How to Hike Sunfish Lake from Columbus

Sunfish Lake, nestled in the serene woodlands of southeastern Ohio, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude, natural beauty, and a meaningful connection with the wilderness. Though not as widely known as larger state parks, Sunfish Lake offers a uniquely tranquil hiking experience—especially for those starting their journey from Columbus, just over an hour’s drive away. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for hiking Sunfish Lake from Columbus, covering everything from route planning and gear selection to trail etiquette and seasonal considerations. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time explorer, this tutorial equips you with the knowledge to navigate the trail safely, sustainably, and with deep appreciation for the landscape.

The importance of understanding how to hike Sunfish Lake from Columbus extends beyond mere logistics. It’s about respecting fragile ecosystems, minimizing human impact, and preserving access for future generations. Unlike heavily trafficked parks, Sunfish Lake’s trails are maintained by local volunteers and small conservation groups. Your preparedness directly contributes to the trail’s longevity. This guide is designed not only to get you there but to ensure you leave no trace, honor the land, and return with a sense of accomplishment and calm.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm the Location and Trailhead Access

Before you pack your bag, verify the exact location of Sunfish Lake. It is situated within the Wayne National Forest, specifically in the Athens District, near the unincorporated community of Dillsboro in southeastern Ohio. The primary trailhead for Sunfish Lake is accessed via County Road 22 (also known as Sunfish Lake Road), approximately 1.2 miles north of its intersection with State Route 32.

From Columbus, take I-71 south toward Cincinnati. Exit at Exit 104 (SR-32) near Lancaster. Turn right onto SR-32 East and continue for approximately 40 miles. Watch for signs indicating Dillsboro and Sunfish Lake Road. Turn left onto County Road 22. The road is paved for the first mile but becomes gravel as you approach the trailhead. Drive slowly—this stretch is narrow and may have fallen branches or wildlife crossings.

GPS coordinates for the main trailhead parking: 39.1128° N, 82.6482° W. Always carry a physical map or offline GPS app, as cell service is unreliable in this area. The parking area is small—only about 10 spaces—and fills quickly on weekends. Arriving before 8:00 a.m. is strongly recommended.

Step 2: Choose Your Hiking Route

Sunfish Lake is encircled by a 2.8-mile loop trail that is well-marked with blue blazes. This loop is the most popular and accessible route for day hikers. However, there are variations depending on your fitness level and desired experience:

• Loop Trail (2.8 miles): The standard route. Gentle elevation changes, mostly flat terrain with occasional rocky sections. Ideal for beginners and families.
• Extended Loop + Fire Road (4.2 miles): Adds a 1.4-mile out-and-back segment along an old fire road that leads to a ridge overlook with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest.
• Short Loop (1.5 miles): A modified version that cuts the loop in half, returning via the same path. Best for those with limited time or mobility concerns.

Each route is maintained by the U.S. Forest Service and marked with durable, weather-resistant trail markers. Do not rely on unofficial paths—these are often overgrown or lead to private property. Stick to the blazed trail.

Step 3: Prepare Your Gear

Proper gear is non-negotiable, even for a short hike. Sunfish Lake’s terrain is mostly moderate, but weather can change rapidly, and the forest floor can be uneven. Here’s a detailed checklist:

• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and aggressive tread. Avoid sneakers or trail runners without grip—they’re inadequate on wet roots and rocky outcrops.
• Backpack: A 10–20 liter daypack with a waist belt to distribute weight. Include a rain cover or use a waterproof liner.
• Hydration: At least 2 liters of water per person. Consider a hydration bladder for easier access. Water from the lake is not potable—bring a filter or purification tablets as backup.
• Food: High-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, dried fruit, and jerky. Avoid sugary items that cause energy crashes.
• Weather Layers: Even in summer, temperatures drop near the water. Pack a lightweight windbreaker, moisture-wicking base layer, and a compact fleece. In spring and fall, a waterproof shell is essential.
• Navigation Tools: A physical topographic map of Wayne National Forest (available for free at the Athens Ranger Station) and a compass. Download the Gaia GPS app with offline maps of the area.
• First Aid Kit: Include blister treatment, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, allergy medication, and pain relievers.
• Other Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), headlamp or flashlight (even on day hikes), whistle, and a lightweight emergency blanket.

Leave behind unnecessary items. The fewer things you carry, the more you’ll enjoy the hike. Avoid single-use plastics—pack food in reusable containers.

Step 4: Begin Your Hike

Start your hike at the designated trailhead. The path begins with a gentle incline through mixed hardwood forest—oak, hickory, and maple dominate. Within the first 0.3 miles, you’ll pass a small interpretive sign detailing the geology of the area. Sunfish Lake is a glacial kettle lake, formed over 10,000 years ago by retreating ice sheets. This context enhances the experience—knowing you’re walking on ancient earth.

As you continue, the trail curves gently to the left and begins to parallel the lake’s eastern shore. Watch for wooden bridges crossing small creeks and root systems. The trail surface is mostly packed earth with occasional exposed bedrock. Stay centered on the trail to prevent erosion and protect understory vegetation.

At the 1.4-mile mark, you’ll reach the lake’s southern end. Here, a viewing platform offers your first full view of the water—still, mirror-like, and framed by towering hemlocks. Take a moment. This is the heart of the hike.

Continue clockwise around the lake. The trail becomes slightly steeper as you ascend the western ridge. This is the most challenging section, with a 200-foot elevation gain over 0.6 miles. Use the handrails where provided. The reward: a panoramic overlook with a bench and a plaque commemorating the volunteers who restored the trail in 2018.

Descend gently back toward the trailhead, passing the same landmarks in reverse. The final 0.5 miles are mostly flat and shaded. Return to your vehicle, check your gear for ticks, and hydrate fully.

Step 5: Post-Hike Protocol

After your hike, follow these essential steps to protect the environment and your own well-being:

• Check for Ticks: Sunfish Lake is in a Lyme disease-endemic zone. Perform a full-body tick check. Pay special attention to the scalp, armpits, and groin. Shower within two hours of returning.
• Wash Gear: Clean your boots and backpack with soap and water to remove seeds, mud, and potential invasive plant spores. This prevents the spread of non-native species to other ecosystems.
• Report Issues: If you notice trail damage, illegal dumping, or unsafe conditions, report them to the Wayne National Forest Athens Ranger District at (740) 588-2676. Photos and precise location details help them respond faster.
• Reflect and Document: Keep a simple journal or photo log. Not only does this enhance your personal connection to nature, but it also helps others understand what to expect.

Best Practices

Practice Leave No Trace Principles

At Sunfish Lake, the wilderness is quiet because few people disturb it. Follow the seven Leave No Trace principles rigorously:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare: Know the weather, trail conditions, and regulations. Do not assume services are available.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stay on the trail. Do not create shortcuts or trample vegetation.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out everything you bring in—including food scraps, toilet paper, and fruit peels. Human waste must be buried in a cathole at least 6–8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites.
4. Leave What You Find: Do not pick flowers, move rocks, or carve into trees. Even small souvenirs disrupt ecological balance.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Fires are prohibited along the Sunfish Lake trail. Use a camp stove if cooking nearby.
6. Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them. Store food in sealed containers away from your sleeping area.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Keep noise low. Yield to uphill hikers. If you bring a dog, keep it leashed at all times.

These aren’t suggestions—they’re ethical obligations. Sunfish Lake’s ecosystem is fragile. A single discarded wrapper, a trampled wildflower, or a loud voice can diminish the experience for others and harm wildlife.

Timing and Seasonal Considerations

The best time to hike Sunfish Lake is during the shoulder seasons: late April to early June and late September to mid-October. During these periods, temperatures are mild, crowds are minimal, and the foliage is at its peak.

Spring: Wildflowers bloom along the trail—trillium, bloodroot, and Dutchman’s breeches. Streams are swollen, so expect muddy sections. Mosquitoes emerge in May—bring repellent.

Summer: Hot and humid. Hike early in the morning. Avoid midday. Water levels in the lake are lower, exposing more shoreline. Be cautious of poison ivy, which thrives in sunny edges.

Fall: The most popular season. Maples and oaks turn brilliant red and gold. The trail is dry and crisp. However, weekends attract more visitors. Arrive early.

Winter: The trail is snow-covered and icy from December to February. Only experienced hikers with crampons and microspikes should attempt it. The lake freezes solid, creating a surreal, silent landscape—but conditions are hazardous. Check ice thickness before walking on it.

Trail Etiquette and Group Behavior

Respect the solitude of the trail. If you’re hiking in a group, keep conversations quiet. Use hand signals if needed. Avoid playing music—even through headphones, vibrations can disturb birds and wildlife.

Yield to faster hikers by stepping aside at designated pullouts. If you encounter a horseback rider, step off the trail on the downhill side and remain quiet. Horses are easily spooked.

Never block the trail. If you need to rest, move to the side. If you’re taking photos, do so quickly and move on. The trail is not a photo studio—it’s a living ecosystem.

Environmental Stewardship

Consider becoming a trail steward. The Wayne National Forest relies on volunteers for trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and educational outreach. Join the Friends of Wayne National Forest group. They host monthly workdays and provide training.

Participate in citizen science. Record bird sightings using eBird or log plant blooms using iNaturalist. Your data helps scientists track climate change impacts on Appalachian forests.

Tools and Resources

Official Maps and Guides

Download the official Wayne National Forest map from the U.S. Forest Service website: www.fs.usda.gov/wayne. The interactive map includes trail lengths, elevation profiles, and water sources.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) also publishes a free hiking guide for southeastern Ohio trails. Request a printed copy at any ODNR visitor center or download the PDF.

Mobile Applications

• Gaia GPS: Offers topographic layers, offline maps, and real-time tracking. Highly recommended for Sunfish Lake due to poor cell reception.
• AllTrails: Provides user reviews, photos, and recent trail condition reports. Filter for “family-friendly” or “dog-friendly” trails.
• iNaturalist: Identify plants and animals during your hike. Contribute to biodiversity databases.
• Weather Underground: Check hyperlocal forecasts for Dillsboro, OH. Mountain weather changes fast.

Local Resources

Stop at the Athens Ranger Station (300 N. Court Street, Athens, OH) before your hike. Staff can provide updated trail conditions, bear activity reports, and emergency contact numbers. They also sell printed trail maps and educational pamphlets for a small fee.

Local outfitters like Trailside Outfitters in Athens offer gear rentals, including hiking poles, bear canisters, and waterproof packs. They also host free monthly hiking seminars.

Books and Educational Materials

• Ohio Hiking Trails: A Guide to the Best Day Hikes by Tom B. Haines
• The Forest Unseen by David G. Haskell—read before your hike to deepen your appreciation of forest ecosystems
• Leave No Trace: A Guide to the New Wilderness Ethics by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Online Communities

Join the Sunfish Lake Hikers Facebook Group for real-time updates, meetups, and safety alerts. Members often post photos of recent trail conditions, wildlife sightings, and weather advisories.

Reddit’s r/hiking and r/Ohio have active threads about Sunfish Lake. Search for “Sunfish Lake Columbus hike” to find recent discussions.

Real Examples

Example 1: The First-Time Hiker

Emily, a 28-year-old graphic designer from Columbus, had never hiked beyond a local park. She read this guide, packed a small daypack with water, snacks, and her phone, and set out on a Saturday in early May. She arrived at 7:30 a.m. and had the trail to herself. She took her time, paused at every overlook, and photographed wildflowers. She didn’t see another person until the last 0.3 miles. Afterward, she posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “I didn’t know Ohio had places like this.” Her post sparked a chain reaction—three friends joined her on the next hike. Emily now volunteers with the Friends of Wayne National Forest.

Example 2: The Family Hike

The Rodriguez family—parents and two children aged 7 and 10—hiked Sunfish Lake on a Sunday in October. They used the 1.5-mile short loop and brought a picnic. They brought binoculars and a nature scavenger hunt list (printed from the Forest Service website). The kids identified 12 different leaves and spotted a red fox. They left no trash. The father, a retired teacher, later donated a copy of The Forest Unseen to their school library. “We didn’t just walk,” he said. “We learned.”

Example 3: The Solo Hiker in Winter

Mark, a 52-year-old software engineer from Dublin, OH, hiked Sunfish Lake alone in January. He wore insulated boots, microspikes, and a thermal layer. He carried a thermos of tea and a hand warmer. He documented the frozen lake with a time-lapse camera. He didn’t see another soul for five hours. “It felt like walking on the surface of another planet,” he wrote in his journal. He returned every month that winter, each time noticing subtle changes in ice patterns and bird behavior. His photos were later featured in a regional nature magazine.

Example 4: The Volunteer Effort

In 2022, a group of 12 hikers from Columbus organized a trail cleanup after noticing litter and broken signage. They spent a Saturday removing trash, repairing wooden bridges, and repainting blazes. They documented the work with before-and-after photos and submitted them to the Forest Service. As a result, the agency allocated $15,000 in funding for trail upgrades. The group now meets monthly. Their initiative shows that individual action creates lasting change.

FAQs

Is Sunfish Lake accessible year-round?

Yes, but conditions vary. The trail is open year-round, but winter hikes require specialized gear and experience. Spring brings mud and high water. Summer can be hot and buggy. Fall is ideal. Always check the official Wayne National Forest website for alerts.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Sunfish Lake trail but must be leashed at all times. You are responsible for cleaning up after your pet. Dogs are not permitted in the lake itself due to water quality protections.

Are there restrooms at the trailhead?

No. The nearest restroom is at the Athens Ranger Station, 12 miles away. Plan accordingly. Use a cathole for human waste if needed—follow Leave No Trace guidelines.

Is there cell service on the trail?

Minimal to none. Verizon has sporadic coverage near the parking area. AT&T and T-Mobile have virtually no signal. Download offline maps and carry a physical map. A satellite communicator (like Garmin inReach) is recommended for solo hikers.

Can I swim in Sunfish Lake?

No. Swimming is prohibited to protect water quality and wildlife habitat. The lake is a designated quiet zone for native fish and amphibians.

How long does the hike take?

The full 2.8-mile loop takes most hikers 1.5 to 2 hours at a moderate pace. Allow extra time for photos, rest, and wildlife observation. The extended route takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Are there bears in the area?

Black bears are present in the Wayne National Forest but are rarely seen. They are shy and avoid humans. Store food securely and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising them. Bear encounters are extremely uncommon on this trail.

Is parking free?

Yes. There is no fee to park or hike at Sunfish Lake. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and open to the public without charge.

What if I get lost?

Stay calm. Stop and assess. Use your map and compass. If you’re unsure, backtrack to the last trail marker. Do not wander off the trail. Use your whistle—three blasts is the universal distress signal. If you have a satellite communicator, send a location pin. Emergency services can be reached via the Forest Service number: (740) 588-2676.

Can I camp near Sunfish Lake?

No. There are no designated campsites near the lake. The nearest dispersed camping is 5 miles away along County Road 22, but permits are required. Check with the Forest Service for regulations.

Conclusion

Hiking Sunfish Lake from Columbus is more than a day trip—it’s an immersion into a quiet, ancient landscape that rewards patience, preparation, and respect. The trail may be short, but the experience is profound. You’ll walk through forests that have stood for centuries, cross streams shaped by glaciers, and stand beside water that reflects not just the sky, but your own stillness.

This guide has provided the tools, the steps, and the philosophy to make your journey meaningful. But the real lesson lies beyond the trailhead: nature doesn’t need you to conquer it. It needs you to witness it. To move quietly. To leave nothing behind. To carry the calm back into your daily life.

Whether you’re a Columbus resident seeking escape or a visitor discovering Ohio’s hidden beauty, Sunfish Lake offers a rare gift: the silence of the wild, preserved because people like you chose to tread lightly.

Go with intention. Hike with care. Return changed.