Hiking Guidance in East Fork State Park based on Lake Levels

Date Posted

May 13, 2025

Section

Williamsburg

Chapter

Ohio River Chapter

Williamsburg Section Supervisor, John Davidson, replaces an alert dated 4/22/25 that concerned flooding in the East Fork State Park area. John reminds hikers that flooding occurs in areas along the BT in East Fork State Park, especially between Points 12 and 18 and not always in the spring. The detour is from Points 8 to 21. He offers additional information that may help hikers determine if they should use the alternative Dry Boot Trail that follows the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike‐Bike Trail (WBHBT) on the north side of William H. Harsha Reservoir. Using the WBHBT reduces the length of the Williamsburg section by 18.2 mi.

Normal Levels: 729 ft (Winter Pool) — 733 ft (Summer Pool)

Current Lake Level can be checked at the USGS Water data website

Guidance for Thru-Hikers (Williamsburg Section):

If Lake Level is approaching 740 ft, or if 2 or more inches of rain are forecasted or have recently fallen:
Use the alternate Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail due to potential flooding along the Buckeye Trail.

The alternate can also flood if the Lake Level is over 765 ft (Years noted: 2011, 2005):

Impassable Area:
— Lowlands near the Bike Path Lookout on the Alternate Williamsburg to Batavia Hike/Bike Trail.

Guidance for Section Hikers:

Lake Level Approaching 740 ft
Impassable Area:
— Low areas around Camp 3, between Williamsburg Points 13‐14 (Near Perimeter Trail mile marker 11)

Lake Level Over 740 ft
Impassable Areas:
— Clover Lick Creek, Between Williamsburg Points 13‐14 (Perimeter Trail mile markers 10–11)
— Poplar Creek, Between Williamsburg Points 14‐15 (Near Perimeter Trail mile marker 6)
— Low areas around Camp 2 and along Backpack Trail, between Williamsburg Points 15‐16

Lake Level Over 750 ft (Years noted: 2025, 2018, 2011, 2005, 1979)
Impassable Area:
— Ulrey Creek, Between Williamsburg Points 17‐18 (Perimeter Trail mile markers 32–33)

See the log below for the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike‐Bike Trail Alternative — Dry Boot Trail

CW 0.0 NW | CCW 12.1 E | Point 8 | Todd’s Run-Foster Rd. (T-90) at SR-I33

Todds Run-Foster Rd ends here. Head NW (right) on SR-133. Soon, enter Williamsburg. After 0.35 mi, join Main St. Along with SR-133, turn W (left) onto bike/pedestrian path. Continue on Main St past entrance to Williamsburg City Park on SW (P, PS, PT, W, WC) and Dela Palma Rd on NE (0.3 mi). Continue on across the East Fork of Little Miami R into downtown Williamsburg (G, R, P0: 45176). After 0.45 mi, turn SW (left) onto S Broadway St and continue for 4 blocks to the Williamsburg to Batavia Hike-Bike Trail (WBHBT).

CW 1.5 W | CCW 10.6 NE | Point A | S Broadway St at Williamsburg Batavia Bike Trail (WBHBT)

The trail enters WBHBT, marked by green Bike Route signs. After 0.26 mi, the bike path joins Williamsburg Bantam Rd, heading generally SW (left).

CW 3.5 W | CCW 8.6 E | Point B | Cain Run Bridge on WBHBT

WBHBT meanders some as it heads generally W past a view of the East Fork. WBBT turns generally NW from here. After 0.6 mi, WBHBT joins the central road within East Fork State Park Campground and continues NW (right) past the entrance to Camp Loop D (0.17 mi, exits S).

CW 5.4 N | CCW 6.7 S | Point C | Central Drive within East Fork State Park Campground at Entrance Station

Continue N on the central drive within the park campground. After 0.4 mi, the campground road ends. Join the Park Entrance Road, turning S (left) towards a boat launch.

CW 7.4 W | CCW 4.7 E | Point D | Park Entrance Road at Dedicated Bike Trail

After 0.9 mi, exit Park Entrance Road and head W (right) on dedicated WBHBT. After 0.7 mi, exit park through gateway at end of Zagar Rd. Follow Zagar Rd briefly as it turns W. After 250’, exit Zagar Rd and go ahead W on trail built over Old Summit Rd.

CW 7.9 S | CCW 4.2 E | Point E | Old Summit Rd at Greenbrier Rd

At Greenbrier Rd, turn S (left) onto road and meander downslope generally SW. After 2.0 mi, join Elk Lick Rd and route of blue-blazed BT. Continue generally W (right) on Elk Lick Rd.

CW 12.1 N | CCW 0.0 E | Point 21 | Elk Lick Rd at SR 222

Return to your Williamsburg map, Edition of November 2012.