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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Wayne National Forest

Hanging Rock

Ponds

Forest

Service

FS-R9-024

05/2015
Welcome to Hanging Rock 

The Hanging Rock Area fishing ponds are the result 

of strip-mining that occurred in the 1960’s and 

1970’s. Much of the upland area was badly scarred. 

Some areas were left with very steep, almost vertical slopes. Now these areas form the 51 ponds in 

the Hanging Rock Area. 

jFishing

The Hanging Rock fishing ponds are managed to 

provide largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and 

some channel catfish fishing opportunities. Fish 

populations are surveyed and ponds are stocked 

in cooperation with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. 

The Forest Service monitors and manages the 

ponds to improve water quality, fisheries habitat 

and angler access. 

Some ponds have been stocked with grass carp to 

control aquatic vegetation and improve the quality of fishing. All grass carp (white amur) must be 

immediately returned to the pond unharmed. The 

Wayne encourages catch-and-release fishing. 

Do not dump your left over bait in the ponds, many 

of the species may be invasive or carry disease. 

Dispose of bait in the trash. Bait and non-native 

plants and animals hitchhiking in bait buckets can 

harm our lakes and rivers.

All Ohio fishing regulations apply.

LBoating

Boats may be used on 

the ponds that are large 

enough to accommodate 

watercraft. 

`0-

OHVs and Mountain Bikes

In addition to the fishing ponds in this 5,000 acre 

area, there are 26 miles of Off-highway vehicle 

(OHV) trails. These trails are also open to mountain biking. Vehicle parking is available at the 

trailheads and at designated pull-offs along the 

road. 

& Hunting

White-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrels, rabbits, 

waterfowl, and other game animals are found 

in the area. You may hunt anywhere on national 

forest land outside of developed recreation areas. 

Ohio hunting regulations apply.

w Hiking

A road system also provides access to some of the 

ponds. Other ponds are accessible only by walking in. For anglers who prefer a more solitary 

experience you may wish to choose a pond not 

accessible by trail or road. 

Bring your binoculars and camera; the woods 

come alive with color in the spring and fall. If 

you walk softly you can also often see some of 

southeastern Ohio’s wildlife around the ponds. 

For More Information:

Hanging Rock Lakes are managed out of the 

Ironton District Office. The office is open 

from 8 - 4:30 Monday through Friday.

Ironton Ranger District

6518 State Route 93

Pedro, OH 45659

Phone: 740-534-6500

Federal relay system for the deaf and hearing 

impaired: 1-800-877-8339

website: www.fs.usda.gov/wayne

Vicinity Map

To help slow the spread of emerald ash borer 

and other invasive pests, no firewood may 

be transported onto Wayne National Forest lands, except commercially packaged wood with the 

USDA inspection label. You 

may collect a small amount 

(what can be carried by hand) 

of down and dead firewood to 

be used at your recreation site.

aCamping

Primitive camping is permitted anywhere on national forest land. Camping is limited to a 14-day 

stay in one location.

We request that you camp at least 20 yards back 

from the water line to prevent shoreline erosion 

and that campers avoid using the same sites repeatedly to reduce soil compaction. Please pack 

in your own water supply and pack out everything you pack in.

mSwimming

Swimming is allowed at your own risk. 

Regulations

The area is periodically patrolled by the 

Forest Service, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s 

Department and Ohio DNR Wildlife Officer.

Alcohol possession is prohibited at the Hanging 

Rock OHV Trailhead and 100 feet from cleared 

edge. It is also prohited 100 feet from the centerline of Forest Road 105 and spurs A, B, and C.