Ohio’s Wayne National Forest is the perfect place to spend the holidays!

It could be a wonderful experience to explore Ohio’s Wayne National Forest during the upcoming holidays. According to the US Forest Service Department, this forest provides over 400 miles of hiking trails, OHV trails, mountain biking trails, and horseback riding trails.

When you’re thinking about nearby things to do and you’re a Mason or Cincinnati resident, Wayne National Forest is a worthwhile option. Ohio’s Wayne National Forest is the largest forest in the state, located in southwest Ohio. You can hike, camp, and fish there. Wayne National Forest is estimated to attract 240,000 visitors annually by the US Forest Service.

There are almost a quarter million acres of public land in southeastern Ohio’s Wayne National Forest, a patchwork of Appalachian foothills. In Nelsonville and Ironton, two Ranger District offices manage the Forest, and one field office is located in Marietta. This National Forest covers twelve counties in Ohio.

Check out this latest video of the Forest Lake View

Points to visit

Athens Unit– A number of landmarks are located in this area, including Shawnee and Snake Ridge Lookout Towers, Tinker’s Cave, and the Payne Cemetery.

Marietta Unit– There are a few special features in this area, such as Walter Ring House, Irish Run Natural Bridge, and Covered Bridges

Ironton Unit – In this area, you can explore Vesuvius Furnace and Lake Vesuvius.

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is open for visitors.

It is this lake that attracts most visitors to this forest. With small children, this trail is a good choice if you want a short hike.

In honor of the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace, Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is the most developed recreation area in the Wayne National Forest. This site is framed by rugged hills and outcropping cliffs. Also, you can do boating here but Lake Vesuvius allows only electric-powered boats.

Also, check Smoky Mountain National Forest at https://journals-times.com/2022/10/14/fall-is-the-time-to-explore-the-smoky-mountains/

This park includes several amenities, including a 143-acre lake, two family campgrounds, a group campground, picnic areas, fishing, boating, hiking, scenic overlooks, and an archery trail. This recreation area is home to the 46-mile Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System, open from early spring to winter.

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Campers have several camping options in the National Forest. Every Ranger District offers backpacking, developed campsites, and remote backpacking. Camping options include campgrounds, dispersed camping, group camping, and RV camping. For camping, the forest is open April-October. For camping-related information, visit the government website https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/wayne/recreation/camping-cabins

You can do the following five things in Wayne National Forest

• Outdoor recreation: The surrounding area is covered in forested land, offering hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding opportunities.
• The beauty of the woods: The woods provide rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers, which provide a stunning natural backdrop. Hikers and campers can explore the picturesque landscape created by Lake Vesuvius, for example.
• Observation of wildlife: Wildlife viewing is available in this forest, which is home to deer, turkeys, foxes, and numerous birds.
• Historical significance: You can see the Native American burial mounds and coal mines are among the forest’s cultural and historical heritage, along with the Hocking Canal.
• Educational Activities: A ranger-led program, exhibits, and educational activities provide an opportunity to learn about Ohio’s natural and cultural heritage.

You need passes & permits for certain activities

• Motorized trails are used for riding off-highway vehicles. for more info, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/wayne/passes-permits/?cid=stelprdb5097610
• A permit is required for gathering firewood.
• The collection of certain forest products.
• The collection of American ginseng.
• Hosting an event on national forest property.
• Commercial and business use of national forest system land