Hiking
Wayne National Forest
Ohio's only national forest.
What is Wayne National Forest?
Wayne National Forest is the backyard of Avenwood Cabins, stretching over 240,000 acres across southeastern Ohio. This is the largest tract of public land in the state, offering a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding, and horseback riding.
The forest is a mix of hardwood ridges, hemlock-filled ravines, and reclaimed mining lands that nature has slowly taken back. Wildflowers bloom across meadows in spring, and fall turns the canopy into a sea of orange and gold. In winter, the bare trees open up long views across the hills that are hidden the rest of the year.
Unlike the popular state park trails, Wayne National Forest offers genuine solitude. You can hike for hours without seeing another person. The trails range from easy woodland walks to challenging ridge routes, and many connect to create multi-day backpacking loops.
Tips for visiting Wayne National Forest
- 1 Our cabins sit within Wayne National Forest. You're already here.
- 2 Download trail maps before heading out. Cell service is spotty in the forest.
- 3 The Wildcat Hollow Trail is a local favorite for a half-day hike.
- 4 Fall foliage peaks in mid-to-late October and the forest is spectacular.
Quick Facts
- Distance
- Our cabins are inside the forest
- Difficulty
- Easy to Challenging (varies by trail)
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Season
- Year-round
