Noble County: Discover Nature, Lakes, and History

Noble County combines tranquil landscapes, lakes, and historic landmarks into a destination with many different facets. Between wooded hills, scenic roads, and places with a unique history, you can enjoy a varied itinerary. If you are looking for a vacation rental or vacation home, you should therefore first consider which travel style is your priority: nature and water, cultural and historical discoveries, or excursions along country roads.

Lakes, Trails, and Wilderness

Wolf Run State Park covers 1,046 acres in the rugged hills of southeastern Ohio. Picturesque forests and cool, clear waters shape the landscape. Motorboats of up to 10 horsepower are permitted on Wolf Run Lake; a boat ramp and docking facilities are also available. If you prefer to explore on foot, the west shore of the lake offers a 3-mile section of the Buckeye Trail. The distance provides a concrete reference point for planning your day without implying a specific walking time.

Nearby, Seneca Lake Park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, water sports, camping, hiking, swimming, and nature programs. This makes it possible to combine active days on the water with quieter stays in the countryside. The Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area provides habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, grouse, and other wildlife. Hunting, fishing, trapping, and other forms of wildlife recreation are also permitted there. Activities listed at the Ales Run Wildlife Area include hunting, cycling, and birdwatching.

History in Bridges, Museums, and Churches

Cultural history also gives Noble County a distinctive character. The Parrish Covered Bridge was rebuilt after a flood in 1914 and later relocated to the fairgrounds at Heritage Park. The Manchester Covered Bridge was built in 1915 and restored in 2005. Heritage Park also contains a covered bridge, a relocated log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, and a relocated church used for weddings and worship services. The Appalachian Foothills Fall Festival portrays 19th-century pioneer life there and was held together with the Old Iron Power Club Show on the third weekend of September.

At the Historic Jail Museum, you can explore a building constructed in 1882 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The building once housed both the jail and the jailer's residence under one roof. The Baker Glass Museum displays historic objects from the home, workplace, and personal life, including an early kitchen, cream-processing equipment, antique weapons, lamps, grandfather clocks, and music boxes. Many exhibition rooms feature more than 100,000 pieces from glass manufacturers, as well as a large selection of ceramics.

Other historic points of interest include the Ball-Caldwell House, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 27, 1980, and the house built by Samuel Caldwell in 1832, now known as the Ball-Caldwell Homestead. St. Henry’s Catholic Church and the rectory were jointly added to the register in 1982. St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at Fulda was built in 1874–75; its congregation has existed since 1847 and was founded by German settlers. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Excursions and the Right Home Base

For a road trip, the Appalachian Byway is a good option; it runs through Noble County along State Route 78. In addition, the county is promoted as a destination for scenic drives thanks to its well-preserved two-lane roads through rural landscapes and rolling hills. You can therefore choose accommodation based on whether you want to set out directly for outdoor experiences in the morning or combine historic destinations and excursions. The Wilds is located nearby in neighboring Muskingum County. From Noble County, it can be reached via Exit 28 at Belle Valley and State Route 340.

The history of the U.S.S. Shenandoah is also connected to Noble County: The airship crashed over the county on September 3, 1925, killing 14 men. A self-guided tour of the crash sites can be arranged by contacting experts on the crash sites. For further orientation within the broader selection, you can also view Caldwell, Fairfield, Highland County, Monroe, Union, Defiance, Scioto County, and Ottawa County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ohio.