About Indianfield Bluffs Park

This site, acquired in August of 2008, opened to the public in June of 2009. A parking lot, with picnic bench and grill, is located at 10855 Sapp Road, Gambier, Ohio. Sapp Road is located between Caves and Stull roads.

The park was named Indianfield Bluffs because the site contains the confluence of Indianfield Run with the Kokosing State Scenic River. A high bluff on the property renders awesome views of the Kokosing River, particularly during the winter months when the wooded area is leafless. The 25.5 acre site contains bluffs, floodplains, wetlands and an island. Reforestation efforts on the site have been completed in former cropland areas, with thousands of trees planted by park district staff and East Knox High School students.

A 1.5 mile, double loop trail of steep gradients and switchbacks is available for hiking. Towering sycamores, testiment to days gone by, will greet the hiker on the westernmost loop. Read an article regarding the site, courtesy of the Mount Vernon News.

In the History of Knox County, Ohio: Its Past and Present (1881), the following passage is found regarding Indianfield Run (and our park):

"At the mouth of this stream the Indians had cleared a large amount of land, on which they raised much corn, and the stream was so named from this fact."

Kokosing River at Indianfield Bluffs Park

The acquisition was made possible through a grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission and Ohio Division of Wildlife and willing sellers, Roger and Kathy Sherman. The acquisition protects nearly 500 lineal feet of Indianfield Run, 1,156 lineal feet of Kokosing River oxbow and 3,186.6 lineal feet of the Kokosing River mainstem. The state endangered hellbender salamander was found in close proximity to the site, and a pair of bald eagles nests about half a mile upstream of the site.

The island within the park is named "Cedar Waxwing Island," since these beautiful birds inhabit the island and riverine environs.

Cedar Waxwing (photo courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

View of the "rain rocks" along the Kokosing River at Indianfield Run Park

Sandstone outcrop along the Kokosing River at Indianfield Run Park

Thallose liverworts along the Kokosing River at Indianfield Run Park

“Residents have Knox County have indicated their strong desire for the park district to acquire more parkland and protect greenspace,” said Kim Marshall, Director. “This acquisition represents the Knox County Park District’s commitment to afford quality recreational opportunities to the residents of Knox County.”