Photo Essay: Deer Creek State Park in Ohio

Deer Creek State Park, located in Pickaway County,  just south of Columbus. With over seven thousand total acres to explore, it offers an incredible getaway for those looking to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty of Central Ohio.

While my room offered a gorgeous view of the lake, I couldn’t resist heading out into the park before dawn to practice my photography skills with Laura from FarFlungTravels.  A professional photographer, she offered tips to help me get my DSLR off automatic and in the manual shooting mode. I was pleased with the results and eager to continue practicing.

The first day was pretty overcast, but we were able to get a shot of the mist rising from a field across from the dam.

Construction on the dam began in 1965 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1968. The construction of the dam and Deer Lake aided in flood control while offering outdoor creation opportunities to the nearby community and thousands of visitors to the park.

Herons are plentiful near the lake and I tried to get a photo of one in flight, but it surpassed my skill level and range of my lens.

Deer, bunnies, and geese were plentiful in the early morning, but we focused our efforts on inanimate objects. I love the way this photo with the cattails turned out with the sun in the background.

The lake is nearly six miles in length and provides a playground for boaters, kayakers, and fisherman. With an average depth of 15 feet (nearly 40 near the dam), the waters are full of Bluegill, Sunfish, Saugeye, Walleye, Catfish, Carp, Crappie, White Bass, and Small & Large Mouth Bass occupy the waters. In the early morning, you’ll hear the splash of fish and watch the heron fly back and forth, finally settling on the water’s edge.

The boat dock offered interesting views at sunset and sunrise.

Two-seater kayaks are available to rent for an hourly fee. I admit, I’m one to get nervous around water, but with a life jacket on and my camera hanging from my neck in a plastic bag, I was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as the sun rose over the trees.

I can’t imagine a better way to begin the day. Can you?

How do you begin your ideal day?

Want to learn more about my trip to Deer Park State Park Lodge? You can read about that experience here.