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General Visitation and Policy Information Horse Camps and Bridle Trails
History of Ohio State Forests
Our mission is to promote and apply management for the sustainable use of Ohio's private and public forest lands.
Program Administrator: Nate Kirk 614-265-6694
Division of Forestry 2045 Morse Rd. Building H1. Columbus, OH 43229
FIREWOOD ALERT! ODNR and the Department of Agriculture are trying to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer which is an insect that kills ash trees.Extensively found in Michigan and in parts of Indiana and Ohio, the movement of firewood from Michigan into Ohio and out of quarantined counties in Indiana and Ohio has been banned.Campers warned not to risk fines if caught bringing firewood from these quarantined zones.
AUDIO: ATVs and APVs
AUDIO: Ohio's Best Fall Color Trees
VIDEO and MORE AUDIO ------------------------------------------------------- 2008 State Forest Strategic Plan (pdf) Open Comment Period - The Division of Forestry is seeking comments regarding its proposed five-year and annual work plans for Ohio's State Forests. Interested citizens, stakeholders, and neighbors can provide input by either attending a state forest open house or e-mailing the Division of Forestry. 2010 State Forest Open House Schedule State Forest Five-Year Plans (pdf): Beaver Creek State Forest Blue Rock State Forest Brush Creek State Forest Dean State Forest Fernwood State Forest Gifford State Forest Harrison State Forest Hocking State Forest Maumee State Forest Mohican-Memorial State Forest Perry State Forest Pike State Forest Richland Furnace State Forest Scioto Trail State Forest Shade River State Forest Shawnee State Forest Tar Hollow State Forest Yellow Creek State Forest Zaleski State Forest State Forest Annual Work Plans (pdf): Blue Rock State Forest Brush Creek State Forest Dean State Forest Eastern Forests (Fernwood, Harrison, Beaver Creek, Yellow Creek, and Sunfish Creek) Gifford State Forest Hocking State Forest Maumee State Forest Mohican-Memorial State Forest Perry State Forest Pike State Forest Richland Furnace State Forest Scioto Trail State Forest Shade River State Forest Shawnee State Forest Tar Hollow State Forest Zaleski State Forest
The forests are open to visitors daily between 6:00 a.m. and 11 p.m., except Hocking State Forest which closes at dark. Campers, hunters, and those with special permits are allowed in authorized areas after hours.
Backpack Trails Two backpack trails available. The 60-mile Shawnee State Forest backpack trail crosses rugged terrain requiring moderate skill and endurance. The 23-mile Zaleski State Forest backpack trail provides a shorter and less strenuous hike.
Self-registration permits (no fee) available at each respective trailhead. Groups restricted to a maximum of ten persons and reservations are not required or accepted. Latrines and water (weather permitting) provided at various locations indicated on trail maps.
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