Shawnee State Forest
This great forest area was purchased by the State of Ohio primarily for the purpose of producing and conserving timber, protecting the watershed and the conservation of wild life. The traveler will notice that the forest is comprised of a mixture of oak, hickory, yellow-poplar and short leaf and pitch pine.

An extensive system of roads has opened the entire forest area for recreational use and it is now possible to drive over 130 miles of good gravel roads to the deep recesses of the forest, plus over 70 miles of tribal trails.

Once inhabited by the Shawnee Indians, Shawnee State Forest came into existence in 1922 with the purchase of land which had been cut over for timber and ravaged by fire. During that same year, acquisition was begun for the Theodore Roosevelt Game Preserve.

In the 1930s, six Civilian Conservation Corps camps were located in the forest. During this period, many of the roads were constructed in the then nearly inaccessible area. Many other accomplishments resulted, including five small lakes that were built to serve as water supplies for the camps.

Following the creation of the Department of Natural Resources in 1949, the recreational facilities at Roosevelt Lake were transferred to the Division of Parks. The Roosevelt Game Preserve, by a 1951 agreement between the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, became a part of the forest.

Shawnee State Forest, also called "The Little Smokies of Ohio," has developed into the largest of the 20 state forests, with over 65,000 acres. While the Forest is a fantastic recreation feature in Southern Ohio, one should not be surprised to see other activities occurring. The Forest is a working forest. It is managed to provide a variety of multiple uses on a sustained yield basis. Timber harvesting, tree planting, wildlife habitat, forestry research, watershed and soil protection, and production of tree seeds are ail in a day's work for Forest Employees and many local residents. During the spring and fall forest fire danger periods, state forest crews detect and suppress wildfires that occur on state and private lands within the surrounding protection area.

Nearly 8,000 acres of the forest have land been designated as wilderness. Timber management activities and public motorized travel have been eliminated in the area. 

Link to:  Ohio Department of Natural Resources Shawnee State Forest Page

Hanging Hemlock Tree
This natural wonder can be found along Upper Twin Creek in the Shawnee State Forest and seems to defy gravity. An Eastem Hemlock tree grows from between the sandstone rock cliffs and extends sideways from the hill.

Eastern hemlock is a graceful native tree. Conifers are cone-bearing and it takes twenty to forty years for them to begin seed production. They may approach 1000 years of age.

These trees are found mostly in cool coves but can also be present on rock outcrops, especially on northfacing slopes. They are common in the Shawnee State Forest although not in this shape.

Hemlock bark was used in the tanning of hides. A tea can be made from the leafy twig tips and inner bark and was sipped for a variety of ailments or used as an external wash. The bark is astringent and was used as a poultice on bleeding wounds in the past.
 

Upper Twin Creek Stream Ford
On Upper Twin Creek, during low flow conditions, travelers would drive across the smooth weathered sandstone creek bed along this stream ford before the bridge was built.

A management plan includes improvements to this crossing, and one other, so travelers can enjoy driving through an active river during low flows.

The Shawnee Forest has spectacular scenery and wildlife diversity.

Picnic Point
Ohio's greatest state-owned forest, Shawnee Slate Forest has more than 65,000 acres of picturesque hill land. This region, once the hunting ground of the Shawnee Native Americans, is unlike any other region in Ohio.

Public use of the forest is increasing constantly and the recreational facilities are being continually improved. Park areas and camp sites are available. Picnic Point, one of the most popular spots, gives the visitor a view southeastward across the broad valley of the Ohio River toward Portsmouth.

Aside from being a viewing area for the majestic valley, there was a reported sighting of the legendary Big Foot in 1982 by a young couple visiting Picnic Point at night. The incident was not confirmed, but other locals have claimed to see glimpses of the man-beast in the Forest.

Boy Scout Camp OYO
The Boy Scout Camp was constructed during the Great Depression by the CCC. Still in service today, Boyd Lodge and campgrounds help build the character of many young men.

Shawnee State Forest Bear Lake Horse Camp
A unique adventure awaits those horse enthusiasts who want to make a weekend trip to ride the trails and actually camp with their horses.

Horse Camp has 60 sites available on a first come first serve basis. Drinking water is not available. Horses may be ridden only along forest roads or on designated bridle trails.

Ben's Happy Trails and Stable
Ben's Happy Trails is known for excellent horseback riding, camping, and it's Old Time Atmosphere.

Located in the Beautiful Shawnee State Forest, Ben's provides access to miles of scenic trails, wildlife and streams to see. Rentals for all levels of experienced riders are available.

McBride Lake
One of the lakes in Shawnee State Forest, McBride Lake is enjoyed by visitors for fishing and relaxing. Only electric motor boats are permitted on this forest lake, and no swimming is allowed.
 

Shawnee State Forest Hobey Hollow
A trail off of State Forest Road 1, Hobey Hollow takes a hiker to the last standing lookout constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Copperhead Fire Tower. This tower was once manned by park rangers who would observe campfires or lightning strikes so the blazes could be controlled preserving the forest.

CCC enrollees throughout the country were credited with renewing the nation's decimated forests by planting an estimated three billion trees from 1933 to 1942. President Roosevelt revitalized the faith of the nation with several measures, one of which was the Emergency Conservation Work (ECW) Act, more commonly known as the Civilian Conservation Corps. With this action, I he brought together two wasted resources, the young men and the land, in an effort to save both. He proposed to recruit thousands of unemployed young men, enroll them in a peacetime army, and send them into baffle against destruction and erosion of our natural resources. The CCC made outstanding contributions in the development of recreational facilities in national, state, county and metropolitan parks.