Our mission is to promote and apply management for the sustainable use of Ohio's private and public forest lands.

State Forest Program Administrators

Division of Forestry
2045 Morse Rd.
Building H1.
Columbus, OH 43229

Administrative Offices are located at Fernwood State Forest 11 Township Road 181 Bloomingdale, Ohio 43910 740/266-6021 Directions to forest Total acres: 1,345 County: Harrison County Brochure with map (pdf)

Additional Information History of Ohio’s State Forests officially began in 1916, but its roots go back much further. READ MORE> AUDIO SEGMENTS AUDIO: Firewood Alert VIDEO and MORE AUDIO>

Harrison State Forest Notes
Harrison State Forest was purchased in 1961. A substantial portion of the land has been stripmined for coal. However, the production of acid mine water is minimal because of the neutralizing effect of limestone deposits. The majority of unstripped lands are located on ridges or in valleys, and are in forest cover. Subsequent reforestation and installation of recreation facilities, funded through the Appalachian Regional Develolpment Act of 1965 and the Ohio Capital Improvements program, have restored the area to a condition suitable for public use. Two areas were reforested in 1992 and 1993. Over 100,000 trees were planted on 186 acres.

Harrison State Forest is located in Harrison County, approximately three miles north of Cadiz, east of State Route 9. The primary area lies north of County Road 13, while two smaller tracts are located south of County Road 13.

Two campgrounds equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault latrines are available. Campers must provide their own water. Seven family campsites are located at Ronsheim Campground while 20 sites accommodating family and/or horse campers are available at the Trailriders Campground. Campers must select a site; a forest officer will issue permits, and familiarize visitors with camping regulations.

Twenty miles of combined bridle and hiking trails are located throughout the state forest. Parking areas are strategically located at trail intersections.

A 100 yard shooting range is provided for the sportsman or shooting enthusiast to practice marksmanship or sight-in firearms for accuracy. The area is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a person of legal age while discharging firearms. Exercise extreme caution and observe all rules of gun safety when using this area.

General Forest Rules

• Harrison State Forest is open to visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Legal campers, hunters and anglers may be present during other hours.

• Operation of motor vehicles is restricted to roads provided for such travel. The speed limit on state forest roads is 30 mph unless otherwise posted. Vehicles may not be parked where traffic or access to division service roads or trails will be obstructed.

• Horses may be ridden only along forest roads or on designated bridle trails.

• Fires are not permitted except in grills or fire rings provided or in portable stoves. Fires must be attended at all times.

• Litter must be disposed of in receptacles provided.

• Camping is permitted only in areas provided and designated for such use.

• Public display or consumption of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited.

• Disturbance, defacement or destruction of any property, material, natural feature or vegetation is prohibited. Berries, nuts and mushrooms may be gathered and removed except from tree seed orchards or posted areas.
  
• Rules to follow when using the target range. (pdf)
  
  General visitation guidelines