Serpent's Tongue 

Map & Directions Below

By now you know that Lake Hope offers cabins, camping, and a dining lodge in an incredibly beautiful little corner of Vinton County with easy access from both north (Columbus) and west (Cincinnati). You may have discovered the miniature joys of Lake Alma with camping and swimming and easy access to the conveniences of the historic town of Wellston, Ohio. But did you yet discover the Chin of the Serpent - secluded, private camping nestled between the Heart and the Tongue of the Serpent. Blue Heron Run is not for you if you are fearful of night noises (fox, owl, coyote, etc.) or made uncomfortable by absolute dark and a sky full up with more stars than you can comfortably count in an evening’s fire sitting. But if you can park on flat, packed gravel (the road is chip and seal) and crave a set up that does not buzz, whoosh, or whir, try BHR on for size.

From your place of repose you will wend to the beginning of the Serpent's Tongue at the intersection of SR 356 & SR 681. If you seek further exploring or adventure (on gravel) go west from there on Rock Camp Road until it meets King Hollow at an old RR bed. Park and walk east, or right (there are metal blocks to keep cars & 4-wheelers off) about 1/4 mile to King Hollow Tunnel. It is featured in our photo album and well worth the hike. Otherwise, head east on SR 681 and set your heart and soul to peacefully cruise the entire length of this wonderful road.

The Tongue extends to the Ohio River and back to Albany and a couple of choices for diner food and desert; The Albany Cafe is located in the old school house behind the library, and Rays Harvest House is on the ramp from 681 to Hwy 50 East. SR 681 to the eastern edge of Ohio is deserted and generally well-paved, though the pavement bucks and ripples at times and passes through winding, scenic, underutilized areas, before dipping crazily into the hills and valleys that lead down to the Ohio River and the tiny town of Reedsville, OH, across from the Belleville Locks and Dam on the Ohio River. 

Stop for gas, or a candy bar, then turn right onto SR 124 along the Ohio River. You'll pass Forked Run State Park (the forked tip of the Serpent's Tongue) and can stop to hike or picnic. Continue on SR 124 a piece to Long Bottom and turn right onto SR 248 into historic Chester, OH, the home of the oldest courthouse in Meigs Co.

Turn south on Hwy 7, then merge onto 33 west past Pomeroy exit. Turn north onto SR 143 all the way to Hwy 32, then right to Albany for dinner.

This is about 104 miles of swaying, undulating pavement that will take you about 2 hours and 35 minutes to tour. You’ve slid over and around on the Serpent's Tongue and you've earned a moment of repose!

Turn by Turn Directions:

Start at intersection of SR 356 & SR 681

East on SR 681 E 

Right in Reedsville SR 124 S

Right on SR 248

Left on Hwy 7

Right onto 33W for a few miles

Right onto SR 143 all the way back to just west of Albany

85 miles - 2 hours

Serpent's Tongue - Map