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Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail

Wayne National Forest, Ohio · 3 min read

Distance
8 mi
Elevation Gain
450 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
4 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace (1833) at the south end of the lake
  • 143-acre Vesuvius Lake with fishing access throughout
  • Gentle terrain accessible to most hiking experience levels
  • Swimming beach at the Vesuvius Recreation Area
  • Consistent lake views and shade from a mature hardwood canopy

Overview

The Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail circles the 143-acre Vesuvius Recreation Area lake in the Ironton Unit of Wayne National Forest, the only national forest in Ohio. The 8-mile loop is one of the most accessible hikes in the forest, with gentle terrain, consistent lake views, and the added interest of the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace at the southern end of the lake. This is the most popular trail in the Ironton Unit and a good introduction to Wayne National Forest for first-time visitors.

No permit is required. The trail is well-maintained and signed.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Recreation area to furnace. From the main parking lot at the Vesuvius Recreation Area, the trail circles the lake in a clockwise direction. The opening section passes the swimming beach and boat launch, then heads toward the historic iron furnace site at the south end of the lake. The furnace's stone stack is visible from the trail; interpretive panels explain the history of the Ohio iron industry.

Miles 2.0 to 5.0: East and north shores. The trail traces the east and north shores through mature second-growth hardwood forest: oak, hickory, maple, and tulip poplar. These sections are the most forested and the least developed, with the lake visible through the trees throughout. Fishing access along the east shore is good from the bank. This is the quietest stretch of the loop.

Miles 5.0 to 8.0: West shore return. The western shore provides more lake views and returns to the recreation area. The final two miles pass the campground area and circle back to the main parking lot.

When to Hike

April through June is excellent for wildflowers along the trail margins and bird activity. The lake is used heavily for fishing in May and June.

July and August are peak season for swimming. The recreation area beach can be crowded on summer weekends but the lakeshore trail remains a pleasant escape from the busier areas.

September and October bring excellent fall color, lighter crowds, and comfortable temperatures.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water; flush restrooms and drinking water are available at the main recreation area before starting. Insect repellent is worth bringing for the shaded lakeshore sections in June and July.

Trailhead Access

The trailhead is at the Vesuvius Recreation Area on State Route 93, about 8 miles north of Ironton. From Ironton, head north on SR-93 and watch for the Vesuvius Recreation Area sign. The paved parking lot is on the right. Cell service is limited in the recreation area.

Nearby

The Oak Ridge Trail is the strenuous counterpart in the same Ironton Unit. For a historical context on Wayne National Forest and Ohio's iron heritage, see the Wayne National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles around the lake, particularly regarding waste disposal near the water.

Trailhead Parking

Vesuvius Recreation Area parking lot off State Route 93, 8 miles north of Ironton. Paved lot with ample parking. Day use is free. Campground fee required for overnight use.

← Back to Wayne National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vesuvius Iron Furnace?
The Vesuvius Iron Furnace is a well-preserved charcoal iron furnace built in 1833, one of dozens that once operated in the iron-rich hills of southeastern Ohio and Kentucky. These furnaces used charcoal made from the surrounding forest (which is why much of the Wayne National Forest was logged repeatedly before federal acquisition) to smelt iron ore. The Vesuvius furnace operated until the late 1800s when coke-fueled furnaces made charcoal operations uneconomical. The stone stack and interpretive panels near the lake trailhead are worth a 15-minute stop.
Can I fish at Vesuvius Lake?
Yes. Vesuvius Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Fishing from the lakeshore along the trail is permitted, and a fishing pier is available near the main recreation area. An Ohio fishing license is required (as of 2026). Boats are limited to electric motors only on the lake.
How long does the Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail take?
Most hikers complete the 8-mile loop in 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The terrain is gentle with less than 500 feet of total gain spread across the full loop. The trail surface is well-maintained and dry except after heavy rain. Allow extra time to stop at the iron furnace interpretation area and the swimming beach.