Wayne National Forest – Athens

In the hills of southeastern Ohio, towns are few and far between. This region is known as Ohio’s Hill Country. Campers and hikers enjoy the tranquility of the only national forest in Ohio. The forest is open year-round and forest use, with a few exceptions, is free. There are places where people can truly get away from it all and find virtual solitude. An out-of-the-way campground on the north shore of Burr Oak Lake offers seclusion for campers.

Wayne National Forest offers a 70-mile off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail in the Monday Creek area of the Athens Unit. This area attracts OHV riders from across the Midwest and is a premier system of trails. Mountain bikes are also welcome on the trail system. For the horseback rider, the Stone Church Horse Trail and Camp have 21 miles of backcountry trails for riding and a horse camp catering to the needs of horsemen. For the hiker and backpacker, some believe there is no trail in Ohio as fine as the 19 mile Wildcat Hollow trail. Trails are open from April 15 through December 15 each year for mountain bike, horse and ATV use. Trails are open year round for hiking. Permits are required to ride OHVs, horses, and mountain bikes.