A simple backpacking trail in Southwestern Ohio is at East Fork State Park. You can camp anywhere, but you can only build fires at their 5 designated areas.
Wayne also has the Morgan Sisters loop Trial near Rio Grande. Dayton has the Twin-Creek Metro Park Backpacking trail with 3 back country sites and more group sites. There are also many backpacking opportunities at the various state parks. East Fork SP and Cesar Creek both have backpacking trails. Oh and then there is the Buckeye Trail that loops the whole state. A new option at Zaleski is to start at the New Hope Schoolhouse Trailhead, hike the southern BP loop Clockwise using the connector trail, stay at BP camp #2 and the head back jumping onto the Moonville Rail Trail and go through the tunnel. THE MRT take you right back to the trailhead.
I live about 15 minutes from Wayne National Forest. There is a great Trail there where you are allowed primitive camping. There are water stations along the trail. Very close to that location is the haunted tunnel from the town Moonville that is no longer. Also you will see the old furnaces leftover from the old days.
You two would love Tar Hollow because it falls between Zaleski and Shawnee as far as difficulty. Both Loops can be done in 6 hours at around two miles per hour. The con is $8 fee, have to cart water up hill (both nights if doing the North Loop and then the South Loop), and the camp ground at the fire tower is not as developed as Zaleski and to close to a road. The Pro of course is less people, you can cache water if you wanted, it’s great practice for Sawyer squeeze from a stream and it’s close to central Ohio. I have seen Foxes, Bald Eagle and a Timber Rattler there and Hardly see any wildlife elsewhere. Worth Checking out if the Zaleski Crowd gets to you.
Thanks for a great video ! I really appreciate it. It was very informative. I moved to Columbus, Ohio 4 years ago from New York City, and have been enjoying all the great state parks.
I really like doing 15-20mi backpacking routes as a long day hike with only a fanny pack. Oak Openings Metropark near Toledo a 15 mile backpack loop. I did the 22mi loop around burr oak reservoir. If you study maps, you can connect trails that aren't usually together on the same map. Like I did a 16mi loop connecting the Stone Church equestrian trail with the Buckeye trail. Or equestrian trails in general are closed to horses in the winter, so if you want some winter hiking without all the horses, that also has campsites, Hocking has a cool equestrian trail system. Also closer to Columbus, Alum Creek State Park has a big loop around the reservoir
There is a backpacking trail in northwest Ohio too. It is a 16 mile loop. It is at Oak Openings metropark, there are two campgrounds to choose from, both with water. There are no elevation changes since that area is so flat but there are unique ecosystems in the area including small sand dunes.
Tar Hollow has several campsites in the main park and you can camp at any of them but there is one that is specific for the backpacking trail. The Logan Trail (backpacking trail) is a figure eight and the backpacking trail is in the middle of the figure eight by the fire tower. I have hiked it a few times and never see another person. It is not known for views and the trail can be really primitive. Do you know that Battelle Darby now has a backpacking trail with 4 sites. It is better then Scioto Grove because the backpacking trail at Battelle is closed except for those with reservations.
If you guys ever decide to go to Allegheny national forest, we should meet up. Such good trails there. Minister creek is a great intro to the forest area. I'm good peoples, just ask Frozen.
Lived in Columbus most of my life but just now starting to hike . I had some land and lived right next to Tar Hollow . My kids went swimming every night there. It’s beautiful but very hilly . Thanks for the video .
This was our first year trying out backpacking. We did our very first trip at Lake Vesuvius. If you ever watch the video, you will see we had quite an adventure! We learned a lot for sure. We started on the backpacking trail and then skipped over to the Lakeshore Trail due to some complications. We also got to do Wildcat Hollow as a family. My husband and I just completed the Scenic River/Greenwood Loop in the Marietta district, which is where we are from. We did Archer’s Fork as a day hike last year and hoping to do it again as an overnight this fall. Great video, gives me many more to add to my list!
I know I saw someone else say it, but near Cincy we have East Fork State Park as well, which has a shorter loop and then a 32 (or 37 depending on your GPS) perimeter trail. It gets a lot of shade for the heavy equestrian usage on the north side. But the south side where the Buckeye Trail runs through, it can be decent backpacking. Some nice lake views and water crossings. They also state that you can camp anywhere off trail (probably because the layout of the official sites makes the perimeter trail really difficult), you just are only allowed to have a fire at the four official sites. Just beware the mud after rain; it's on the flatter side of Cincinnati and definitely muds up on some of the flat sections.
Good video. I have looked heavy on the Scioto Grove Trail. The best sites in my opinion are site 4 or 5. Also when you reserve your site they supply firewood for you. And one down fall is you can only camp every other weekend within certain times of year.
As I live a tad north of Marietta I have hiked every trail in the Marietta section of the Wayne national forest. From Burr Oak to New Matamoras area. Less people, lots of hills and views, no fees. Surprised I never see other hikers. BTW, they even sell Doritos in this area.
Thank you for posting this video! I am newer to OH and have been an avid backpacker for many years this video has helped me a ton! I also recently started a YT channel, mostly just reviewing gear I have used over the last 10 years or so but starting to get into a more relaxed and fun style like you guys have. I would love to tag along for the next You Tubers Ohio meet up let me know when y’all get it planned ✌🏻Lysol
Tar Hollow is great, 2 loops about 20 miles total, pretty difficult but challenging. Burr Oak is awesome, about 25 miles around the lake, did it in about 10 hours
I miss hiking in Ohio. My old stomping grounds was Heuston Woods. Lots of trails to hike. Not so much for camping. May need to head to Wild Cat or Lake Vesuvius.
I hike Cuyahoga Valley NP all the time. There are great trails to hike but only the one area to camp. I’ve never spent the night there so I can’t speak about that part but there are countless day loops. If you ever come up to hike CVNP let me know- I’ll hike with you!
Newbie to backpacking here! Just bought my first backpack in January, I have camped a lot here in western Ohio mostly in my 1968 Unimog. So looking for more mobility, I'm kind stuck with state parks, or private land with the Unimog. So I've got my hammock, under quilt and trap, and most of my gear. I'm ready to stretch my legs!! So would you recommend Lake Vesuvious as a first ever outing?
Nathan Hilliard I'm from Cincinnati. If you're looking for easy and beautiful LV is perfect. Besides the Ohio spots mentioned here you should look at Charles Deam Wilderness in Indiana and Red River gorge in KY. One option I don't hear much about, if you're wanting a really good hike is the Sheltowee trace just north of Morehead KY.
Very good information about areas for backpacking in Ohio. I'll have to do something in Ohio someday since I have relatives living there and UA-cam friends.
Hitting Zaleski tonight. Been wanting to do lake vesuvius but most I talk to don't like it there. Whats the hardest trail do you think? Scioto Grove huh?? Pretty populated? I'm in Dublin, thatd rock.
Hardest is shawnee st. forest for sure. Lots of tough climbs there and the entire trail is either up or down. Give vesuvius a try but I would avoid it in summer
Any experience with Caeser Creek? I understand they have a backpacking trail and campsite. I recently got into backpacking (just returned from 3 days / 2 nights in Dominguez Canyon in Colorado with my cousin) and I'm looking for someplace close to home to test my first solo overnighter. Was thinking Caeser Creek because it's so close to my house.
I know it's been a year but I'm extremely familiar with Caesars creek and have backpacked there several times. Definitely worth it and there's a secret (ish) campsite on the north end of the park that's absolutely perfect for an overnighter
Wildcat I've found a spot way off the trail in the pines where we make camp. A place where we won't see or hear anyone at all. It's really a bushcrafting camp that we go to in the winter. I've also hiked the entire trail though. Archers Fork is my favorite with a lot of overhangs and one super awesome campsite mile 5.5, but if your not there early there's no chance to get it. There's also connector trails to other trails. So you could hike for days and never hit the same dirt. I cannot stand Zaleski! Campsites are way too close and too crowded. That's great for Boy Scouts and bigger groups of people in my opinion, just not for me. Keep up the great vids my Central Ohio bros. I will need to come back and read the comments later because I also have not been to a lot of these places.
Ohio really lacks a signature backpacking trail like the Laurel Highlands Hiking trail in Pennsylvania. The problem with Ohio backpacking trails is that they are generally poorly maintained. Only the Zaleski backpack and Wildcat Hollow trails are well enough maintained for year round backpacking, and even certain sections of those trails can be overgrown in summer. The Scenic river, Ohio View, Greenwood and Archers fork trails are also passable in summer, in the Marietta unit of the Wayne NF. Shawnee State forest and Lake Vesuvius Backpack trails are overgrown in summer and become tick and chigger farms. If you go there during the summer plan on going to your family doctor when you are done to get a steroid pack, it's that bad. I have seen people there get literally hundreds off small ticks. The Lake Shore trail at Lake Vesuvius is better maintained. A hidden gem in the Wayne National Marietta unit is the Lamping Homestead campground and trail. Some localized sections of the Buckeye trail are well maintained. In the Cuyahoga Valley National Park you can make some great loops with the Buckeye trail and Towpath trails. In Ohio the state does very little for backpackers, and most trails are poorly maintained, we also lack a volunteer community like the AT has to maintain it's 2000 miles. Good trails don't happen by themselves.
Cuyahoga valley NP camping sucks. I wish they would put in backcountry camping but it's doubtful. The Buckeye trail runs right though it and decent trails but you can't make a good loop of them. It's a shame it sucks so bad since it's so close to Cleveland. Side note, the mountain biking trails there are also very disappointing.
I'm a little late to the conversation - but there is a source of Ohio backpacking info online that is worth checking out. www.backpackohio.com/ has all of the trails mentioned in the video, with good descriptions and maps. I think the owner has stopped updating the info, he used to sell the PDF files but all are now free. There also used to be a good discussion board, gone now, but the Facebook group is still updated.
A simple backpacking trail in Southwestern Ohio is at East Fork State Park. You can camp anywhere, but you can only build fires at their 5 designated areas.
A simple backpacking trail in Southwestern Ohio is at East Fork State Park. You can camp anywhere, but you can only build fires at their 5 designated areas.
Wayne also has the Morgan Sisters loop Trial near Rio Grande. Dayton has the Twin-Creek Metro Park Backpacking trail with 3 back country sites and more group sites. There are also many backpacking opportunities at the various state parks. East Fork SP and Cesar Creek both have backpacking trails. Oh and then there is the Buckeye Trail that loops the whole state. A new option at Zaleski is to start at the New Hope Schoolhouse Trailhead, hike the southern BP loop Clockwise using the connector trail, stay at BP camp #2 and the head back jumping onto the Moonville Rail Trail and go through the tunnel. THE MRT take you right back to the trailhead.
Great video! Very helpful. I’m a beginner backpacker in Ohio, just researching for my future trips. Thank you!
I live about 15 minutes from Wayne National Forest. There is a great Trail there where you are allowed primitive camping. There are water stations along the trail. Very close to that location is the haunted tunnel from the town Moonville that is no longer. Also you will see the old furnaces leftover from the old days.
You two would love Tar Hollow because it falls between Zaleski and Shawnee as far as difficulty. Both Loops can be done in 6 hours at around two miles per hour. The con is $8 fee, have to cart water up hill (both nights if doing the North Loop and then the South Loop), and the camp ground at the fire tower is not as developed as Zaleski and to close to a road. The Pro of course is less people, you can cache water if you wanted, it’s great practice for Sawyer squeeze from a stream and it’s close to central Ohio. I have seen Foxes, Bald Eagle and a Timber Rattler there and Hardly see any wildlife elsewhere. Worth Checking out if the Zaleski Crowd gets to you.
A bit late, but im getting into backpacking and im in columbus.
Was really struggling to find good sources and now im all set! Thanks man
The portion of the Buckeye trail that runs through southern Ohio is another great option for backpacking.
Thanks for a great video !
I really appreciate it.
It was very informative.
I moved to Columbus, Ohio 4 years ago from New York City, and have been enjoying all the great state parks.
I really like doing 15-20mi backpacking routes as a long day hike with only a fanny pack. Oak Openings Metropark near Toledo a 15 mile backpack loop. I did the 22mi loop around burr oak reservoir. If you study maps, you can connect trails that aren't usually together on the same map. Like I did a 16mi loop connecting the Stone Church equestrian trail with the Buckeye trail. Or equestrian trails in general are closed to horses in the winter, so if you want some winter hiking without all the horses, that also has campsites, Hocking has a cool equestrian trail system. Also closer to Columbus, Alum Creek State Park has a big loop around the reservoir
There is a backpacking trail in northwest Ohio too. It is a 16 mile loop. It is at Oak Openings metropark, there are two campgrounds to choose from, both with water. There are no elevation changes since that area is so flat but there are unique ecosystems in the area including small sand dunes.
Tar Hollow has several campsites in the main park and you can camp at any of them but there is one that is specific for the backpacking trail. The Logan Trail (backpacking trail) is a figure eight and the backpacking trail is in the middle of the figure eight by the fire tower. I have hiked it a few times and never see another person. It is not known for views and the trail can be really primitive. Do you know that Battelle Darby now has a backpacking trail with 4 sites. It is better then Scioto Grove because the backpacking trail at Battelle is closed except for those with reservations.
If you guys ever decide to go to Allegheny national forest, we should meet up. Such good trails there. Minister creek is a great intro to the forest area. I'm good peoples, just ask Frozen.
Lived in Columbus most of my life but just now starting to hike . I had some land and lived right next to Tar Hollow . My kids went swimming every night there. It’s beautiful but very hilly . Thanks for the video .
Great summary. I’m starting to get into backpacking and Zalesski will be my 1st trip. I’m planning on going during the week to avoid the crowds
This was our first year trying out backpacking. We did our very first trip at Lake Vesuvius. If you ever watch the video, you will see we had quite an adventure! We learned a lot for sure. We started on the backpacking trail and then skipped over to the Lakeshore Trail due to some complications. We also got to do Wildcat Hollow as a family. My husband and I just completed the Scenic River/Greenwood Loop in the Marietta district, which is where we are from. We did Archer’s Fork as a day hike last year and hoping to do it again as an overnight this fall. Great video, gives me many more to add to my list!
Germantown Metro park also connected to Twin Creek Metro park. Check it out!
Dayton here great video. learned of a few more places i need to go.
I know I saw someone else say it, but near Cincy we have East Fork State Park as well, which has a shorter loop and then a 32 (or 37 depending on your GPS) perimeter trail. It gets a lot of shade for the heavy equestrian usage on the north side. But the south side where the Buckeye Trail runs through, it can be decent backpacking. Some nice lake views and water crossings. They also state that you can camp anywhere off trail (probably because the layout of the official sites makes the perimeter trail really difficult), you just are only allowed to have a fire at the four official sites. Just beware the mud after rain; it's on the flatter side of Cincinnati and definitely muds up on some of the flat sections.
Good video. I have looked heavy on the Scioto Grove Trail. The best sites in my opinion are site 4 or 5. Also when you reserve your site they supply firewood for you. And one down fall is you can only camp every other weekend within certain times of year.
Love the Crew shirt. Rarely meet MLS fans who also enjoy backpacking. Great overview of OH hiking.
As I live a tad north of Marietta I have hiked every trail in the Marietta section of the Wayne national forest. From Burr Oak to New Matamoras area. Less people, lots of hills and views, no fees. Surprised I never see other hikers.
BTW, they even sell Doritos in this area.
omg I am so glad I found this. I live in Ohio and was hoping we had thru hikes.
So helpful! I live in West Virginia snd have been wanting to backpack in Ohio.
East Fork has an amazing BP trail. Everything is very well maintained as well.
Thank you for posting this video! I am newer to OH and have been an avid backpacker for many years this video has helped me a ton! I also recently started a YT channel, mostly just reviewing gear I have used over the last 10 years or so but starting to get into a more relaxed and fun style like you guys have. I would love to tag along for the next You Tubers Ohio meet up let me know when y’all get it planned
✌🏻Lysol
Tar Hollow is great, 2 loops about 20 miles total, pretty difficult but challenging. Burr Oak is awesome, about 25 miles around the lake, did it in about 10 hours
I miss hiking in Ohio. My old stomping grounds was Heuston Woods. Lots of trails to hike. Not so much for camping. May need to head to Wild Cat or Lake Vesuvius.
Nice video guys. The lakeshore trail is one that we have looked at, if we make it to OH.
I hike Cuyahoga Valley NP all the time. There are great trails to hike but only the one area to camp. I’ve never spent the night there so I can’t speak about that part but there are countless day loops. If you ever come up to hike CVNP let me know- I’ll hike with you!
Newbie to backpacking here!
Just bought my first backpack in January, I have camped a lot here in western Ohio mostly in my 1968 Unimog.
So looking for more mobility, I'm kind stuck with state parks, or private land with the Unimog.
So I've got my hammock, under quilt and trap, and most of my gear.
I'm ready to stretch my legs!!
So would you recommend Lake Vesuvious as a first ever outing?
Nathan Hilliard I'm from Cincinnati. If you're looking for easy and beautiful LV is perfect. Besides the Ohio spots mentioned here you should look at Charles Deam Wilderness in Indiana and Red River gorge in KY. One option I don't hear much about, if you're wanting a really good hike is the Sheltowee trace just north of Morehead KY.
Hopeful Hiker thanks! I will be sure to check those out also.
I like scioto grove. I’m in central Ohio and been thinking on what site to reserve
No water at Wildcat Hollow? What do you call Burr Oak Lake and the streams that feed it?
Very good information about areas for backpacking in Ohio. I'll have to do something in Ohio someday since I have relatives living there and UA-cam friends.
What about the actual Buckeye Trail?
Well done guys. Looks like some neat areas..
Gotta love O-H-I-O
go buckeyes
Go FCC!
well, we don't have to. I have a love of ohio, but its not mandatory
Great video and useful information. Thanks for sharing.
Hitting Zaleski tonight. Been wanting to do lake vesuvius but most I talk to don't like it there. Whats the hardest trail do you think?
Scioto Grove huh?? Pretty populated? I'm in Dublin, thatd rock.
Hardest is shawnee st. forest for sure. Lots of tough climbs there and the entire trail is either up or down. Give vesuvius a try but I would avoid it in summer
pretty sure CVNP no longer allows camping within park grounds.
Any experience with Caeser Creek? I understand they have a backpacking trail and campsite. I recently got into backpacking (just returned from 3 days / 2 nights in Dominguez Canyon in Colorado with my cousin) and I'm looking for someplace close to home to test my first solo overnighter. Was thinking Caeser Creek because it's so close to my house.
I know it's been a year but I'm extremely familiar with Caesars creek and have backpacked there several times. Definitely worth it and there's a secret (ish) campsite on the north end of the park that's absolutely perfect for an overnighter
This is awesome. I did one like this on South Dakota but it didn't take off. Lol. #1 We don't have as many options.
#2 We don't have your CLOUT. 😀
I've been trying to find some info on the BT little loop but haven't had any luck at all.
Towerdog 727 the BTA has a Facebook group and they will get you all the info you need on the little loop.
Camped at CVNP last fall. No fires at individual sites. Only 3 sites total. More of a car camping location than anything else.
agree. i did a few day hikes on the Buckeye Trail last Feb with a hotel nearby as my "base camp". its not situated well for backpacking.
Wildcat I've found a spot way off the trail in the pines where we make camp. A place where we won't see or hear anyone at all. It's really a bushcrafting camp that we go to in the winter. I've also hiked the entire trail though. Archers Fork is my favorite with a lot of overhangs and one super awesome campsite mile 5.5, but if your not there early there's no chance to get it. There's also connector trails to other trails. So you could hike for days and never hit the same dirt. I cannot stand Zaleski! Campsites are way too close and too crowded. That's great for Boy Scouts and bigger groups of people in my opinion, just not for me. Keep up the great vids my Central Ohio bros. I will need to come back and read the comments later because I also have not been to a lot of these places.
Archers fork is also one of my favorites. If staying at that campsite you mentioned. Be sure to look for the camp gnome living under the rock bench.
That's right.... It was there the last time I was there.
Daytom Metro Parks backpacking
You may already know
Is it possible to obtain paper maps for the hiking trails in Ohio?
Are you allowed to camp anywhere
Great information, Thanks
Cuyahoga Valley no longer offers camping within the park. Camping or staying overnight in parking lots is prohibited.
Thanks for the info!
I'm hitting up the AEP lands in April I think
Let us know how it goes for sure
Twin Valley Trail!!!!
You seem like an experienced hiker. In your times out have you ever encountered any bears or other types of aggressive wildlife?
thanks dude
Gosh. I live here in Ohio. I'll go back packing with you. ;+)
Scioto trails :) near chillicothe
I live in ST. It’s hiking trails are left wanting. Waaaay overgrown.
See any large hairy guys with big feet wonderin around there ?....
Ohio really lacks a signature backpacking trail like the Laurel Highlands Hiking trail in Pennsylvania. The problem with Ohio backpacking trails is that they are generally poorly maintained. Only the Zaleski backpack and Wildcat Hollow trails are well enough maintained for year round backpacking, and even certain sections of those trails can be overgrown in summer. The Scenic river, Ohio View, Greenwood and Archers fork trails are also passable in summer, in the Marietta unit of the Wayne NF. Shawnee State forest and Lake Vesuvius Backpack trails are overgrown in summer and become tick and chigger farms. If you go there during the summer plan on going to your family doctor when you are done to get a steroid pack, it's that bad. I have seen people there get literally hundreds off small ticks. The Lake Shore trail at Lake Vesuvius is better maintained. A hidden gem in the Wayne National Marietta unit is the Lamping Homestead campground and trail. Some localized sections of the Buckeye trail are well maintained. In the Cuyahoga Valley National Park you can make some great loops with the Buckeye trail and Towpath trails. In Ohio the state does very little for backpackers, and most trails are poorly maintained, we also lack a volunteer community like the AT has to maintain it's 2000 miles. Good trails don't happen by themselves.
CVNP.... great trails with elevation changes of 200-400 ft. Camping is a joke at best. Hotel it and day hike.
Cuyahoga valley NP camping sucks. I wish they would put in backcountry camping but it's doubtful. The Buckeye trail runs right though it and decent trails but you can't make a good loop of them. It's a shame it sucks so bad since it's so close to Cleveland. Side note, the mountain biking trails there are also very disappointing.
I'm a little late to the conversation - but there is a source of Ohio backpacking info online that is worth checking out.
www.backpackohio.com/ has all of the trails mentioned in the video, with good descriptions and maps.
I think the owner has stopped updating the info, he used to sell the PDF files but all are now free. There also used to be a good discussion board, gone now, but the Facebook group is still updated.
A simple backpacking trail in Southwestern Ohio is at East Fork State Park. You can camp anywhere, but you can only build fires at their 5 designated areas.