The Shawnee Backpack Trail loops through 40.9 miles of Ohio's largest state forest and is some of the most rugged backpacking in the state. Known as "The Little Smokies of Ohio," this Appalachian foothills trail piles up 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 a longer trip.
This trail suits hikers looking for a genuine challenge in the Midwest. Expect relentless climbs of 300-400 feet, clay-slicked descents after rain, and stream crossings to navigate. 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 are the only places to camp.
No permit fee is required. Self-register at the trailhead kiosk before departure and fill out your planned camp schedule so rangers can track you in an 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) have the best conditions, with cooler temperatures and either peak wildflowers or fall color. Summer (June-August) brings oppressive heat, humidity, and heavy tick and gnat activity, so bring a bug headnet if hiking then. Winter and spring are the wet season; expect mud 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 the 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 next to a stream that typically flows year-round even during drought. Bring a filter for Camp 6 and as backup for the cisterns. Several streams cross the trail, but these often dry up completely during summer and fall, so do not count on natural water sources except at Camp 6.
No resupply is available on trail. Portsmouth (8 miles from the trailhead) has full grocery options for pre-hike provisioning, including ALDI (2339 Gallia St), Kroger, and Save A Lot. 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, so watch your footing on rocky sections. Black bears are occasionally sighted but encounters are rare. Ticks are abundant spring through fall; do 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. The natural tread turns slick with clay after rain, and trekking poles are highly recommended. Navigation can be tricky: clockwise travel following the orange blazes is reportedly easier to follow than counterclockwise. There are multiple stream crossings, 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 a 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, so plan for a private vehicle or arrange a 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, set in a flat pine grove beside a flowing stream. Hike counterclockwise to reach it quickly for an overnight trip. Camp 5 has the best ridgeline views when the leaves are down. In rainy conditions, Camp 6's dense pine canopy is an advantage, but skip 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, and a 15-mile day here feels harder than 20 miles on flatter ground. Plan conservative daily mileage, especially if you are new to backpacking.
Clockwise travel following the numbered camps (1-7) is easier to navigate and matches the 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 the steep, muddy descents much safer.
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