OHIO

Rome

Vanceburg

PortsmouthBlue

Creek

OtwayLucasville

52

2373

104

73104

52

23

108

10

K E N T U C K Y

Ohio

River

125

Location Map

Additional Information

Shawnee State ForestDivision of Forestry13291 US Highway 52 West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663 Phone: (740) 858-6685Phone: 877-24STREE

Shawnee State Park 4404 State Route 125 West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663 Phone: (740) 858-6652

Shawnee State Park Resort and Conference CenterP.O. Box 189 Friendship, Ohio 45630-0189 Phone: (740) 858-6621

website: ohiodnr.com/forestry

Shawnee Wilderness AreaIn 1972, nearly 8,000 acres of Shawnee State Forest were designated as wilderness. This designation minimizes human influence by prohibiting vegetative manipulation and all mechanized activity. A section of the Wilderness Side Trail traverses a portion of this area. Camping is allowed through a “special use” permit process, which must be submitted in advance (Please see Forest Office).

Back Country Management AreaIn 1999, approximately 8,000 acres adjoining the Shawnee Wilderness Area were designated for special management. The purpose of this area is to provide management opportunities for forest wildlife and state listed rare and endangered species, while creating a unique walk-in hunting, backpacking, camping, and recreational viewing area. Motorized travel in this area is limited to “special use” permits, which must be requested in advance.

Buckeye Trail And North Country TrailThe Buckeye Trail has recently been rerouted to pass through Shawnee State Forest. As seen on the map, it enters the northwest side of the forest, joins the Backpack Trail for fourteen miles, then exits the Backpack Trail and follows the road as it leaves the forest.

This section of the Backpack Trail is also a certified section of the North Country Trail, which is one of the national scenic trails. It begins in North Dakota and ends in upstate New York. Along its way, it passes through Shawnee State Forest on the same route as the Shawnee Backpack Trail and Buckeye Trail.

Backpack Trail Rules

1. You may camp only in the designated campground areas shown on the map.

2. A self-registration permit (no fee) is required of all hikers. The permit, which must be filled out prior

to entering the trail, is available on the trail parking area 24-hours a day, and at Shawnee State Forest Headquarters (open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays). Place the completed permit in the registration box provided and carry the stub with you on the trail.

3. No person is permitted to camp more than 14 days in any 30-day period. Camps must be moved to a different backpack campground each day.

4. Backpack groups are limited to a maximum of 10 persons per party at any one backpack campground.

5. Persons may bring domestic cats and dogs to campgrounds provided they are leashed or under control at all times and under the following conditions: Person must have proof of current rabies inoculation for the animal. A collar or tag bearing the owner’s name and address must be attached to the animal, and the owner or handler must clean up and dispose of any excrement left by their pet in the campground.

6. Fires are prohibited except in designated fire rings or in portable stoves. Cutting of live trees is prohibited.

7. Camps must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner and condition. All refuse must be packed out for proper disposal.

8. No person may disturb the peace and quiet of other persons in the campgrounds in any manner between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Trail Tips1. The Shawnee Backpack Trail requires

moderate levels of skill and endurance. Hikers may encounter greenbriars or stinging nettles along the trail. Proper clothing (shorts are not recommended), sturdy footwear, and good equipment are essential for success.

2. Respect the solitude sought by other backpackers and practice good camping etiquette.

3. The main trail is marked by orange blazes, and side trails with white blazes. If you become lost, roadways can usually be located by following watercourses downhill. Always carry a map and compass.

4. For safety, hike with a partner. Disabling injuries are very dangerous when you are alone.

5. The only drinking water supplies will be close to road crossings, as shown on your map. The water supply is limited, so please use it wisely. Water caches may not be serviced in winter due to bad road conditions. (Water caches are serviced using water from the City of Portsmouth, Ohio.) Latrines are provided at each campground for your convenience.

6. Beware of poisonous snakes. Both rattlesnakes (endangered) and copperheads inhabit the forest. High leather boots or heavy leggings afford good protection. Watch where you sit and place your hands, especially in rocky areas. If bitten, seek medical aid immediately.

7. Select and repack your food so that you will have a minimum of awkward and disposable containers. A portable stove is recommended. Supplies of wood fuel may not be readily available.

8. Extinguish all smoking material carefully. Be espe- cially careful with campground fires and smoking during March, April, May, October, and November, the forest fire danger periods in Ohio. Please do not leave campfires unattended.

9. If you discover a forest fire, immediately hike the trail to the nearest road and report the fire to emer- gency services (Dial 911).

10. For your protection, park your vehicle only at the trailhead. Vehicles parked in the forest may attract vandalism.

11. CAUTION: Campgrounds situated in valleys may be flooded and stream crossings may be impassable due to rapid runoff following a severe storm.

12. Hornets and yellow jackets may be encountered particularly during late summer.

13. Shawnee State Forest is a public hunting area. Visitors should be aware of hunting seasons and are encouraged to wear bright orange colored clothing when hiking.

SHAWNEESTATE FOREST

BACKPACKING

Division of Forestry . 2045 Morse Rd. Bld H1 . Columbus, Ohio 43229Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/H

Emergency Phone Numbers: Call 911 Southern Ohio Medical Center: (740) 356-5000

OHIO

Rome

Vanceburg

PortsmouthBlue

Creek

OtwayLucasville

52

23 73

104

73104

52

23

108

10

KENTUCKY

Ohio

River

125

Location Map

Additional Information

Shawnee State ForestDivision of Forestry13291 US Highway 52 West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663 Phone: (740) 858-6685Phone: 877-24STREE

Shawnee State Park 4404 State Route 125 West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663 Phone: (740) 858-6652

Shawnee State Park Resort and Conference CenterP.O. Box 189 Friendship, Ohio 45630-0189 Phone: (740) 858-6621

website: ohiodnr.com/forestry

Shawnee Wilderness AreaIn 1972, nearly 8,000 acres of Shawnee State Forest were designated as wilderness. This designation minimizes human influence by prohibiting vegetative manipulation and all mechanized activity. A section of the Wilderness Side Trail traverses a portion of this area. Camping is allowed through a “special use” permit process, which must be submitted in advance (Please see Forest Office).

Back Country Management AreaIn 1999, approximately 8,000 acres adjoining the Shawnee Wilderness Area were designated for special management. The purpose of this area is to provide management opportunities for forest wildlife and state listed rare and endangered species, while creating a unique walk-in hunting, backpacking, camping, and recreational viewing area. Motorized travel in this area is limited to “special use” permits, which must be requested in advance.

Buckeye Trail And North Country TrailThe Buckeye Trail has recently been rerouted to pass through Shawnee State Forest. As seen on the map, it enters the northwest side of the forest, joins the Backpack Trail for fourteen miles, then exits the Backpack Trail and follows the road as it leaves the forest.

This section of the Backpack Trail is also a certified section of the North Country Trail, which is one of the national scenic trails. It begins in North Dakota and ends in upstate New York. Along its way, it passes through Shawnee State Forest on the same route as the Shawnee Backpack Trail and Buckeye Trail.

Backpack Trail Rules

1. You may camp only in the designated campground areas shown on the map.

2. A self-registration permit (no fee) is required of all hikers. The permit, which must be filled out prior

to entering the trail, is available on the trail parking area 24-hours a day, and at Shawnee State Forest Headquarters (open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays). Place the completed permit in the registration box provided and carry the stub with you on the trail.

3. No person is permitted to camp more than 14 days in any 30-day period. Camps must be moved to a different backpack campground each day.

4. Backpack groups are limited to a maximum of 10 persons per party at any one backpack campground.

5. Persons may bring domestic cats and dogs to campgrounds provided they are leashed or under control at all times and under the following conditions: Person must have proof of current rabies inoculation for the animal. A collar or tag bearing the owner’s name and address must be attached to the animal, and the owner or handler must clean up and dispose of any excrement left by their pet in the campground.

6. Fires are prohibited except in designated fire rings or in portable stoves. Cutting of live trees is prohibited.

7. Camps must be maintained in a clean and sanitary manner and condition. All refuse must be packed out for proper disposal.

8. No person may disturb the peace and quiet of other persons in the campgrounds in any manner between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Trail Tips1. The Shawnee Backpack Trail requires

moderate levels of skill and endurance. Hikers may encounter greenbriars or stinging nettles along the trail. Proper clothing (shorts are not recommended), sturdy footwear, and good equipment are essential for success.

2. Respect the solitude sought by other backpackers and practice good camping etiquette.

3. The main trail is marked by orange blazes, and side trails with white blazes. If you become lost, roadways can usually be located by following watercourses downhill. Always carry a map and compass.

4. For safety, hike with a partner. Disabling injuries are very dangerous when you are alone.

5. The only drinking water supplies will be close to road crossings, as shown on your map. The water supply is limited, so please use it wisely. Water caches may not be serviced in winter due to bad road conditions. (Water caches are serviced using water from the City of Portsmouth, Ohio.) Latrines are provided at each campground for your convenience.

6. Beware of poisonous snakes. Both rattlesnakes (endangered) and copperheads inhabit the forest. High leather boots or heavy leggings afford good protection. Watch where you sit and place your hands, especially in rocky areas. If bitten, seek medical aid immediately.

7. Select and repack your food so that you will have a minimum of awkward and disposable containers. A portable stove is recommended. Supplies of wood fuel may not be readily available.

8. Extinguish all smoking material carefully. Be espe- cially careful with campground fires and smoking during March, April, May, October, and November, the forest fire danger periods in Ohio. Please do not leave campfires unattended.

9. If you discover a forest fire, immediately hike the trail to the nearest road and report the fire to emer- gency services (Dial 911).

10. For your protection, park your vehicle only at the trailhead. Vehicles parked in the forest may attract vandalism.

11. CAUTION: Campgrounds situated in valleys may be flooded and stream crossings may be impassable due to rapid runoff following a severe storm.

12. Hornets and yellow jackets may be encountered particularly during late summer.

13. Shawnee State Forest is a public hunting area. Visitors should be aware of hunting seasons and are encouraged to wear bright orange colored clothing when hiking.

SHAWNEE STATE FORESTBACKPACKING

Division of Forestry . 2045 Morse Rd. Bld H1 . Columbus, Ohio 43229Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/H

Emergency Phone Numbers: Call 911 Southern Ohio Medical Center: (740) 356-5000

Rock

yFo

rk

WolfdenLake

OldLade

Rock

WolfdenRun

Lick

Turkey CreekLake

Scan

ling

Run

Churb

er

Fork Odell

Creek

RockyFork

CafferRun

Churn CreekReservoir

Brus

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Creek

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neRu

n

Odell

Creek

Nace

RunEast

Fork

CREEK

TURKEY

Wes

Run

Har

ber

Fork

RooseveltLake

BuckLick

Pond LickLake

Pond

Run

Lick

Rock

Lick

Middle

Fork

McBride

Run

Pond

Run

BrushFork

Mackletree Run

Lampblack

Run

Run

Turkey

Creek

Plummer

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Gabe

Run

Run

Bald

Knob

JakeRun

East

Fork

Upper

Creek

Twin

Ohio R

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1100

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850 1100

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950

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1122

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BM 767

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BM 895

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BM 522

BM721

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State forest ownership shown is representative and believed to becorrect but not warranted. State forest boundary lines on the groundare identified with signs and/or yellow paint marks on trees.

Big Run

Road

Pond Creek

Murray R

d

Pond

C-49

Creek

Dead

Hol

low

Man

AD

AM

S C

O.

SCIO

TO C

O.

AD

AM

S C

O.

SCIO

TO C

O.

Camp 7

Camp 6

Camp 5

Camp 4

Camp 2

Camp 1

Camp3

BACK COUNTRYMANAGEMENT AREA

SHAWNEEWILDERNESS

AREA

NORTHTRAIL

COUNTRY

Day HikeTrail Parking

State ParkCamping

GolfCourse

Marina

Trailhead Parkingand Registration

0 0.5 1 mile

0 0.5 1 kilometer

Road

State Forest road

Main trail (follow orange blazes)

Side trail (follow white blazes)

Day hike trail (follow blue blazes)

Buckeye trail

Campground

Trail parking and self registration

Drinking waterLimited supply, use conservatively (to operate hydrant pull handledown and hold)

Shawnee Wilderness Area

Shawnee Back CountryManagement Area

Adapted from the following 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle mapsof the U.S. Geological Survey: Blue Creek, Buena Vista, Friendship,Otway, Pond Run, West Portsmouth

APPROXIMATE DISTANCESPOINT TO POINT MILES

Trailhead parking to Camp 1 6.2Camp 1 to Camp 2 5.8Camp 2 to Camp 3 5.7Camp 3 to Camp 4 5.2Camp 4 to Camp 5 4.6Camp 5 to Camp 6 3.0Camp 6 to Camp 7 5.0

Camp 7 to trailhead parking 4.5

TOTAL

Main trail 40.0North loop 23.0South loop 27.5

Trailhead parking to Camp 3 5.3Wilderness side trail 9.8

Day hike trail 7.2

125

125

125

125

52

52

18

6

6

6

6

3

3

4

114

14

2

1

1

9

9

8

2

13

13

1

1

1

2

22

17

C-96

T-99

T-104

T-10

2

C-96

C-96

6

N

E

S

W

Map reviewed and approved by Bob Boyles, Chief, ODNR Division of Forestry

SHAWNEESTATE FOREST

Backpacking Trails

LEGEND

NO

RT

HC

OU

NT

RY

TR

AIL