Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve is a two thousand nineteen-acre protected area in southern Ohio northwest of Jackson, centered on an artificial lake in a narrow valley. Managed by the State Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, it includes a small gorge related to the geology of the Hocking Hills region, with bluffs of weathering-resistant sandstone such as Blackhand sandstone. The preserve is especially notable for plant life that combines species from different ranges, including the northernmost extension of some southern trees and more northerly plants like wolf-foot clubmoss. Public access is limited to three main trails, while boating requires written permission and the western section is reserved for research.