Lake Vesuvius is a tranquil 143-acre lake that draws bird watchers, anglers and hikers and, ironically, named after the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace that once overpowered the area with sounds of hundreds of men working the hot-blast furnace to produce some of the finest iron in the region.
Today, the rock chimney and walls of the furnace still stand at the base of the dam. But the area now produces some of the finest recreation spaces in the region. Spacious campgrounds, shady picnic areas, excellent fishing, boating, a variety of hiking trails, and an archery trail are all available.
A Midwest boardwalk
Not even a mile walk, Vesuvius Boardwalk is a .32-mile fully-accessible boardwalk that follows the shoreline and connects the boat ramp and dam. The boardwalk includes several wide places for you to rest, with accessible fishing rails and a shaded fishing pier. Bring your binoculars, and stop and watch the birds, shore animals, and fish along the way.
The trail is located between the Lake Vesuvius boat dock parking area and the dam spillway. The boardwalk provides a safe way to access the boat ramp from the fishing area and gets pedestrian traffic off the narrow winding road above the lake. Accessible parking is provided at the boat ramp and other parking at the spillway.
Walk the interpretive trail
The Rock House Trail is an amazing three-quarter-mile interpretive trail that winds through an incredible wildflower viewing area, along a rock cliff, and under a rock overhang.
The trail provides hikers with a great view of rock overhangs and follows a cliff face. Hikers have an opportunity to reflect on the power of erosion and the geologic wonder of the natural rock houses. There are benches, interpretive signage and a boardwalk to take your trail experience on the Rock House Trail to another level. This is one of the recommended wildflower viewing areas on the forest.
Amenities: Campgrounds include both family and group sites. Sites vary from tent to recreational vehicle sites with electric, picnic tables and shower houses.
Operating Hours: The site is open year-round. Campground quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Fees: Entrance to the lake is free. Reserve your campsite on Recreation.gov
Reservations: Some special events may require reservations.
Accessibility: The Boardwalk Trail, Rock House Trail, and the archery trail are designed for accessibility for all users.
- Historic Civilian Conservation Corps 1939-era buildings. A giant rock formation near the entrance looks like the profile of a Native American overlooking the lake
- A refreshing, sandy Big Bend Beach
- Longer trails, including the 8-mile Lakeshore Trail or the 16-mile Vesuvius Backpacking Trail.
- Twenty-five miles of viewing woodland songbirds, deer, beaver, and turkey.
38°36' 38" / 82°38' 06"
The Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio is in the foothills of the Appalachians and steeped in history. Historical sites abound, with a backdrop of the central hardwoods. With the geology rock shelters, cliffs, and high walls, the area offers interesting views around every corner.