U.S. Forest Service - Wayne National Forest

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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.

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 visitors. 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.

10/22/2026
10/21/2026
Forest Service offices will be closed today in observance of the federal holiday, but national forests and grasslands re...
10/12/2026

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!

10/06/2026
Join us Wednesday, October 21, for Trunk or Treat at the Lake Vesuvius boat launch from 5 to 7 p.m.🎃 Partners and Forest...
10/01/2026

Join us Wednesday, October 21, for Trunk or Treat at the Lake Vesuvius boat launch from 5 to 7 p.m.🎃 Partners and Forest staff will pass out candy to kids and campground occupants, plus decorate the trunks of their vehicles in the spirit of Halloween🦇

The event will happen rain or shine. We greatly appreciate our partners for making this event possible.

Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.

09/17/2026

Collins Career Technical Center senior carpentry students are building new information kiosks for the U.S. Forest Service - Wayne National Forest's Ironton Ranger District, and the first one is already done!

The students will build five kiosks in all to replace older ones around the district. The second is under construction now, and the first three should be finished and installed by the end of October, with CCTC students handling the installation too. The last two will be built after the Christmas and New Year's break.

Pictured with the first completed kiosk are Bryan Ward, Construction and Trades Academies Supervisor at CCTC, and Nick Mossbarger, District Recreation Program Manager for the Ironton Ranger District.

Thanks to CCTC's students and instructors, and to our partners at the Forest Service, for putting local skills to work on the trails and recreation areas we all enjoy. Watch for the new kiosks on your next visit to the forest!

09/15/2026

Happy Birthday, Woodsy Owl! 🦉💚

Thanks for inspiring generations to “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” and care for our national forests and public lands. Here’s to another year of spreading stewardship, kindness, and conservation across the country.

Give a hoot, lend a hand and care for the land today!

Address

13700 US Highway 33
Nelsonville, OH
45764

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