The Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio is one of 15
National Forests in the Eastern Region of the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest
came into being in the mid 1930's after the Depression years resulted in a mass
migration of farmers out of the area, generally just abandoning their eroded
farms. As the amount of tax delinquent land grew, the legislature from the
state requested the federal government to come in and purchase land for
National Forest purposes.
The Wayne is located in the hills of southeastern Ohio and is over 210,000
acres. Tucked into the corner of the state with the Ohio River to the south
and the east, this Forest is within a few hours drive of the metropolitan
centers of Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron, Cleveland, Louisville, and
Pittsburgh. With a checkerboard pattern of private land, care must be taken
to respect the rights of private landowners and visitors are encouraged to
purchase maps showing Forest ownership.
Geography -- The Wayne lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Rugged hills covered with diverse stands of hardwoods, pine, and cedar; lakes,
rivers, and streams; springs, rockshelters, and covered bridges, all
characterize the Wayne National Forest.
Ecosystems -- Part of the central hardwoods forest types, the Wayne is
characterized by upland oak-hickory forests. There are native pine in some
areas, beech-maple stands in others. Wetlands are also found on the Wayne, in
addition to several rivers and streams. Much of the Wayne National Forest was
strip mined at the turn of the century, so part of the Forest is in various
stages of reclamation and revegetation. With each forest community, exist a
myriad complex of birds, animals, mosses, insects, and other life forms.
Recreation -- Pulling visitors from throughout Ohio as well as neighboring
states, the Wayne offers many ways that people can enjoy the Forest. The Lake
Vesuvius Recreation Area offers campgrounds, picnic areas, an historic site, a
lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, and hiking and horseback riding
trails. There are numerous other small lakes for fishing, campgrounds and
picnic areas, and rivers with boating or canoeing access. The Wayne's Covered
Bridge Scenic Byway is of exceptional quality, including covered bridges, mail
pouch tobacco barns, and a quaint glimpse of rural crossroads America. The
North Country trail comes through Ohio which ties together several of the
Forest's finest hiking trails. There are also three trail areas for ORV riding.
Special Features -- The Wayne National Forest is a fascinating area from an
historical standpoint. The natural setting is uniquely beautiful. The
countryside's blend of forested hillsides and pastureland bring to mind the
classic setting of American rural life. The history of the area is interwoven
with the present -- from ancient Adena Indian mounds in the center of small
communities, to covered bridges along rural roads, or the skeletal remains of
the great rock iron furnaces. The scars of highwalls from strip mining, and the
vintage oil wells which still pump rhythmically along country roads, offer a
nostalgic trip back in time.
Recreation
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area/Ironton Ranger District
Rock House Interpretive Trail -- This is a 1/2 mile paved trail that leads the visitor to beautiful rock shelter. A boardwalk provides access to the rock shelter. Interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of the bygone iron furnace industry.
Oak Hill Campground -- Campsites 2-7 and 15-19
Iron Ridge Campground -- Campsites 2-7
Athens Ranger District
Burr Oak Cove Campground -- one campsite
For more information on campgrounds in the Wayne National Forest refer to the Wayne National Forest Campground Guide provided by the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide
Towns and Attractions Nearby
A variety of state parks that offer additional camping, fishing/boating,
restaurants, lodges/cabins, swimming and picnicking for family enjoyment.
For more information contact 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Bob Evans Farm (Rio Grande, OH): Things to see include the recreated log
cabin village of Adamsville, the Farm Museum, Wildlife Area, and Craft
Barn. Many visitors enjoy horseback riding, hiking, canoeing and visiting
Daniel Boone's Cave along Raccoon Creek.
Buckeye Furnace (near Jackson, OH): This attraction is managed by the Ohio Historical Society and includes a reconstructed 19th century charcoal iron furnace, company store, and a walking tour.
Mound City Group National Monument (National Park Service, Chillicothe, OH): The site of the largest known concentration of the Hopewell burial mounds that date back two thousand years ago.
"Tecumseh!" (Chillicothe, OH): Outdoor drama that recounts the life of the Shawnee and great leader Tecumseh!
Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad (Nelsonville, OH): A scenic tour through the hills of Southern Ohio.
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