The Shawnee Backpack Trail loops through 40.9 miles of Ohio's largest state forest, offering some of the most rugged backpacking in the state. Known as "The Little Smokies of Ohio," this Appalachian foothills trail delivers over 8,500 feet of cumulative elevation gain through steep hollows, ridgeline vistas, and dense hardwood forest. The trail splits into a 21-mile North Loop and 28-mile South Loop that can be hiked separately or combined for extended trips.
This trail suits hikers seeking genuine challenge in the Midwest. Expect relentless climbs of 300-400 feet, clay-slicked descents after rain, and navigation through stream crossings. About 8,000 acres of the route passes through designated wilderness with no roads or logging. Seven numbered backcountry camps with fire rings, latrines, and (mostly) trucked-in water cisterns provide the only camping locations.
No permit fee is required. Self-register at the trailhead kiosk before departure. Fill out your planned camp schedule so rangers can track you in case of emergency. Groups are limited to 10 people maximum. Camping is restricted to the seven designated backcountry camps only—dispersed camping is not permitted. Contact Shawnee State Forest Office at (740) 858-6685 for current regulations on fires and other restrictions.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best conditions with cooler temperatures and peak wildflowers or fall color. Summer (June-August) brings oppressive heat, humidity, and heavy tick and gnat activity—bring a bug headnet if hiking then. Winter and spring are the wet season; expect muddy conditions and reliable stream flow. The trail can be hiked year-round, though summer ticks make it the worst season for most hikers. Some prefer winter for clearer ridgeline views through leafless canopy.
Water cisterns with trucked-in water are located at Camps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Camp 6 has no cistern but sits adjacent to a stream that typically flows year-round even during drought. Bring a filter for Camp 6 and as backup for cisterns. Several streams cross the trail, but these often dry completely during summer and fall. Do not rely on natural water sources except at Camp 6.
No resupply is available on trail. Portsmouth (8 miles from trailhead) offers full grocery options including ALDI (2339 Gallia St), Kroger, and Save A Lot for pre-hike provisioning. Most hikers carry all food for their trip.
Venomous snakes (timber rattlesnakes and copperheads) are present and sun themselves on the trail during warm weather. Watch your footing on rocky sections. Black bears are occasionally sighted but encounters are rare. Ticks are abundant spring through fall—conduct thorough tick checks daily. Poison ivy grows along many trail sections.
The biggest challenge is the terrain itself. Steep climbs gain 300-400 feet with minimal switchbacks. Natural tread turns slick with clay after rain; trekking poles are highly recommended. Navigation can be tricky—clockwise travel following orange blazes is reportedly easier to follow than counterclockwise. Multiple stream crossings exist, especially on the South Loop; these are normally easy but may require wading during wet periods.
High cliffs exist in some areas—watch children and use caution near edges.
From Portsmouth, take US 52 West to OH 125 West. In 6.6 miles, turn left into Shawnee State Park. Trailhead parking with paved lot and registration kiosk is immediately on the right. The nearest major airports are John Glenn Columbus International Airport (49 miles north) and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (90 miles west). No shuttle services operate in the area; plan for a private vehicle or arrange pickup.
Parking is free at the trailhead. The forest office is at (740) 858-6685 if you need road condition updates.
Camp 6 is the most popular camp, located in a flat pine grove beside a flowing stream. Hike counterclockwise to reach it quickly for an overnight trip. Camp 5 offers the best ridgeline views when leaves are down. In rainy conditions, choose Camp 6 for its dense pine canopy or avoid it if recent rains may make the creek crossing difficult.
The South Loop is generally considered easier with less constant elevation change, though it contains the trail's toughest individual climbs. The North Loop is relentlessly hilly from the start—the first hill is a notorious "lung buster."
Bring extra food and fuel. The difficulty and steep terrain slow most hikers significantly. A 15-mile day here feels harder than 20 miles on flatter terrain. Plan conservative daily mileage, especially if new to backpacking.
Clockwise travel following numbered camps (1-7) provides easier navigation and matches trail documentation. Counterclockwise gets you to Camp 6 faster but may be harder to follow.
Pack rain gear year-round. The forest sees significant precipitation, and exposure during storms on ridgelines can be dangerous. Trekking poles make steep, muddy descents much safer.
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