From
Columbus take I-71 north to the Polaris exit. Exit to the right on
Polaris Parkway, heading east. Turn left on Worthington Road. Then,
turn left on Africa Road. You will be able to see the dam at Lewis
Center and Africa Roads. Turn left on to Lewis Center Road to get to
the Below Dam Recreation Area or the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center.
General Information
Alum Creek Lake is located in Delaware County, Ohio, north of Columbus
between I-71 and US 23. Alum Creek flows south joining Big Walnut
Creek, near Groveport in southeast Columbus, which joins the Scioto
River. Alum Creek Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
reduce the flood hazard along Alum and Big Walnut Creeks, the Scioto
River, and along the Ohio River. The city of Columbus shared part of
the additional project cost for water supply for the metropolitan area.
Other benefits of the lake project are recreation, fish and wildlife
management, and downstream water quality. The majority of the park is
leased to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to operate as a
State Park. The Corps of Engineers manages and operates the Visitor
Center and the Below Dam Recreation Area, as well as the dam. Restrooms
are located at the Visitor Center, the State Park Beach, the Lewis
Center Picnic Area, Hollenback Rd. Boat Ramp and State Park Marina,
State Park Campground, Horsemen’s Day Use Area/Camp, Kilbourne Fishing
Access, Howard Rd. Boat Ramp, Cheshire Boat Ramp and Picnic Area, New
Galena Boat Ramp, Cheshire Fishing Access, and the Below Dam Recreation
Area.
Horseback Riding
The
park offers a bridle trail of 50 miles. The majority of the trail is
north of U.S. Route 36/State Route 37 and is recommended for
experienced riders. Horse rental is not available. Parking for
trailers; overnight camping, water and restrooms are available at the
Horsemen’s Day Use Area/Camp on Howard Road.
The campground, on the west side of the lake, was constructed by the
Army Corps of Engineers and is operated by the State Park. There are
297 sites, all with new electrical hook-up (1999), a picnic table, and
a fire ring. Showers, flush toilets, drinking water, a trailer waste
station, playground, basketball court and a shelter house are also
available as well as a beach and a boat ramp which are exclusively for
campground guests. Sites are available on a first come, first served
basis. Other camping areas include a Group Camp at the Lewis Center
Picnic Area, and camping for horsemen at the Horsemen’s Day Use
Area/Camp on Howard Road.
For more information:
http://www.lrh.usace.army.mil/projects/lakes/acs/ 
