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

Administrative Offices 6665 Cutler Lake Road Blue Rock, Ohio 43720 740-674-4035 Directions to forest Location of Perry State Forest APV Area: 5865 Township Road 154 NE New Lexington, OH 43764 (The above address is for directional purposes only.  It is not a mailing address.) Total acres: 4,567 County: Perry county Brochure with map (pdf) Brochure with APV map (pdf) APV area rules and regulations. Link to trail closure information

Public Recreational Areas near Perry 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 Perry State Forest.

Since 1994, the Students Today for Environmental Protection effort has planted more than 65,000 trees at Perry State Forest. Approximately 5,000 school children have played a key part in reforesting Perry State Forest in the past 13 years. Additional Information History of Ohio’s State Forests officially began in 1916, but its roots go back much further. READ MORE> AUDIO SEGMENTS AUDIO: ATVs and APVs AUDIO: Firewood Alert VIDEO and MORE AUDIO>

Perry State Forest Notes
Whether you come to Perry to Ride APVs (all purpose vehicles), go horseback riding, hunt or just visit, you will have an enjoyable state forest experience. Much of Perry State Forest was strip mined for coal prior to existing reclamation law, resulting in very rugged, sometimes barren terrain. Since the state acquired the area in 1961, some reclamation has been accomplished, including a large area along CR 48. Several reforestation and test tree plantings have been established on the forest. Note: The AVP area is open from April 1 through November 30.

The Perry APV area is the most popular public riding area in Ohio. Miles of challenging trails are open. Picnic tables and latrines are provided at the parking area.

Perry State Forest has a very scenic, day-use bridle trail system. Parking for horse trailer rigs is provided along County Road 48. The Miles Lake water is suitable for horses.

The diversity of forest cover encourages a variety of wildlife species and hunting opportunities.

General Forest Rules

• Perry State Forest is open to visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. 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.

• No open fires, portable stoves only. No grills where coals are put on the ground.
  

• Litter must be disposed of in receptacles provided.

• 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