U.S. Forest Service - Wayne National Forest

U.S. Forest Service - Wayne National Forest Over 244,000 acres nestled in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio. This page and its messages are generally monitored 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays. Please dial 911 in emergencies. Non-emergency tip line: 740-753-0545. The Wayne National Forest is a patchwork of over 244,000 acres tucked away in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio. Recreation opportunities abound throughout the national forest, with over 400 miles of trails, abundant plants and animals, scenic views, and much more awaiting vis

itors. Within 100 miles of over 12 million people, the Wayne National Forest provides a fantastic place to get outside, connect with nature, and have fun! The national forest is made up of two geographically separate ranger districts—the Ironton Ranger District and the Athens Ranger District. The Athens Ranger District consists of both the Marietta Unit and Athens Unit. Like all national forests, the Wayne National Forest is managed for multiple uses, including outdoor recreation, timber, watershed, and wildlife purposes. The Wayne National Forest is administered by the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. To meet this mission, the Forest Service works in collaboration with communities and our partners; delivers world-class science, technology, and land management; provides access to resources and experiences that promote economic, ecological, and social vitality; and connects people to the land and one another. Today, the Forest Service manages a system of 154 national forests, 20 national grasslands, and 222 research and experimental forests, as well as other special areas, covering more than 192 million acres of public land. This is an official Forest Service account managed by the public affairs staff at the Wayne National Forest. This page is not monitored 24/7. For emergencies, call 911.

05/26/2026

Join our volunteer event on National Trails Day!

This event will take place on June 6th from 9am to 12pm. This event is part of American Hiking Society's National Trails Day. Registered volunteers will meet the Trail Crew Leaders at the Chauncey-Dover Park Trailhead (8433 West Bailey Road, Millfield, OH 45761) of the Baileys Trail System at 9 am.

Volunteers should wear:
Closed-toed shoes with laces and good ankle support
Long Pants
Weather-appropriate clothing that you don't mind getting dirty or sweaty

Volunteers should bring:
Water bottle
Snack(s)
Day Pack

ORCA will provide all tools and personal protective equipment. We hope to see you there!

LEARN MORE: https://www.givepulse.com/event/869766-June-2026-National-Trails-Day-Volunteer-Event

U.S. Forest Service - Wayne National Forest American Hiking Society

Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands re...
05/25/2026

Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands remain open for your enjoyment.

Stay safe, pack out what you pack in and enjoy your big backyard!

The Wayne National Forest and Law Enforcement and Investigations (LE&I) has opened a non-emergency crime tip line at 740...
05/20/2026

The Wayne National Forest and Law Enforcement and Investigations (LE&I) has opened a non-emergency crime tip line at 740-753-0545.

The tip line will allow Forest law enforcement personnel to investigate and respond to illegal activities more efficiently, improving visitor experience.

Individuals and visitors can call the tip line to report criminal activity on Forest land. No personal information is required. Forest visitors should always call 911 in the event of an emergency.

05/18/2026
05/15/2026

Ohio’s spring turkey hunting season is here! 🦃

WILD TURKEY SEASON South Zone 4/25 - 5/24
April 25th to May 3rd, 30 minutes before sunrise to noon
May 4th to May 24th, 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset

Hunting is permitted throughout most of the Wayne National Forest with a few important exceptions. Hunting is prohibited in or within 150 yards of buildings, campsites, developed recreation areas (including campgrounds, picnic shelters, and designated swimming areas), and occupied spaces like parking lots and trailheads. Fi****ms also cannot be discharged from, into, or across roads, trails, parking areas, or boat ramps. Outside of these restricted areas, the forest remains public hunting land.

Whether you’re hunting, hiking, biking, or exploring, we encourage everyone to stay alert and share the outdoors safely during hunting season:
➔ Stay aware of your surroundings while recreating in the forest.
➔ Use extra caution during early mornings and evenings when hunting activity is highest.
➔ Non-hunting visitors are encouraged to remain on designated trails whenever possible.
➔ Making occasional noise while recreating can help alert hunters to your presence.

U.S. Forest Service - Wayne National Forest

05/13/2026

Today, the U.S. Forest Service announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on June 6 in celebration of , providing no cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands.

"For National Trails Day in 2025, Forest Service trail managers, partners, and volunteers hosted 80 events, including 54 stewardship projects, engaging with more than 3,100 volunteers who maintained 173 miles of trail,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “We hope those who love Forest Service trails will join us at the trailhead on June 6, whether it’s volunteering to build new trails, pick up trash near a trailhead, participating in a nature walk, or taking advantage of the fee-free day benefits.”

Find a local National Trails Day event and join the nationwide movement here: https://americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/find-an-event/

05/13/2026
The Wayne National Forest has closed several trails in Ward and Green townships in Hocking County, Ohio, to ensure publi...
05/08/2026

The Wayne National Forest has closed several trails in Ward and Green townships in Hocking County, Ohio, to ensure public safety during the implementation of a timber harvest.

Closed trails include the Greendale Connector Trail, the Kacklemacker Loop Trail, the Greendale Trail and the Bobcat Trail.

The order will ensure members of the public and contractors are not placed at risk from hazardous activities such as tree felling and heavy equipment operations. Timber harvest operations will include trail maintenance and reconstruction.

The closure order will remain in effect through December 31, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST unless rescinded. The full closure order and map are posted on the Forest’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/wayne/alerts/greendale-connector-greendale-kacklemacker-loop-bobcat-trails-closure.

For questions about the closure order, contact the Athens Ranger District at 740-753-0403 or the Wayne National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 740-753-0880.

05/08/2026

Address

13700 US Highway 33
Nelsonville, OH
45764

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