Hiking

There are approximately 300 miles of trails open to hiking and backpacking on the Wayne National Forest. The Forest has options for all types of hikers, allowing for a quick few miles to multi-day expeditions. Whatever your wander, you'll find it on the Forest.

Choose which type of hiking you would like from the menu above; from longer backpacking trips ranging from 10 miles and beyond, or from a wider set of day-hikes that range from 1-10 miles.

Trail Use

Depending upon the trail you choose to hike, you may encounter off-highway vehicles (OHVs), horses, or mountain bikes. Hikers should yield to horses and be mindful of traffic. Many trails intersect roads. If you bring your dog, it should be on a leash. Also use caution during hunting seasons. Blaze orange clothing is recommended during these times.

Hiking Resources

• Know Before You Go
• Leave No Trace Ethics

Accessible Hiking Areas

The Wayne National Forest is to proud offer outdoor experiences for everyone. The following sites are some of our most accessible hiking destinations:

• Lake Vesuvius Boardwalk Trail
• Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail at Rutherford Wetlands

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Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking (18)

Day Hikes (34)

General Hiking (1)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 37 results

Addis Mine and Botany Trails

The Addis Mine Trail is 0.7 miles starting at the Ironton Ranger Station and ending near Oak Hill Campground. It shares short segments with the Botany Trail and the Main Loop Vesuvius Horse Trail.…

Archer's Fork Loop Trail

This 14-mile loop trail may be the most scenic area on the entire Wayne National Forest. This rugged loop trail includes the Irish Run Natural Bridge, a rockshelter, and some outstanding scenery.The…

Baileys Trail System

The Baileys Trail System is located in the Athens Unit of the Athens Ranger District and managed by the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia. Currently, 26 miles of trail are on the ground and…

Balancing Rock Trailhead

Site Open

This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground.The Lake…

Bluegrass Trailhead

Site Open

This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground.The Lake…

Burr Oak Cove Campground

Site Open

Burr Oak Cove Campground is a small densely wooded campground on the northwest tip of Burr Oak Reservoir in Athens County. The campground has 19 camping units, including walk-in sites which offer…

Covered Bridge Trail

The Covered Bridge Trail is a 5-mile trail located at Hune Bridge Campground and offers access from either campgrounds to the North Country Trail. The trail is open to mountain bike use from April 15…

Hune Bridge Campground

Site Open

Access the Hune Bridge Campground along the National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway (S.R. 26) in Washington County. The campground is located across the historic Hune Covered Bridge. The…

Iron Ridge Campground

Site Open

This newly renovated family campground is located on a ridge on the east side of Lake Vesuvius and accesses Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area facilities by a hiking trail.The campground has a total of…

John's Creek Trailhead

Site Open

This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground.The Lake…