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Oak Ridge Trail

Wayne National Forest, Ohio · 3 min read

Distance
5.5 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

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

At a Glance

  • Dry oak-hickory ridge community with excellent fall color in October
  • Views toward Lawrence County and the surrounding Ironton Unit hills
  • Proximity to Vesuvius Recreation Area for combined hiking and lake visits
  • Good wild turkey and white-tailed deer habitat
  • Moderate workout with sustained ridge walking

Overview

The Oak Ridge Trail explores the dry ridgelines of the Ironton Unit in Wayne National Forest, tracing 5.5 miles of oak-hickory forest above the Vesuvius Recreation Area. The trail is more exposed and sunnier than the hollow and creek trails in the Athens and Marietta units, with consistent ridge walking and views across the surrounding Lawrence County hills. It is a good companion to the Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail for visitors wanting both a lake experience and a ridge hike in the same day.

No permit is required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Initial ridge. From the trailhead pull-off, the trail climbs quickly to the main ridge through chestnut oak and hickory. The canopy opens on the ridge and sunlight reaches the trail throughout the day on the south-facing sections. Spring wildflowers are sparse here compared to the north-facing hollow trails, but the views across the surrounding hills are the best of any trail in the Ironton Unit.

Miles 2.0 to 4.0: Ridge traverse. The trail follows the ridge through a series of minor climbs and descents, dipping briefly to shaded hollows between the main ridges. These hollow sections are cooler and offer a welcome break on hot summer days. Wild turkey sign (scratchings, feathers) is common along the ridge edge where they move between the upland forest and the hollow.

Miles 4.0 to 5.5: Return to trailhead. The loop descends the western side of the ridge and returns to the SR-93 trailhead. The descent passes through a transitional zone where hickory and oak mix with tulip poplar and red maple on the moister slopes.

When to Hike

October is prime for fall color on the oak ridges. The dry forest turns orange, gold, and brown over two to three weeks in mid-October.

April and May offer wildflowers in the hollow sections and mild temperatures.

Summer can be hot on the exposed ridge sections. Start early and bring adequate water; there are no water sources on the route.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for this loop. No water sources are available. Sun protection is important on the exposed ridge sections in summer. Trekking poles help on the descent sections.

Trailhead Access

The trailhead pull-off is on State Route 93, about 8 miles north of Ironton. Vesuvius Recreation Area parking is 0.5 miles south on SR-93 and has better facilities if you want to start from there.

Nearby

The Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail is directly adjacent and makes a natural companion hike. See the Wayne National Forest guide for the full Ironton Unit context. Follow Leave No Trace principles on this dry ridge trail.

Trailhead Parking

Trailhead off State Route 93 near the Vesuvius Recreation Area, Ironton Unit. Small parking pull-off on the east side of SR-93. No fee.

← Back to Wayne National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine the Oak Ridge Trail with the Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail?
Yes. The Oak Ridge Trail trailhead is near the Vesuvius Recreation Area, and some hikers combine both trails in the same day. The Oak Ridge Trail (5.5 miles) and the Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail (8 miles) together would be a 13.5-mile day, which is substantial. A more common approach is to hike one in the morning and spend the afternoon at the Vesuvius Recreation Area beach and picnic area.
Is the Oak Ridge Trail blazed and easy to follow?
The trail is blazed with paint markers and is generally straightforward to follow. The ridge sections are well-maintained. Carry a downloaded offline map as a backup, especially for the sections where the trail crosses logging roads and the route could be confused. Cell service is limited in the area.
What is the terrain like on the Oak Ridge Trail?
The Oak Ridge Trail traverses dry, south-facing ridges dominated by chestnut oak, red oak, and shagbark hickory. The understory is open on the ridge tops with good visibility through the canopy. The trail descends to shaded hollow sections briefly before climbing back to the ridge. It is drier and more exposed than the creek hollow trails in the Athens Unit.