Shawnee State Forest - Day Hike

Let's hit the dayhike trail at Shawnee State Forest near Portsmouth, Ohio! This trail is approximately seven miles long, and should be considered strenuous (it took me 2.5 hours last June). If you have hiked the Rough Trail at Red River Gorge, you'll get the idea, albeit on a lesser scale! There are several elevation changes, the trail is narrow in many places, and there are a couple of very minor stream crossings.

There is a limit of 20 folks on this hike...sorry, no maybes and no guests. Because of the narrowness of the trail I want to keep the group smaller so that everyone can stay closer together.

Gear: Water - You'll need at least two liters on this hike. Boots - A must, preferable waterproof if there has been any rainfall. Walking Poles - not required, but they will help the downhill pounding your legs will take and serve to knock down any vegatation that has overgrown the trail. Long Pants - Your choice, but there may be areas that are overgrown (poison ivy and thorns may be present).

Carpool: We will meet at the Meijer's at Eastgate at 9am. This is the same location we used for the Edge of Appalachia hike last fall. The carpool address is 888 Eastgate North Drive, Cincinnati, 45245. We will take Ohio 32 east to Ohio 247 south to West Union. From West Union we will take Ohio 125 east to the site (we will cross through the Edge of Appalachia area).

The Drive: It will take about 1.5 to 2 hours from the carpool site to the parking area (closer to 1.5). We will park at the Turkey Creek Nature Center, which is across the road from the trailhead. There is plenty of parking there, and there are restroom facilities.

Grub - There is a lodge at the nearby Shawnee State Park which I am sure offers a buffet.

This hike is rated 4 out of 5 Bob falls (you just had to be there).