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Morgan Sisters Trail

Wayne National Forest, Ohio · 3 min read

Distance
7 mi
Elevation Gain
900 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Ridgeline views over the Little Muskingum River valley
  • Mix of upland oak-hickory and creek hollow forest communities
  • Good elk viewing potential in dawn and dusk hours
  • One of the longer loop options in Wayne National Forest
  • Quiet and lightly used compared to the Athens Unit trails

Overview

The Morgan Sisters Trail is the longest loop in the Marietta Unit of Wayne National Forest, combining ridgeline travel with creek hollow sections for a varied 7-mile circuit. The trail offers the most sustained elevation gain of any trail in the Marietta Unit, climbing across multiple ridges before descending to creek hollows on the return. Elk sightings are possible near the forest boundary in the early morning.

No permit is required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: Initial ridge climb. The trail climbs immediately from the trailhead through oak and hickory forest on a dry ridge. The grade is sustained but manageable. Views through the canopy improve as elevation increases, with the Little Muskingum valley visible in the lower reaches and the broader hill country opening up on the higher ridges.

Miles 2.5 to 4.5: Hollow descent and creek section. The trail descends steeply to a creek drainage, transitioning from the dry ridge forest to the rich hollow species: tulip poplar, beech, ironwood, and wildflowers. The creek section is the most botanically diverse part of the loop and the best for wildflowers in April.

Miles 4.5 to 7.0: Second ridge and return. The loop climbs a second ridge before making a long descent back to the trailhead. The upper section of this final ridge has filtered views to the east. The descent is gradual and the trail returns to the pull-off.

When to Hike

April and May for wildflowers in the hollow section. October for fall color on the ridges.

Summer is comfortable given the heavy canopy shade on most of the loop.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for this loop. Creek water is a source in the hollow section but requires treatment. Trekking poles help on the ridge descents.

Trailhead Access

From Marietta, take State Route 26 east, then Township Road 206 to the trailhead pull-off. The Covered Bridge Campground is 3 miles farther along SR-26 if you want developed camping.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. Water sources are present along the trail but require treatment before drinking. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is April through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Wayne National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Covered Bridge Trail is the easy companion hike in the same Marietta Unit. The [Morgan Sisters Trail] pairs well with the scenic byway drive for a full-day Marietta Unit experience. Follow Leave No Trace principles and review checking conditions before your visit.

Trailhead Parking

Trailhead on Township Road 206, Marietta Unit. Gravel pull-off for 8-10 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Wayne National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Morgan Sisters Trail named for?
The Morgan Sisters Trail is named for a local family whose homestead land was incorporated into the Marietta Unit of Wayne National Forest in the early 20th century. Like many places in Wayne National Forest, the area was farmed before federal acquisition, and evidence of the agricultural past (stone walls, old roads, remnant orchards) appears along the trail. The name reflects the forest's practice of honoring local history in trail naming.
Are there elk in Wayne National Forest?
Ohio has been reintroducing elk to the southeastern part of the state, and the Marietta Unit of Wayne National Forest borders some of the elk restoration range. Sightings near the forest boundary are possible, though not guaranteed. Dawn and dusk on the ridgelines provide the best opportunity. The Ohio Division of Wildlife manages the elk restoration program; check their website for current population information.
How does the Morgan Sisters Trail difficulty compare to other Wayne trails?
The Morgan Sisters Trail is one of the more demanding hikes in Wayne National Forest, with 900 feet of gain and 7 miles of varied terrain. It is harder than the Covered Bridge Trail and Sunday Creek Trail but comparable to the Lamping Homestead Trail. The ridgeline sections are more exposed than the hollow trails. Good footwear and trekking poles are recommended.