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Our mission is to promote and apply management for the sustainable use of Ohio's private and public forest lands.

Program Administrator: Nate Kirk
614-265-6694

Division of Forestry
2045 Morse Rd.
Building H1.
Columbus, OH 43229

State Forests
and Recreation

Ohio operates 20 state forests, covering more than 185,000 acres in 21 counties, mostly in Ohio’s unglaciated southeastern region.

The forests are open to visitors daily between 6:00 a.m. and 11 p.m., except Hocking State Forest which closes at dark. Campers, hunters, and those with special permits are allowed in authorized areas after hours.

Backpack Trails
Two backpack trails available. The 60-mile Shawnee State Forest backpack trail crosses rugged terrain requiring moderate skill and endurance. The 23-mile Zaleski State Forest backpack trail provides a shorter and less strenuous hike.

Self-registration permits (no fee) available at each respective trailhead. Groups restricted to a maximum of ten persons and reservations are not required or accepted. Latrines and water (weather permitting) provided at various locations indicated on trail maps.


Featured News
  • Trees to Textbooks - Nearly $2 million to schools and communities
  • Students Today for Environmental Protection - Approximately 5,000 schoolchildren played a key part in reforesting Perry State Forest. READ MORE>
  • Mohican-Memorial Five-Year Plan
    This plan is largely an outgrowth of the efforts and work of the Mohican-Memorial State Forest Ad Hoc Advisory Council. The Council was formed by the Chief of the Division of Forestry to make recommendations on the current and future management of the forest. READ MORE>(pdf download)

Other Forestry News


forestry


FIREWOOD ALERT! ODNR and Department of Agriculture are trying to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer which is an insect that kills ash trees.

Extensively found in Michigan and in parts of Indiana and Ohio, the movement of firewood from Michigan into Ohio and out of quarantined counties in Indiana and Ohio has been banned.

Campers warned not to risk fines if caught bringing firewood from these quarantine zones.


AUDIO: ATVs and APVs
AUDIO: Ohio's Best Fall Color Trees