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.
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Stone Church Horseback Riding System
Named for the skeletal ruins of an old stone church nearby, the Stone Church Horse Trail System provides a great opportunity for scenic riding. Various loops for other distances are available. The…
Symmes Creek East Trailhead
This trailhead is part of the Symmes Creek/Morgan Sists Trail System. The 6 trails in the Morgan Sisters – Symmes Creek Trail System are located in Gallia County, Ohio near Patriot. The trails…
Symmes Creek West Trailhead
This trailhead is part of the Symmes Creek/Morgan Sister Trail System. The 6 trails in the Morgan Sister – Symmes Creek Trail System are located in Gallia County, Ohio near Patriot. The trails…
Timbre Ridge Lake
This beautiful 100-acre lake is located on the Ironton Ranger District in Lawrence County, Ohio. The surrounding forested hills will make a picturesque backdrop for fishing, hunting, camping, or…
Underground Railroad: Payne Cemetery
The Underground Railroad consisted of a large secret network of travel routes and safe havens for freedom-seekers escaping slavery in the mid-19th century. The Ohio River divided freedom and…
Underground Railroad: Vesuvius Furnace
Iron Furnaces, which converted iron ore to pig iron, dotted the northeastern landscape prior to the 19th century. At the turn of the century, the industry developed in the Hanging Rock Iron Region of…
Utah Ridge Pond
Utah Ridge Pond is a beautiful one-acre pond on the Athens Ranger District in Athens County, Ohio. Enjoy a picnic or hike or bike the nearby 1.3-mile Bullfrog Loop Trail that runs adjacent to the…
Wayne National Forest Welcome Center
The Wayne National Forest Welcome Center located on U.S. 33 between Nelsonville and Athens, Ohio serves as a reception area for visitors. It is also the office of the Athens Ranger District-Athens…
Wildcat Hollow
Welcome to the Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail. This trail offers two options; a 17.2 mile loop of scenic trail along ridge-tops and stream bottoms, and a short 5-mile loop for day hikes. Both trails…