Shawnee Backpackers Trail

This might be the hardest trail in Ohio but it's difficulty is due to both good and bad things. At times, be prepared for brush on the trail that is almost too thick to get through as well as downed trees one must climb over, streams that need to be crossed with no clear path or stepping stones (especially not after the rain) and blazes that are out of sight, especially when crossing bridle trails and roads. Don't trust the weather forecast for Scioto County either, as anytime on their trail you might be deluged with water! Be prepared to move off the trail and hunker down, because there is NOTHING controlling the water flow on the trail, and they quickly move from being steep, dry and pebbly trails to near waterfalls. Recommended gear, gaiters and a poncho that can cover your pack. The camps on this part of the trail are sparse -- most look as if they haven't been used in a year. It is important to note that if you go on the weekend it is desolate, and park rangers don't staff the park on the weekends either—so you are really on your own. It is likely that you might not see another person for days. Please also consider that the trails are pretty much completely inaccessible to motor vehicles. Unlike places like the Shenandoah, the fire trails and bridle trails aren’t really clear enough for even Jeeps to pass (maybe even ATV’s), so if you get hurt, you’ll need to descend on your own. Camp 6 is probably the loveliest of the camps, and has a good amount of room for both hammock camping and for tents. It is located on the water with is nice, and you have plenty of room. Camp 5 is located towards the top of the ridge line. It has room for tents but being hammock campers. Do not camp without bug nets and a rain fly! The terrain on this trail is consistent; new growth forests with lots of brush, and ticks. The terrain is mostly dirt and small rock paths, and during accents there are virtually no places where you’ll get rock handholds. When you get to the streams, of which you’ll come to many, you’ll come across nice old growth pines and spruces with soft trails…. Luxuriate in them, because they are short. (Although camp 6 is in one of these areas.)