trips - Fall Trip to Shawnee (Hills and Leaves)

Trip Info

Dates: 10/27 - 10/28/07
Trip Organizer: Fulcrum
Location: Shawnee State Forest

Number of Attendees: (view all)
0 yes
0 maybe

Description

Howdy All, I want to squeeze in a couple more trips before the year is over.

This time its Shawnee State Forest in southern Ohio. Very rugged hills (with few switchbacks) await those who tackle these trails. Here's some websites & maps for starters:

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/forestry/Forests/shawnee.htm
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/forestry/Forests/directions/shawnee.htm
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/forestry/Forests/pdf/shawneesf_backpk.pdf

The focus of this trek will be to meet up at Campsite 3 on Saturday night (October 27). There will be no scheduled departure from the trailhead--everyone just meet in camp.

Although this trip is listed as a weekender, with close to sixty miles of trails, there are a number of possibilities for just one night of camping, up to a multi-night stay. For those wanting an overnighter, start at the trailhead parking lot and take the dayhike loop over to camp 3 (about 8.2 miles). For something smaller, a hike along the dotted trail (see map) from the trailhead directly to camp 3 is 5.3 miles.

Want more? Try the entire northern loop. 23 miles total, its best covered over a three-night stay, with three designated campsites. Again, please be aware that Shawnee's hills are real kickers (Our Ohio veterans can vouch for that) so please pace yourself.

Just remember that where/whenever you start, everyone meet up at Camp 3 Saturday night. Potable water is available at each campsite (except Camp 6 on the southern loop), and that can be real handy.

There are additional campsites, cabins, lodge, and trails at adjacent Shawnee State Park for those who are interested. http://www.dnr.ohio.gov/parks/parks/shawnee.htm

WEATHER
Being late October & in the midwest, anything can happen. There have been times when it's in the 70+ degree range, while on other occasions it has snow and freezing cold -so be prepared for anything. If it has been like fall so far, expect mild temps & dry conditions- but it could change. Just remember to bring the whiskey and 'shine to keep you warm at night. Some good news is the lack of bugs, heat/humidity, and dense undergrowth that can be a real pain there in the summertime.

This will be a good hike, see you on the trail!

-Fulcrum

FOREST RULES

Shawnee 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.
Swimming and motorized boats, except with electric motors, are prohibited in state forest lakes.
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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SHAWNEE STATE FOREST
13291 US Highway 52
West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663-8906
Toll Free: 1-877-247-8733

SHAWNEE STATE PARK
4404 State Route 125
West Portsmouth, OH 45663-9003
Phone: (740)858-6652