State Forests and Recreation
Ohio operates 20 state forests, covering more than 185,000 acres in 21 counties, mostly in Ohio’s unglaciated southeastern region.
The forests are open to visitors daily between 6:00 a.m. and 11 p.m., except Hocking State Forest which closes at dark. Campers, hunters, and those with special permits are allowed in authorized areas after hours.
 Backpack Trails
Two backpack trails available. The 60-mile Shawnee State Forest backpack trail crosses rugged terrain requiring moderate skill and endurance. The 23-mile Zaleski State Forest backpack trail provides a shorter and less strenuous hike.
Self-registration permits (no fee) available at each respective trailhead. Groups restricted to a maximum of ten persons and reservations are not required or accepted. Latrines and water (weather permitting) provided at various locations indicated on trail maps.
State Forest Open Houses for Fiscal Year 2010 - Documents, that outline important activities such as timber harvests, prescribed burning, recreational trail activities, and other activities scheduled for the next 12 months on State Forests managed by the ODNR - Division of Forestry, will be shared and discussed at the annual open houses listed below. Should you have any questions regarding these meetings, please contact us
Athens District Office
360 East State Street
Athens, OH 45701
August 19, 2009
4:30pm - 7:00pm
(For all southern Ohio State Forests)
Shawnee State Forest
13291 U.S. 52
West Portsmouth, OH
August 20, 2009
4:30pm - 7:00pm
(For all southern Ohio State Forests)
Below are the State Forest Annual Work Plans to be presented at both the Athens and Shawnee Open Houses (pdf):
Blue Rock State Forest
Brush Creek State Forest
Dean State Forest
Gifford State Forest
Hocking State Forest
Perry State Forest
Pike State Forest
Richland Furnance State Forest
Scioto Trail State Forest
Shade River State Forest
Shawnee State Forest
Shawnee State Forest Fire Salvage Work Plan
Tar Hollow State Forest
Zaleski State Forest
Mohican-Memorial State Forest
3060 County Road 939
Perrysville, OH 44864
August 26, 2009
4:30pm - 7:00pm
State Forest Annual Work Plan for Mohican-Memorial State Forest (pdf)
Maumee State Forest
3390 County Road D
Swanton, OH 43558
September 2, 2009
4:30pm - 7:00pm
State Forest Annual Work Plan for Maumee State Forest (pdf)
Fernwood State Forest
11 Township Road 181
Bloomingdale, OH 43910
September 3, 2009
4:30pm - 7:00pm
State Forest Annual Work Plans for Fernwood, Harrison, Beaver Creek, Yellow Creek, and Sunfish Creek (pdf)
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