Swimming is banned in every waterway within Hocking Hills State Park. Lake Logan State Park — minutes away on SR-664 — is the answer. A 400-acre lake surrounded by 318 acres of parkland, it offers the closest and most convenient beach access for Hocking Hills cabin visitors.
The Beach
The 527-foot swimming beach is the primary draw during summer months. The beach is unsupervised — swim at your own risk. Sand and grass areas provide lounging space. On summer weekends, the beach fills by late morning. Arriving before 11 AM on Saturdays gives you the best selection of spots. Weekdays are significantly quieter.
Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas with shelters, grills, and ample parking. Lake Logan is a day-use park — no overnight camping or lodging is available at the lake itself. Visitors staying in Hocking Hills cabins use it as a day trip destination.
Fishing
Lake Logan offers some of the finest fishing in southeastern Ohio. The 400-acre lake supports northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, saugeye, and muskie — a diversity that draws anglers specifically. A valid Ohio fishing license is required. Bank fishing is accessible from multiple points around the lake, and boat anglers have full access.
The lake's reputation for muskie is particularly notable — muskellunge in Ohio inland lakes of this size are not common, and Lake Logan is stocked and managed for the species. Northern pike in the 30+ inch range are caught regularly by experienced anglers.
Boating
Boat rentals are available with motors up to 10 horsepower. Kayaks and canoes are welcome. A public boat ramp provides access for personal watercraft. The 10 HP limit keeps the lake calm and quiet — no waterskiing, no jet skis, no wake boats. This makes Lake Logan ideal for kayaking, fishing from small boats, and leisurely paddling.
The Buckeye Trail Connection
The Buckeye Trail — Ohio's 1,444-mile statewide hiking loop — passes through the northwest end of Lake Logan State Park. This trail connects Lake Logan to the broader Hocking Hills trail network, including the Grandma Gatewood Trail at Old Man's Cave. Serious long-distance hikers use Lake Logan as a waypoint, but the section is also accessible for day hikers looking for a flat, scenic walk along the lakeshore.
Comparison to Lake Hope and Lake Alma
Lake Hope (40 minutes south, within Zaleski State Forest) offers a 120-acre C-shaped lake with a 600-foot beach and concession stand, plus 7 hiking trails and 25+ miles of mountain biking. It is a fuller day destination but significantly farther from the main Hocking Hills area.
Lake Alma (30 minutes south, near Wellston) is smaller and quieter with two beaches and a dedicated dog swim area — the only one in the regional state park system. If you are traveling with a dog and want a swimming option, Lake Alma is the answer.
Lake Logan's advantage is proximity. It is minutes from Old Man's Cave and the densest concentration of cabin rentals. For a quick swim on a hot hiking day, nothing else is as convenient.
Plan Your Trip
Book a cabin close to Lake Logan for easy beach access on your summer trip.