Hike The Wayne
The Village of Shawnee in Perry County became a Buckeye Trail Town in 2018. It’s a great place to start or end your hiking day with a visit to Shawnee Mercantile and the Ohio’s Winding Road Marketplace where you’ll find high quality artisan goods by regional makers. The Buckeye Trail state office is located right on Main Street in Shawnee.
THE NEW STRAITSVILLE TRAILHEAD
To ‘Follow the Blue Blazes,’ head for the New Straitsville Trailhead. We recommend checking out the Buckeye Trail page about the New Straitsville section where you’ll find updates and you can email the New Straitsville Section Supervisor. This hike can be a long hike if you’d like – the New Straitsville section is about 62 miles – with 37 off-road miles. On-going work is being done to blaze and clear the trail. Volunteers are always welcome so contact the trail section leader if you’d like to join the fun. Camping is permitted in this area of the Wayne National Forest – please follow primitive no trace practices.
TECUMSEH LAKE
Tecumseh Lake in Shawnee offers a half-mile loop trail, space to picnic, fish, kayak, canoe and birdwatch. Download the Tecumseh Lake Loop Map.
THINGS TO KNOW
How can I access maps on my phone if I lose cell service in the forest?
Here is great information from the U.S. Forest Service:
“With cell service being limited to non-existent in many areas, we recommend that you download the free app Avenza to your smartphone, and then visit our Wayne National Forest GeoPDF Maps webpage to download maps of the units you are visiting. Using our geoPDF maps in Avenza, you will be able to know where you are in real time even without any cell service.”
ABOUT THE WAYNE
The Wayne National Forest is Ohio’s only National Forest and… it didn’t exist 60 years ago!
You read that right. The Wayne was planted, tree-by-tree, as a WPA project funded by the U.S. government during the years following the Great Depression.
Young men from all over Ohio came to live in manufactured barracks housing in southeastern Ohio and went to work creating roadways, small dams and planting trees. Their work rejuvenated and brought forth 250,000 acres of land left barren by soil erosion and poor agricultural practices in the region.
When you’re hiking through the rolling, verdant hills of The Wayne, you’re experiencing living history that shows us resilience is always possible even in the most dire circumstance. Enjoy the canopy of trees, the wildlife to see and the adventure of our Appalachian wilderness.
We highly recommend reading through Storied Hills: The Wayne National Forest, a PDF tour with lots of helpful information, put together by the Forest Service.
WHERE TO STAY
BigFoot Lodge
Right on Main Street in New Straitsville, with accommodations for up to 14 guests. A 2-night minimum stay is required.
The Tipis at Timber Ridge
You’ll find the tipis a little further east of New Straitsville where you’ll sleep in a peaceful, wooded area with fire pit by a small lake. Rates are based on up to four people per night. The wooden tipi structure is 18 feet tall, and can sleep up to four people on a king size bed and two individual mattresses.
Colonel’s Quarters
Colonel’s Quarters Cabins provides environments that will make memories that last a lifetime. Many additional services are available to enhance your stay including firewood delivery, rose petal and candle trails, couples massage appointments, wine and glasses. All cabin are pet-friendly, providing our guests the opportunity to travel with their furry friends! Free WiFi available.
Wildwood Inn Bed & Breakfast & Llama Farm
Stay in a bed and breakfast with local hosts and activity guides Mike and Jan. Visit with the llamas and enjoy the starry night skies.
GRAB & GO REFRESHMENTS | GAS
SHAWNEE ROAD DOG (MARATHON) | SHAWNEE
(740) 394-2226
7841 State Route 93
WHERE TO EAT
Little Italy Pizza | New Straitsville
Pizza, Burgers, Wings, Subs, and more – all found in ATV-friendly New Straitsville!
(740) 394-2441
110 W. Main Street
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Shawnee Crossing | Shawnee
The locals’ favorite for pizza and more AND they deliver to Tecumseh Trails! Shawnee Crossing will be reopening in early 2023 with a new roof. Check online or call ahead to confirm they’re open.
(740) 394-1260
317 W. Main Street
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Just up the road…
Strong & Co. | Somerset
The Strongs, a local brother and sister came back to town a few years ago and brought the joy of juicy, flavorful smoked meats with them. Strong & Co.’s menu is more than just barbecue, though, with big sandwiches, fresh salads and more to pair with a selection of craft beers in a comfy atmosphere right on the roundabout. Don’t miss their hearty weekend brunch menu.
(740) 836-3105
107 E Main Street
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The Clay Haus | Somerset
Don’t miss the Sunday Buffet and an all-around delicious menu of German and American favorites. Menu highlights include steaks, seafood – including fried oysters, Prime Rib Saturday and German standards including Bratwurst and Sauerbraten.
(740) 743-1326
123 W. Main Street
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