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Outdoor Science and Learning

There are many opportunities to view nature and wildlife in their natural habitat on the Wayne. The links below are to sites which may offer good opportunities to view nature and wildlife in their natural habitat. To find out more information on our Nature Watch program which includes watchable wildlife and our wildflower programs click on this link.

We also have a downloadable brochure on nature viewing on the Wayne National Forest.

Viewing Wildlife

There are many animals who call the Wayne National Forest home. If you walk softly you are likely to encounter many of these creatures in the Forest. Bring your binoculars. If you have an interest in bugs or amphibians the Wayne offices sell insect boxes and lens which allow children to closely examine these interesting life forms. Be sure to not harm these creatures and leave nothing but footsteps with your visit and take home only memories.


 

Viewing Plants

The Forest offers wildflower hikes occasionally and some trails have interpretive signage regarding plants that you may see along the route.  The flora on the Wayne is rich and diverse so we encourage you to stop at one of our offices and purchase a field guide to learn more about the many plants that make the Wayne a special place.

Viewing Scenery

The scenery is good in every season on the Wayne National Forest so we encourage you to come back in each season and bring your camera to enjoy the full beauty of the Wayne.

Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 29 results

Arabia Canoe Launch Site

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
In late 2010, the Wayne National Forest Ironton Ranger District, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft, and the Symmes Creek Restoration Committee celebrated the opening…

Balancing Rock Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning
This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground.The Lake…

Bluegrass Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Horse Riding and Camping
This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground.The Lake…

Covered Bridge Scenic Byway

Site Open
Scenic Drives Outdoor Science and Learning
The National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway (Map) follows State Route 26 from Marietta to Woodsfield, Ohio. For most of its length, it parallels the Little Muskingum River. The scenic byway…

Hune Bridge Campground

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
Access the Hune Bridge Campground along the National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway (S.R. 26) in Washington County. The campground is located across the historic Hune Covered Bridge. The…

John's Creek Trailhead

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
This trailhead is part of the Lake Vesuvius Horse Trail System. The Lake Vesuvius horseback trails system 46.66 miles long and is composed of 9 trails, 4 trailheads, and one horse campground.The Lake…

Lake Vesuvius Horseback Riding System

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
The Lake Vesuvius horse trails wind through some of the most striking landscapes in Ohio. They will lead you through a variety of vegetation where many species of wildlife live. You will ride along…

Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Site Open
Horse Riding and Camping Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking
The Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is the Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site and is named after the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace. The rugged hills and out-cropping cliffs…

Lamping Homestead Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities Biking Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
In Monroe County, this area offers camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and a scenic hiking trail. The site has six walk-in campsites, eight picnic sites, and a picnic shelter. There are two…

Lane Farm Campground

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Formerly the Lane family farm, this small campground is approximately 5 miles north of Marietta along the National Forest Covered Bridge Scenic Byway. The site has four campsites on the Little…

Last updated February 24th, 2025