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Wayne National Forest

Lake Vesuvius

Wayne National Forest covers over a quarter million acres of Appalachian Foothills. There are three units of the forest that are managed by two Ranger District offices. The offices are located in Ironton and Nelsonville.

 

The forest features all-terrain vehicle riding, over 300 miles of trails for hiking. There are also mountain biking trails and horseback riding trails that are open from April 15 to December 15 each year.

 

Wayne National Forest offers recreational and nature opportunities for individuals of all ages and there are areas, such as the Rock House Trail and the boardwalk that are wheelchair friendly.

The Ironton side of the forest is located approximately 6.5 miles behind Ironton just off State Route 93. At the base of the Lake Vesuvius dam is one of the area’s historic iron furnaces. In 1939, the narrows of Storms Creek led to the Civilian Conservation Group damming the area and creating the lake. The out-cropping cliffs and the rugged hills are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.

Recreation

Lake Vesuvius is a 143-acre lake with picnic areas, two campgrounds, group camping areas, boating, fishing, hiking, and an archery trail. The lake earned its name from the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace and is the premier developed site of Wayne National Forest.

 

Open season is January through December with some portions of the area opened seasonally. The following are the things to do in Wayne National Forest:

 

  • Big Bend Beach

  • Road cycling

  • Campground camping at Iron Ridge Campground, Oak Hill Campground, and Pine Knob Loop

  • RV camping at Ironton Ridge Campground and Oak Hill Campground

  • Group camping that accommodates up to 100 people at the Two Point Group Campground located at the Oak Hill Campground

  • Fishing along the Lake Vesuvius Boardwalk Trail or the Vesuvius Lakeshore Train and Backpacking Trail

  • Day hiking and backpacking

  • Horse riding along the 46 miles of Vesuvius Horse Trail

  • Nature viewing at the Lake Vesuvius Boardwalk Trail, Vesuvius Horse Trail, and the Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail and Backpacking Trail

  • Target Shooting at Longbow Archery Trail

  • Picnicking and group picnicking in the Vesuvius Furnace and dam area

  • Motorized and non-motorized boating (boat rentals available in summer months)

Rock House Trail

The Rock House is a very popular area of Lake Vesuvius that is open year round for hiking. The trail is a .75-mile trail that is paved. The trail provides hikers with a great view of a number of overhangs, including the Rock House itself. It shows the power of erosion and how it creates natural rock houses. There are benches along the trail and interpretive signage that educates visitors. The Rock House Trail is free to the public.

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