26 Jul Behind the Wayne National Forest – Marissa Hurst

The Wayne Nationa Forest was established by the United States Forest Service in December of 1934. Previously known for the iron, coal, timber, oil, clay, salt, and gas industries, the Wayne was set into place to bring restoration to Ohio. The Forest was named after the heroic General Anthony Wayne. With the great history behind this National Treasure, the Forest has been able to preserve and share its acreage of 107,090 with the public. As well to the Wayne National Forest is the only National Forest in Ohio, the Forest covers many Ohio counties, such as Sciotto, Gallia, Jackson, and Lawrence. With the main Ranger Stations in place (Athens, Marietta, and Ironton), the Forest has been able to provide years of service to its service. There is a wide range of activities to do in the Ironton District, such as:

• Beaches
  • Lake Vesuvius Recreation Center
  • Big Bend Swimming Beach

• Lakes
• Streams

• Hiking Trails
  • Hanging Rock OHV System
  • Hanging Rock Trailhead
  • Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
  • Iron Ridge Campground
  • Lake Vesuvius – Roadside Picnic Area (not shelter)
  • Lake Vesuvius Boardwalk Trail
  • Balancing Rock Trailhead
  • Bluegrass Trailhead
  • John’s Creek Trailhead
  • Paddle Creek Horse Camp
  • Sand Hill Trailhead
  • Lake Vesuvius Picnic Areas – Roadside Shelter
  • Oak Hill Campground
  • Rock House Trailhead
  • Pine Creek OHV System
  • Lyra Trailhead
  • Telegraph Trailhead
  • Wolcott Trailhead
  • Superior Trailhead
  • Symmes Creek/Morgan Sisters Trail
  • Morgan Sisters Trailhead
  • Symmes Creek East Trailhead
  • Symmes Creek West Trailhead
  • Timbre Ridge Lake

• Horse Trails
  • Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
  • Lake Vesuvius Horseback Riding System
  • Balancing Rock Trailhead
  • Bluegrass Trailhead
  • John’s Creek Trailhead
  • Paddle Creek Horse Camp
  • Sand Hill Trailhead

• OHV/ ATV Trails
  • Hanging Rock OHV System
  • Hanging Rock Trailhead
  • Pine Creek OHV System
  • Lyra Trailhead
  • Telegraph Trailhead
  • Wolcott Trailhead
  • Superior OHV System
  • Superior Trailhead

• Hunting
  • Timber Ridge Lake

• Camping/ Dispersed Camping
  • Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
  • Iron Ridge Campground
  • Oak Hill Campground
  • Pine Knob Loop
  • more…

• Outdoor Learning

• Picknicking
  • Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
  • Lake Vesuvius – Roadside Picnic Area (not shelter)
  • Lake Vesuvius Picnic Areas – Furnace Shelter
  • Lake Vesuvius Picnic Areas – Roadside Shelter

• Scenic Driving

• Water Activities
  • Beaches

• Archery Shooting

• ,,, and so much more!

Being here at the Ironton District in Pedro, OH and it has been wonderful! I have been able to learn so much about the opportunities and have been able to participate in many of the activities on my down time. It is such a fun way to enjoy the beauty of nature, as well as helping learn and find stewardship in your surrounding area.

Thank you to the Wayne National Forest for such detailed information of the Forest!

Useful information:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/wayne/recarea/?recid=82329