Lake Alma lies nestled in the heart of the unglaciated hill country of Ohio. These hills are part of the Appalachian Highlands. Most of the rock layers are acidic sandstones, shales and coals with an occasional limestone member.

Much time has passed since the region was first uplifted from the ancient sea that once covered Ohio, allowing for the development of many different habitats. Today, this region supports more than 70% of Ohio's remaining woodlands on only one-third of the state's land. Lake Alma contains a fine example of the second growth forest (mixed oak) now covering this part of the state. With the advent of forest succession on surrounding farmlands, upswings in the population of deer, grouse, gray squirrel and other woodland species were encouraged. In the late 1950s, wild turkeys were reintroduced into this part of the state giving Vinton County the highest population of this species. Other valuable resources include a vast array of woodland wildflowers such as large-flowered trillium, wild geranium and hepatica. A variety of ferns, mosses and lichens blanket the forest floor. The woodthrush, pileated woodpecker, great-horned owl and barred owl make this park their home.

• Take a hike: Nearly 4 miles of trail traverse hilltops and valleys offering hikers a scenic view of the park.
• Check out the botanical preserve: Lake Katherine State Nature Preserve in Liberty Township on County Road 60 contains the largest and finest colonies of both the bigleaf and umbrella magnolias as well as communities of hemlock, sweet gum, birch and beech. The drier ridgetops support mountain laurel, Virginia pine and oak. Orchids are also found here.