You don’t have to go far to find a great escape into the woods. Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania are dotted with state forests where you can hike, paddle, camp, fish and explore — often with a little history along the way.
State forests began taking shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as states responded to deforestation, wildfires, erosion and concerns about sustainable forest management. Today, they offer a mix of conservation, recreation and history.
Northeast Ohio
Beaver Creek State Forest
Columbiana County | 1,122 acres
Established in 1998, Beaver Creek became Ohio’s 20th state forest. The forest is intertwined with the Little Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, making it a great destination for anglers and paddlers.
Try: Fishing, kayaking, hiking and hunting.
Don’t miss: Little Beaver Creek, home to fish including smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, northern pike and walleye.
Fernwood State Forest
Jefferson County | 3,023 acres
Fernwood is a great example of nature reclaiming land once heavily altered by industry. The property was purchased in 1961, and a substantial portion had been strip-mined for coal. Today, the former mining landscape has been transformed into forest and recreation land.
Try: Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and target shooting.
Don’t miss: Hidden Hollow Campground and a scenic five miles of hiking trails.
Harrison State Forest
Harrison County | About 1,300 acres
Harrison State Forest offers another glimpse at Ohio’s history of reclaiming former mining land. The state began acquiring the property in 1961 after extensive strip mining, and the land has since been restored for forest management and recreation.
Try: Hiking, fishing, hunting and horseback riding.
Don’t miss: The Harrison State Forest Bridle Trail System, or an overnight stay at Ronsheim or Trailriders campground.
Mohican-Memorial State Forest
Ashland County | 4,541 acres
Mohican-Memorial packs plenty into its astounding acreage, with 32 miles of hiking trails, 22 miles of bridle trails and opportunities for mountain biking, snowmobiling and primitive camping.
Try: Hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.
Don’t miss: The Mohican-Memorial Shrine, the state’s official monument to the approximately 20,000 state citizens who died in military conflicts since WWII; or the 80-foot Mohican Fire Tower, perfect for a 360 degree view of the forest.
Yellow Creek State Forest
Columbiana County | 756 acres
With no developed trails or facilities, Yellow Creek is ideal for anyone looking to go off the beaten path.
Try: public access hunting, berry picking, mushroom hunting
Don’t miss: Peaceful Highlandtown Wildlife Area, where access to Yellow Creek awaits!
Western Pennsylvania
Buchanan State Forest
Franklin, Fulton and Bedford counties | 71,683 acres
With more than 206 miles of trail, Buchanan is the place to go when you want plenty of room to roam. The Sideling Hill area even offers 1,357 acres designated for disabled hunter access.
Try: Hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
Don’t miss: The forest’s historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps, pre-Civil War cemeteries and a saltpeter mine. Four CCC camps were located within the forest, and remnants of the camps and other historic sites can still be explored today.
Clear Creek State Forest
Jefferson, Clarion, Venango, Forest and Mercer counties | 16,716 acres
Named after the crystal-clear stream that flows through Jefferson County, Clear Creek is an easy pick for outdoor lovers looking to spend a day (or longer!) in the woods with 77 miles of trail and stunning scenery.
Try: Hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and camping.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking views of Beartown Rocks Overlook and Dennis Point Overlook, and the historical relics at Laurel Fields and Bullion Run’s iron furnace.
