The origin of Ohio’s bedrock materials can be traced back millions of years when the state was inundated by a shallow inland sea. Materials deposited by this sea formed the bedrock types now found in Ohio–namely limestone, shale, and sandstone. The silt from these waters formed the sedimentary shale found within the Blue Rock State Park region. This blue-colored shale gave the park its name.

Before settlement of the area began, most of Ohio was in forest cover. By 1900, only twelve percent of the original forest remained. In the Blue Rock region, the rough terrain, poor soils and the economic woes caused by the Great Depression forced farmers to abandon their lands allowing them to revert back to forest.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources now maintains 4,573 acres of the Blue Rock State Forest surrounding the park. The forest is dominated by oaks and hickories. In the lush undergrowth, woodland wildflowers such as trilliums, cardinal flower, and rare orchids can be found amongst a variety of ferns, mosses, and lichens. Deer, grouse, squirrel, and wild turkey are just a few of the woodland game which make the forest their home.

Most of the marginally productive farmland was originally acquired by the federal government during the 1930s under the Resettlement Administration. Surface ownership was later transferred to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry while the federal government retained a three-fourths interest in the oil and gas rights. Subsequent reforestation and the application of forest management and protection practices have transformed low-quality farmland into one of Ohio’s most beautiful and productive forests.

• 4,578 acres in Muskingum County
• 26 miles of bridle trails

In 1949, the management of Cutler Lake and the adjoining recreation facilities was transferred to the Division of Parks and Recreation.

Blue Rock State Park Trails
The park features 5 hiking trails:
Beechnut – 1 mile – moderate
Hollow Rock Trail – .8 mile – moderate
Ground Cedar Trail – .4 mile – moderate
Ruffed Grouse Trail – .6 mile – moderate
Deer Trail – .2 mile – difficult

Additional hiking trails are in the adjacent state forest.

Bridle trails are offered at the park and link to 26 miles of bridle trails winding through the Blue Rock State Forest.