Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit

Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail

wdv_ 0.5 mile

This fully accessible 

surfaced trail is built on an 

abandoned railroad bed. The 

first portion of the trail lies 

between the wetland and the 

Monday Creek bottomland. 

Further down the trail, visitors will walk through a pine 

plantation, a hardwood forest, and along a pond.

Wildlife abounds! The district office has 

a list of bird species you are likely to see so 

bring your binoculars. Enjoy the artwork and 

poetry as you stroll along this interpretive nature trail. 

Trailhead: 39o30’35”N 82o15’42”W

Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit 

Sand Run Pond Trail

w_ 0.3 mile

This short trail circles Sand Run Pond under 

tall white pines. 

 Sand Run Pond: 39o31’33”N 82o15’34”W

Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit 

Lakeview Trail

w_ 1.2 mile

This trail connects the Burr Oak Cove Campground 

with Burr Oak Lake. This scenic trail winds down a 

ridge, along a stream, then over another hill to reach 

the lake. It is a moderatly difficult trail. Take a fishing 

pole and check out the lake.

Burr Oak Campground: 39o32’59”N 82o3’28”W

Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit 

Wildcat Hollow Trail

w_ 17.2 miles

One of the District’s most popular hiking trails. 

The scenic trail winds along ridgetops and stream bottoms; allowing the hiker to venture through white pine 

plantations, open meadows, deep deciduous forests, 

along quiet streams, and rock outcroppings. 

To reach the trail, follow the signs from State 

Route 13 between Corning and Glouster. A parking 

area at the southern end of the trail network accesses 

Ironton Ranger District 

Lake Vesuvius 

Hiking Trails

Location: 82o37’54”W, 38o36’15”N 

Vesuvius Backpack Trail

w_ 17.28 miles

This trail wind through some of the most 

striking landscapes in Ohio. It takes you 

through open fields, brushland, mature forest, 

and along the lakeshore. The terrain is somewhat rugged and the vegetation may be dense. 

Lakeshore Trail

w_ 8.25 miles

The scenic trail follows the shore of Lake 

Vesuvius. Follow the trail along rock bluffs, 

under overhanging hemlock, across foot 

bridges, across the lake’s dam, and over the 

boardwalk. This trail can take more than 4 

hours to hike so bring plenty of water. 

Addis Mine/Botany Trail

w_ 0.93 mile

The Addis Mine Trail links the Ironton 

Ranger District office with the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. Campers can hike up and get information 

at the District office. Interpretive signs describe past 

mining activities. The Botany Trail is a short pleasant 

walking near the Ironton Ranger Station with interpretive signs describing local wildflowers. 

Whiskey Run Trail

w_ 0.85 mile

This trail is perfect for families out for a short day 

hike. It connects the Lakeshore Trail and Iron Ridge 

Campground. The loop trail passes abandoned charcoal 

pits, remnants of a whiskey still and parts of old whiskey barrels. 

Longbow Archery Trail

w_ 0.78 mile

This trail has two segments, the long gravel loop 

is 0.62 mile with 18 archery targets, some three dimensional. A shorter loop is level with crushed limestone designed for accessibility. There are 10 targets 

with bow hangers and benches on this section. 

Rock House Trail

w_ 0.42 mile

The trail begins at the upper end of the boat launch 

Ironton Ranger District 

Symmes Creek and

Morgan Sisters Trails

w_ 14 total miles

The 6 trails in the Morgan Sisters – Symmes 

Creek Trail System are located in Gallia County, 

Ohio near Patriot. The trails travel through dense vegetation and over hilly rough terrain. Elevation varies 280 

feet from Symmes Creek to the highest point on School 

House Loop. 

Symmes Creek North and Symmes Creek South 

Trails are on the east side of the creek and form a 4.53 mile 

loop. These trails wind through a variety of forest types, 

along ridgetops, 

and with occasional overlooks. 

Along Symmes 

Creek there are 

large rock outcroppings and 

natural wetlands. 

Coal Branch, 

Ridge,and School

House Loop Trails

make up the Morgan Sisters Trail System and are located on 

the west side of Symmes Creek. These trails are linked to 

the two Symmes Creek trails by a short connector trail. 

The Morgan Sisters Trails wind through mature woods 

with old home sites along the trail, reminders of the Forest’s past.

Three trailheads can be used to access the Morgan 

Sisters – Symmes Creek trails.

• Morgan Sisters Trailhead 38o49’3”N 82o29’20”W

• Symmes Creek TH #1 38o48’58”N 82o26’42”W

• Symmes Creek TH #2 38o49’7”N 82o27’51”W

Rock House Trail

Longbow Archery Trail

the first loop of the trail. The trail offers a 5 and 17 mile 

option for hikers and is marked with white diamonds. 

In addition to the wildflowers and wildlife you may 

encounter along the trail, you’ll also pass the ruins of a 

one room schoolhouse, an oil well site, an abandoned 

farmhouse, and a variety of Forest management activities.

Trailhead: 39o34’22”N 82o1’58”W

Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit

Monroe Outlook Trails

Vvw_ 0.1 mile

This nearby trail that climbs to the highest point of 

Monroe Township. The overlook offers a 360 degree 

view of the landscape. The trail is only 0.1 mile long, 

maintained by the Little Cities of the Forest Collaborative, Miller High School, and the Wayne. Along this trail, 

you’ll see different stages of forest succession, each providing different habitat for wildlife. 

Bring your binoculars for both of these trails. 

Trailhead: 39o35’26”N 82o3’17”W

Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit 

North Country Trail 

w_ 42.2 miles

The section of the North Country Trail

(NCT) through the Athens Unit follows roads and 

trails. Watch for mileage to change when trails are relocated off of roads. The NCT is co-located with the 

Buckeye Trail and American Discovery Trail. Bikes 

are not allowed on the Athens unit of the NCT.

Trail Name Length 

(Miles)

ATHENS RANGER DISTRICT 

-ATHENS UNIT

North Country Trail 42.2

Lakeview 1.2

Monroe Outlook 0.1

Ora E. Anderson 0.5 

Sand Run Pond 0.3

Utah Ridge Pond 0.3

Wildcat Hollow 17.2

ATHENS RANGER DISTRICT - 

MARIETTA UNIT

9 Bell 3.2

Archers Fork (NCT) 

Loop

11.0

Covered Bridge 4.8

Green Wood 7.5

Jackson Run 4.7

Lamping Homestead 4.2

Leith Run Gazebo 0.4

North Country Trail 63.8

Ohio View 8.8

Scenic River 4.4

Shay Ridge

 (Connector Trail)

3.5

IRONTON RANGER DISTRICT

Addis Mine 1.2

Longbow Archery 0.8

Morgan Sisters 8.7

Rock House 0.4

Oak Hill Campground 1.5

Symmes Creek 4.5

Symmes Creek 

Connector

0.5

Vesuvius Backpack 17.3

Vesuvius Lakeshore 8.3

Whiskey Run 0.9

The only trail on the Athens Unit not described on this 

map is the Utah Ridge Pond Trail which is a 0.3 

mile hiking-only trail that circles the pond as shown on 

the vicinity map above.

Birdwatching on the Ora E.

Anderson Nature Trail

Wayne National 

Forest Trails

parking area and winds through fascinating geologic formations, a natural rock shelter, and large boulders. It is 

one of the most scenic trails in the area and part is wheelchair accessible, with boardwalks and paved trail. 

Oak Hill Campground Trails

w_ Location: 82o38’2”W, 38o36’53”N 

Four trails connecting to different parts of the campground and boat dock. The rock House, Black Oak, Old 

Beach, and Scarlet Oak Trails form a 1.5 mile loop.

Black Oak Trail 0.34 mile 

This trail connects the Rock House Trail with the 

Black Oak Campground Loop. 

Scarlet Oak Trail 0.45 mile

This trail connects the boat dock with the Scarlet 

Oak Campground Loop. 

Old Beach Trail 0.61 mile

This trail connects the Scarlet Oak Trail (site 23) and 

connects with the Black Oak Loop.

White Oak Trail 0.14 mile

This trail connects the Black Oak Trail with the 

White Oak Campground Loop. 
Campfires

Campfires can cause lasting impacts to 

the forest. A lightweight stove is preferable for cooking 

and a candle lantern for light. 

Small, open fires are permitted except during extremely 

high fire danger. No special permits are required. Build 

a fire ring, and use extreme caution with campfires; 

making sure they are out cold before leaving the campsite. Keep fires 150 feet from any trail. 

Use only dead and down material for firewood. Cutting 

or defacing live trees or shrubs is prohibited. Campfires 

are not allowed within rock shelters.

Dispose of Waste

- Pack it in, pack it out. 

- Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches

deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. 

- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. 

- To wash yourself and dishes, carry water 200 feet away 

from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. 

Athens Ranger District -Marietta Unit 

Lamping Homestead Trail

w- 4.2 miles

This trail is perfect for those looking for a tranquil 

setting. Nestled in the hills, this was the site the Lamping

family chose to homestead in the 1800s. Now a campground, picnic area, fishable lake, and trail make this a 

quiet get-away. The nearby Clear Fork Creek, a tributary 

of the Little Muskingum River, is also popular for fishing

and wading. 

As the trail meanders through big pine and old forest 

stands, you can stop at overlooks and view areas that 

may not look much different than they did to the Lamping

family in the early 1800s. 

Trailhead: 39o37’50”N; 81o11’23”W

North Country Trail (NCT)

w- 53.5 miles

The NCT is co-located with the Buckeye, Pioneer, and 

American Discovery Trail through the Marietta Unit. The 

trail is marked with blue diamonds or blue blazes. The NCT, 

once completed, will extend through seven states, totaling 

over 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota. The secthe few remaining of the 3,548 covered bridges once 

found in Ohio. Take time to examine their craftsmanship. These durable bridges are a distinct part of Americana. 

Each of these bridges provides access points to the 

river, parking, picnicking, toilet facilities, and primitive 

campsites.

Haught Run Bridge: 39o31’53”N; 81o13’32”W

Hune Bridge: 39o30’37”N; 81o15’1”W

Green Wood Trail

w- 7.5 miles

This trail connects with the Scenic River Trail, creating 

an 11.9-mile loop. Highlights of this trail include vistas of 

the Ohio River and an amazing stone chimney and hearth 

that remain along the trail, witnesses to another time when 

a pioneer family homesteaded these hills. 

Archers Fork

wx- 11 miles

The primary trailhead is next to the historic St Patricks Cemetery. This loop trail is possibly the Wayne’s 

most scenic section of the NCT, and is also among the 

most rugged and unique. The trail passes numerous rock 

tion of trail south of State 

Route 260 is popular with 

mountain bikes. 

9 Bell Trail 

w- 3.2 mile

This is the center portion 

of the NCT through the 

Marietta Unit connecting 

County Road 9 and the 

Bell Cemetery Road.

Trailhead: 39o28’27”N; 81o10’38”W

Covered Bridge Trail

w- 4.8 miles

This trail combines

rich history with the outstanding natural beauty 

of the area. A covered 

bridge is found at each 

end of the trail. Each of 

the bridges is over 100 

years old and are among 

shelters and outcroppings including the 

Great Cave Rockshelter and vintage 

oil and gas wells. 

The most significant point of interest on the trail is the 

Irish Run Natural 

Bridge. Located on the upper 

slope of a steep hollow, erosion and weathering have created a hole beneath solid rock. It is one of only seven natural 

bridges in Ohio. The arch is 51 feet long, 16 feet thick and 

39 feet above the ground.

St Patricks Cemetery TH: 39o31’26”N; 81o10’51”W

Shay Ridge Trail

w- 3.5 miles

This connector trail links the Covered Bridge trail to 

the Archers Fork loop. It optimizes the opportunity to enjoy 

some of the Wayne’s premier trails. 

Ohio View Trail

w-V 8.8 miles

This trail begins in the Ohio River bottomland and climbs 

Riding the NCT.

Hune Covered Bridge

Irish Run Natural Bridge

the slopes of the valley to an overlook high above the river. 

There are spectacular views of the Ohio River valley as the 

trail climbs through shady coves, crosses brooks, and weaves 

through interesting rock outcrops. 

Trailhead SR 7: 39o28’32”N; 81o6’35”W

Scenic River Trail

w-V 4.4 miles

The trail begins along the historic Ohio River at Leith 

Run Recreation Area. It meanders through a bottomland field 

and then through a series of switchbacks, before climbing 

the steep hillside. As the trail weaves between boulders and 

along rock bluffs, hikers are able to visit overlooks offering 

views of the river and the valley below. 

Trailhead SR 7: 39o26’38”N; 81o9’40”W

Trailhead CR 9: 39o28’27”N; 81o10’38”W

Jackson Run Trail

w- 4.7 miles

This trail links the Ohio View Trail with the Archers 

Fork Trail making a nice long hike for backpackers looking 

for a challenging hike. 

Trailhead: 39o30’49”N; 81o9’7”W

Leave No Trace Principles

Visitors are encouraged to practice the Leave No Trace 

Principles of outdoor ethics while hiking or biking on 

the Forest. 

- Plan Ahead and Prepare 

- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Avoid Wet 

Areas or Shorelines. 

- Dispose of Waste Properly 

- Leave What You Find 

- Minimize Campfire Impacts 

- Respect Wildlife and Control your Pets

- Be Considerate of Other Visitors 

Photo courtesy of River Valley Mountain Bike Association

Wayne National Forest

Hiking, Backpacking,

and Mountain Bike Trails

Federal relay system for the deaf and hearing impaired: 

1-800-877-8339

website: www.fs.usda.gov/wayne

Ironton Ranger District

6518 State Route 93

Pedro, OH 45659

Phone: 740-534-6500 

The trails are managed from three Wayne National 

Forest offices:

In case of emergency call 911 or 

the local Sheriff’s Office: 

Athens County 740-593-6633

Hocking County 740-385-2131

Perry County 740-342-4123

Lawrence County 740-532-3525

Monroe County 740-472-1612

Washington County 740-376-7070

Athens Ranger District

13700 U.S. Highway 33

Nelsonville, OH 45764

Phone: 740-753-0101

Athens Ranger District 

Marietta Unit - 

27515 State Route 7

Marietta, OH 45750

Phone: 740-373-9055

 2,500 copies

Cover bike photo courtesy of River Valley Mountain Bike Association

The trails on the Wayne offer a variety of distances and challenges. Some trails are open to hiking and mountain biking. Some 

are reserved for hikers only. Please note which uses are allowed on 

each trail. Permits are required for mountain bikes, which are only 

allowed on the trails from April 15 to December 15. 

From the rugged hills along the Ohio River on the North Country

Trail, to the flat rails-to-trail hike along the Ora E. Anderson Nature 

Trail, there is something for everyone. 

Hike and bike into the interior of the Forest and enjoy the 

Appalachian foothills at their tranquil best. Explore the hills and 

coves where memories are waiting to be made. You’ll see remnants 

of our heritage, such as old house sites and abandoned charcoal pits, 

and rows of rocks piled up by farmers a century ago. You’ll also 

experience the natural beauty of wildflowers, rock formations, big 

trees, butterflies, and wildlife. 

We hope you’ll enjoy every turn of the trail.

Be Safe:

• Use a steady pace and plan your travel. We recommend you not 

get out of sight of the trail. Bikers MUST stay on the trail. 

• Keep this map with you so you can check landmarks.

• Carry a water supply with you. Do not drink the water in our 

springs and streams, it is not safe due to past mining practices in 

our watersheds. 

• Stream crossings are usually shallow and safe; however, after 

heavy rains they may be deep and fast moving. Be careful.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. 

• Be aware that there are snakes in the area, though most are not 

aggressive or poisonous. There are also mosquitos, chiggers, 

ticks, and yellow jackets; so you may want to bring a repellent. 

Ticks occasionally carry various diseases; be alert for symptoms 

following a tick bite. 

• Some plants also cause allergic reactions. The most prevalent is 

poison ivy, so learn what to watch for. 

• Use caution during hunting seasons. Blaze orange clothing is 

recommended (do not wear white) during deer season.

• Limbs and trees can fall on the trail at any time, especially on 

windy days. Stay alert. 

• If a parking lot is not available where you wish to access a trail, 

be sure your vehicle is well off the road. If you use a road as part 

of your trip, be mindful of traffic. 

• Please do not block any forest gates. 

Camping

Camping is allowed anywhere on the Wayne. The exception is 

when you are within a developed recreation area you must camp in 

designated sites. Trail corridors often get close to private land, which 

is interspersed with national forest. Please respect the rights of these 

owners. 

If you camp along the trail, do not cut vegetation. Portable camp 

stoves are recommended. If you build a campfire, first construct a fire 

ring, and burn only dead wood picked up from the forest floor. Never 

leave a campfire unattended, and make sure it is out cold before you 

leave. 

Groups larger than 25 require a permit and prior coordination. 

Call one of our offices for information.

Hunting and Fishing

Fishing and hunting are allowed on the Forest and several of 

our trails are near fishable streams or lakes. State licenses are

required, and activities are regulated by the Ohio Department of 

Natural Resources. 

Hunters may not discharge weapons across trails, trailheads, or 

roads or in any occupied area. 

Volunteers

If you are interested in helping to maintain a trail, contact one 

of the Forest offices. 

Welcome to the Wayne 

National Forest

USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider 

and employer.

Forest

Service

FS-R9-005

03/2015