Piketon, bypassing Waverly. This aggravated an intense rivalry between Piketon and Waverly citizens. After persistent lobbying by Waverly promoters, the canal route was changed and Piketon was bypassed. The Waverly cause was aided greatly by Ohio Speaker of the House, at that time, Robert Lucas, who owned land near Waverly and stood to gain greatly by the new route.

In 1832, the canal was opened. It was announced that the water would reach Waverly on the morning of September 6, and preparations were made to welcome its arrival. The canal banks were packed with residents for a great distance, but the water never arrived. Unfortunately, it had hit an expansive gravel deposit which absorbed most of the water. Eventually the gravelly areas became saturated and the water reached Waverly by noon much to the delight of cheering crowds.

The prosperity of the canal era was short lived. With the advent of rail transportation, goods could be shipped more efficiently throughout the country. As early as 1860, use of the canals had dropped dramatically. In 1913, the Ohio and Erie Canal was officially closed.

Part of Lake White State Park includes the remains of the old canal channel. The lake was built during the depression by the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.). Most of the land surrounding the lake is privately owned. Lake White was officially dedicated as a state park in 1949 when the Division of Parks and Recreation was created.

Boating

Fishing

  • Lake White provides excitement for anglers, offering nice catches of bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, saugeye and catfish
  • The current state record for Kentucky Spotted Bass was caught at Lake White in 1978
  • Valid Ohio fishing license is required

Picnicking

  • Lake White offers a picturesque setting for picnickers
  • Two picnic shelters can be reserved online or by calling 866-644-6727 • Both shelters, if not reserved, are available on a first-come, first-served basis

Swimming

  • A small 50′ swimming beach provides recreation for swimmers and sunbathers
  • Change booths are located by the parking lot on SR 551
  • The beach is open during daylight hours only
  • Swim at your own risk & be sure to keep an eye on the kids
  • Pets are NOT permitted on swimming beaches
  • Check for water quality advisories

Winter Recreation (conditions permitting)

  • Sledding
  • Ice skating
  • Ice fishing

Area Attractions

  • Pike Lake State Park and State Forest are located south of Bainbridge, near State Route 124 • Pike Lake features camping, cabins, swimming, fishing and hiking
  • Adena State Memorial, the restored home of Thomas Worthington is one of The Ohio Historical Society’s premier sites • It includes Worthington’s newly-restored 1807 mansion and a 13,000 square foot Museum/Visitor Center
  • Scioto Trail State Park and State Forest are about nine miles south of Chillicothe off State Route 23 • Camping facilities, fishing and hiking are available • The forested hills, typical of southern Ohio, are ideal for an enjoyable walk or a quiet weekend
  • For more information on area attractions, visit