Chris's Log House Guidebook
Nearby Lakes / Parks
The 60 acre lake at Lake Alma State Park offers a small swimming beach to cool off on those really hot days, beautiful hiking trails, and is a favorite picnic spot.
A great state park only a mile away to enjoy kayaking, swimming at the small beach, picnicking, or hiking several beautiful trails. The park also has a one mile paved bike trail that adjoins to Wellston’s several mile trail.
9 locals recommend
Lake Alma State Park
422 Lake Alma RoadA great state park only a mile away to enjoy kayaking, swimming at the small beach, picnicking, or hiking several beautiful trails. The park also has a one mile paved bike trail that adjoins to Wellston’s several mile trail.
Great for kayaking, fishing or just sightseeing, the 240 acre lake is only a few miles from Hamden.
Lake Rupert
Great for kayaking, fishing or just sightseeing, the 240 acre lake is only a few miles from Hamden.
An approximate 30 minute drive, this is one of Ohio’s most popular nature parks! The 120 acre lake is great for kayaking and offers a nice beach. A full time park naturalist offers free nature programs throughout the year. The beautiful lodge overlooks the lake from high up on the ridge and the restaurant is excellent!
56 locals recommend
Lake Hope State Park
27331 Ohio 278An approximate 30 minute drive, this is one of Ohio’s most popular nature parks! The 120 acre lake is great for kayaking and offers a nice beach. A full time park naturalist offers free nature programs throughout the year. The beautiful lodge overlooks the lake from high up on the ridge and the restaurant is excellent!
One of the least visited nature preserves in the area, but also one of the most beautiful! 30 mins from Hamden
Lake Katherine
1703 Lake Katharine RdOne of the least visited nature preserves in the area, but also one of the most beautiful! 30 mins from Hamden
Outstanding rock formations and waterfalls, and hiking. New visitor center, lodge, and observatory are spectacular!
Hocking Hills State Park
Outstanding rock formations and waterfalls, and hiking. New visitor center, lodge, and observatory are spectacular!
Best Kayaking
Choose either Lake Alma or Rupert- both less than five minutes from the log house.
Lake Alma State Park
422 Lake Alma RoadSightseeing
Only 5 miles from the Hamden log house, Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest is home to the state’s largest known population of bobcats and is also home to timber rattlesnakes, cerulean warblers and several rare plant species.
At over 12,000 acres, the forest is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States and home to more than 50 years of ongoing forest research. Head out of Hamden on State Route 160 east for approx 5 miles to enter forest.
https://trekohio.com/2016/12/01/vinton-furnace-state-experimental-forest/
Experimental Forest Road
Experimental Forest RoadOnly 5 miles from the Hamden log house, Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest is home to the state’s largest known population of bobcats and is also home to timber rattlesnakes, cerulean warblers and several rare plant species.
At over 12,000 acres, the forest is one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the United States and home to more than 50 years of ongoing forest research. Head out of Hamden on State Route 160 east for approx 5 miles to enter forest.
https://trekohio.com/2016/12/01/vinton-furnace-state-experimental-forest/
A quiet walk into the past. This is one of the few and best preserved charcoal iron furnaces left in the hanging rock iron region. Much of the iron made was used during the civil war.
Buckeye Furnace State Memorial
123 Buckeye Park RdA quiet walk into the past. This is one of the few and best preserved charcoal iron furnaces left in the hanging rock iron region. Much of the iron made was used during the civil war.
Food scene
In addition to these local restaurants, there are several fast food chains not listed here.
Best Chinese food I’ve ever had. Sounds crazy, but the owner Hon (Johnny), happened to land in the small town of Wellston and quickly became a local hit. Great food, prices, and portions.
Peking Cook
2 Pennsylvania AveBest Chinese food I’ve ever had. Sounds crazy, but the owner Hon (Johnny), happened to land in the small town of Wellston and quickly became a local hit. Great food, prices, and portions.
Lake Hope Lodge
27331 OH-278Great atmosphere, great views, great food!
We are fortunate to have an excellent authentic Mexican restaurant in nearby Wellston. Really good margaritas too!
Viva Jalisco
23 S Ohio AveWe are fortunate to have an excellent authentic Mexican restaurant in nearby Wellston. Really good margaritas too!
Dakota's Roadhouse of Jackson
451 McCarty LnSteakhouse and a beer for dinner if you’re in Jackson.
Giovanni's Pizza
10848 OH-139Good pizza, subs and salads.
Arch and Eddie's
181 Main StNice atmosphere, great food!
Happenings Bistro
1130 Pennsylvania AvenueWellston’s newest restaurant, comfort food with a flair.
A great local restaurant in McArthur. Comfort food and really good pizza.
10 locals recommend
Mama Renie's Pizza of mcarthur
100 W Main StA great local restaurant in McArthur. Comfort food and really good pizza.
Stockroom 601
601 East Main StreetFamily friendly draft house that serves lunch and dinner.
Sixth Sense Brewing
275 Main StNano brewery & taproom serving lunch and dinner items.
Excellent restaurant atmosphere and delicious foods prepared fresh by local chefs.
Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center
Excellent restaurant atmosphere and delicious foods prepared fresh by local chefs.