Wayne National Forest, Moderate 4x4 trail in Nelsonville, OH
    Moderate
    Trail
    4.3

    Wayne National Forest

    Nelsonville, OHMidwest

    Wayne National Forest is a moderate 75+ miles off-road trail near Nelsonville, OH. It requires a properly built 4x4 with All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Recovery kit and is best run April - November. Stock trucks and Jeeps are not recommended; plan on the required modifications before attempting it.

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    Wayne National Forest is Ohio's only national forest, tucked into the Appalachian foothills of the state's southeastern corner. What was once barren, strip-mined land has been reclaimed and reforested into a surprisingly rugged trail destination with rocky creek crossings, steep ridgeline roads, and dense hardwood forest. The Monday Creek ATV area is the crown jewel, offering miles of purpose-built trails through recovering Appalachian landscape.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Wayne National Forest is Ohio's only national forest, covering over 240,000 acres.

    #2

    The forest was largely barren farmland and strip-mined land before reforestation began in the 1930s.

    #3

    Monday Creek's name comes from an explorer who arrived there on a Monday in the 1700s.

    Length
    75+ miles
    Elevation
    600 - 1,100 ft
    Best Season
    April - November
    Permit
    Not Required
    Only OH national forestAppalachian hillsCreek crossingsFall foliageRidge roads

    🛞 Tires

    required
    All-terrain tires
    Rocky Appalachian terrain

    🔧 Suspension

    recommended
    2" lift

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD with low range

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Recovery kit

    🛡️ Protection

    recommended
    Skid plates
    1
    Nelsonville Ranger Station
    39.4534, -82.2345
    2
    Monday Creek ATV Area
    39.4012, -82.1567
    3
    Hanging Rock Area
    38.6234, -82.6890

    Closest campgrounds to Wayne National Forest:

    Where to Camp

    GPS Coordinates

    39.4534, -82.2345

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    Map of Nelsonville, OH

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