Paint Creek State Park - Rattlesnake Ramp

The Rattlesnake Ramp provides boat launch access to Big Branch-Rattlesnake Creek in the Paint Creek Lake area near Greenfield in Highland County. This facility is located off Snake Road on the south shore of the western arm of the lake and offers a convenient put-in for paddlers interested in exploring Rattlesnake Creek and the broader Paint Creek system. The ramp includes sanitary facilities, picnic areas, and drinking water, making it suitable for day trips and longer paddling adventures.

Paint Creek Lake offers a scenic paddling destination in southwestern Ohio's Scioto River basin, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. From the Rattlesnake Ramp, paddlers can explore waterways including the area under State Route 753 bridge and further upstream into Rattlesnake Creek. The broader Paint Creek Dam Site Area is operated by the Ohio Department of State Parks and supports camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities throughout the region.

For specific information about access hours, launch fees, and current conditions, contact the Paint Creek Lake Office at (937) 365-1470. The facility is located approximately 18 miles west of Chillicothe via Route 50 toward Bainbridge, then north on Rapid Forge Road to the Paint Creek Dam Site Area.

Overview
Paint Creek Dam Site Area, located on Paint Creek Lake, offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Scioto area of southwestern Ohio. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and rock climbing.Recreation
The campground is operated by the Ohio Department of State Parks and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities, including mini and disc golf, a...

Overview
Paint Creek Dam Site Area, located on Paint Creek Lake, offers great opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Scioto area of southwestern Ohio. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and rock climbing.Recreation
The campground is operated by the Ohio Department of State Parks and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities, including mini and disc golf, a nature center and an amphitheater. Other activities on land include picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing. A swimming beach, summer nature programs, three boat ramps, a marina and boat rentals can all be found around the lake. In winter months, sledding and cross-country skiing are available.

The Corps of Engineers downstream recreation area offers picnicking, a trail, a play area and rock climbing opportunities. Two access points to the stream provide kayaking and canoeing opportunities on the river. Paint Creek has long been a popular fishing stream, where white and black crappie, blue gill, smallmouth and spotted bass, rock bass, suckers, darters, channel catfish and saugeye are commonly found.

A 1.5-mile hiking trail meanders near Little Pond, and individual picnic sites with grills are scattered throughout the area and available on a first come, first served basis.Facilities
Paint Creek Dam Site Area offers two accessible day-use picnic shelters that each accommodate up to 100 people. A visitor center is located on-site.

Little Pond Shelter (Shelter 1) sits next to Little Pond and contains 15-amp electric hookups. Corn hole courts are adjacent, but bean bags are not provided. A water fountain is available at the shelter; a fountain and playground are just across the parking lot from the shelter.

Overlook Shelter (Shelter 2) overlooks the lake and emergency spillway. There is an environmental restroom but it has no water or electric hookups. Overlook Shelter is located near the visitor center which houses a water fountain, flush restrooms and visitor information. A small playground and corn hole courts are adjacent to the shelter and an accessible fishing pier is within walking distance.Natural Features
The lake is situated among gently rolling hills, where a mix of open meadows and wooded areas cover the shoreline. A variety of songbirds and waterfowl can be found in the area.
Nearby Attractions
The Paint Creek Lake area offers several points of interest within a short drive, including the First Dental School Museum, Highlands Nature Sanctuary and the Sugarloaf Outdoor Drama Theater.

Several points of cultural significance include Tecumseh, Serpent Mound, Seip Mound and the Hopewell Indian Culture National Park.

Rocky Fork State Park, Paint Creek State Park and Pike Lake State Park are all in the area as well, offering additional recreational opportunities.

The nearby cities of Greenfield, Chillicothe, Hillsboro and Washington Courthouse host annual festivals in the spring, summer and fall.

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