Crawford State Fishing Lake, originally a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) project during the Great Depression, is surrounded by a variety of nature, including grasslands and plains as well as green woodlands. The lake area is a great spot for bird watching, as it is home to cardinals, indigo buntings, hawks, Bell’s vireos, and dickcissels as well as many shorebirds at the lake’s edge and on its waters. Fishing enthusiasts may find channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass. There are also several lovely hiking and nature trails around Crawford State Fishing Lake, ranging from the easy and scenic Spider Leg Trail and Deer Run Nature Trail to the more challenging 7 mile Drywood Creek Trail.

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