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

State Forest Program Administrators

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

334 Lapparell Road Latham, Ohio 45646-9722 740-493-2441 Directions to forest Total acres: 12,084 County: Pike and Highland Counties Brochure with map (pdf) Pike SF Bridle Trail map (pdf) Pike SF APV map and information (pdf) APV area rules and regulations

Public Recreational Areas near Pike State Forest
Use ODNR's Recreational Areas by County Map to locate State Parks, Nature Preserves, Boating Areas, and public hunting and fishing areas near Pike State Forest.

Additional Information History of Ohio’s State Forests officially began in 1916, but its roots go back much further. READ MORE> AUDIO SEGMENTS AUDIO: Pike State Forest AUDIO: ATVs and APVs AUDIO: Firewood Alert VIDEO and MORE AUDIO> FY 2010 Annual Work Plan

Pike State Forest Notes
Land acquisition for Pike State Forest began in 1924, with the objective of returning abused hill farms and fire-damaged timber lands to productive forests. Most of the reforestation work was completed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Division of Forestry. Pike State Forest now covers 12,084 acres in western Pike County and eastern Highland County. State ownership is broken up into 13 separate, irregular tracts, which make it difficult to manage for continuous recreational facilities, as well as the management and patrol of the forest resource.

The forest offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Located off of State Route 124 is the Pike State Forest APV area. The facility has 10 miles of trail open to motorcycles and off road all-terrain vehicles. The trails wind through the hollows and ridge tops, offering the visitor a challenging ride as well as some beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. Parking, latrines, and a novice area are all provided on the site. Note: The AVP area is open from April 1 through November 30.

For the equestrian there are 33 miles of bridle trail located on the forest.

Hiking is available on the Buckeye Trail which runs through the forest. Hiking is also permitted on the 33 miles of bridle trails.

For those who want to stay on the beaten path, there are numerous county and township roads that pass through the forest.

Pike State Forest is open to public hunting and fishing in season. Fishing is available at several ponds located in the forest. Anderson Lake off of Dry Bone Road is a popular spot that offers quiet seclusion among the hills and trees.

General Forest Rules

• Pike State Forest is open to visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Legal campers, hunters and anglers may be present during other hours.

• Operation of motor vehicles is restricted to roads provided for such travel. The speed limit on state forest roads is 30 mph unless otherwise posted. Vehicles may not be parked where traffic or access to division service roads or trails will be obstructed.

• Horses may be ridden only along forest roads or on designated bridle trails.

• Fires are not permitted except in grills or fire rings provided or in portable stoves. Fires must be attended at all times.

• Litter must be disposed of in receptacles provided.

• Camping is permitted only in areas provided and designated for such use.

• Public display or consumption of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited.

• Disturbance, defacement or destruction of any property, material, natural feature or vegetation is prohibited. Berries, nuts and mushrooms may be gathered and removed except from tree seed orchards or posted areas.

• General visitation guidelines