Closest Town: Ironton, Ohio

Wayne National Forest

Wayne National Forest Trail Map

Ironton Unit Trails

Lake Vesuvius Area:
Coordinates: 82o37’54”W, 38o36’15”N (all Lake Vesuvius trails in the same area)

Lake Trail:
Length: 8 miles
Difficulty:  Easy
Trail Description: This trail circles Lake Vesuvius, running very close to its shore and passing by large outcrops and hemlock groves.
Lake Vesuvius Backpack Trail:
Length: 16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Surface: Dirt

Trail Description:
The Lake Vesuvius Backpacking Trail:
Built in 1939 along with a majority of the Wayne National Forest’s landmarks, The Lake Vesuvius Backpacking trail has two loops: an upper loop and a lower loop. The lower loop of the trail follows the lake, staying well above the lake at ridgetop for most of the trail before running near the lake towards the trail’s end. The upper loop is more difficult and is sometimes in disrepair. The trail passes by several beautiful pine plantations and by scenic vistas that are especially impressive in the winter. The entire trail can be hiked as a backpack trail or you can elect to just do one of the loops, turning the hike into a day hike.

Addis Mine Trail:
Length: .9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Description: Links the Ranger office with Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Rock Shelter Trail:
Length: .45 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Description: Perhaps the most impressive trail at Lake Vesuvius, the Rock Shelter Trail takes you up past rock outcrops, large boulders, and to a rock shelter. The trail begins the Upper Boat launch.

Whiskey Run Trail
Length: .85 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Description: The Whiskey Run Trail connects the Lakeshore Trail to the Iron Ridge Trail. The trail passes the remains of an old Whiskey Still.

Trails:
Symmes Creek Trails (North and South)
Length: 4.53 Miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Description: The North and South Symmes Creek Trails form a decent sized loop that follows the eastern side of the Symmes creek and goes through the hills and bluffs above the creek, passing by overlooks and rocky outcrops. The Symmes Creek Connector Trail can take you to the Morgan Sisters Trail System.

Coordinates:
Symmes Creek TH #1 38o48’58”N 82o26’42”W
Symmes Creek TH #2 38o49’7”N 82o27’51”W

Morgan Sisters Trail System
Length: 8.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Trail Description: The Morgan Sisters Trail Systems encompasses the Schoolhouse Loop Trail, The Ridge Loop, and the Coal Branch Loop. The trails pass over ridges and through mature forests. The Schoolhouse Loop connects with the Symmes Creek Trails to create a longer hike.

Coordinates:38o49’3”N 82o29’20”W

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