Wayne National Forest

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Additional Information

Location: Headquarters: 13700 US Hwy 33, Nelsonville

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Phone: 740-753-0101

The Wayne National Forest is located in the hills of southeastern Ohio. In the heart of the heavily populated midwest, this small National Forest covers a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills.

With covered bridges, rock shelters, springs and rugged hills covered with hardwood and pine, the Wayne is a serene beauty with over 300 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, horseback riders and ATV riders.

Backpacking or cross country hiking is permitted anywhere on National Forest (NF) lands. Take extra precautions during hunting seasons by wearing bright orange clothing. It is a good idea to carry a compass. Forest streams do not meet the safety standards for drinking water. We recommend taking your water with you. NF ownership is not continuous and private lands are interspersed. Respect the rights of these owners by staying on public lands.

Keep away from oil/gas operations, they are private property and potentially dangerous. Pumpjacks may begin to operate without warning and any open flame, firearm discharge, or spark could cause an explosion.

Primitive Camping
Primitive Camping is allowed on NF land away from developed campgrounds and anywhere that your camping equipment and/or vehicle do not block developed trails or road right-of-ways. Camping is also NOT allowed within designated Special Areas. Plan to bring enough drinking water for the duration of your stay. Leave a clean campsite by packing out all refuse. There is no charge for primitive camping, although a 14 day limitation is in effect. It is not normally necessary to check in with the Forest Service. However, groups larger than 25 people require a permit and prior coordination is required.

Campground Reservations
Reservations are not required for developed campsites. However, to be assured a campsite, especially on holiday weekends, you may wish to make a reservation. To reserve a campsite at the Vesuvius or Leith Run Recreation Areas call the National Reservation System at the toll free number 1-877-444-6777. Hearing impaired persons should call 1-877-833-6777. A reservation service fee of $9 will be charged. You should call 5 days in advance. Camping is limited to 14 days within a 21 day period.

Personal property should not be left unattended for more than 24 hours and campsites should be occupied the first night.

Other Campgrounds with direct access to the trails include Camp Ohio, 740-753-2303, Camp Williams, 740-753-3611 and Begley's Campground, 740-394-2539.

Hunting, Trapping and Fishing
State laws on hunting, trapping and fishing are enforced on NF lands, requiring either resident or non-resident license. Generally hunting is allowed anywhere on NF land. An exception is recreation areas with designated boundaries. In all areas with scattered ownership please have a detailed map and do not trespass on adjacent private land.

Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, trailhead, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be. Shooting across roads or bodies of water is also prohibited. State Law prohibits target practicing on all public lands (including the Wayne National Forest), except when legally pursuing game.

Get There!

From Athens, take 33 West toward Nelsonville... the Wayne National Headquarters will be on your right just a few miles after you pass The Plains.

From Nelsonville and Columbus, take 33 East toward Athens, the Wayne National Headquarters will be on your left just a few miles after you leave Nelsonville.