Mohican State Forest Iron Furnace Backcountry Loop
Iron furnace ruins through Ohio's forgotten hills
Mohican State Forest preserves the rugged hills where Ohio’s iron industry was born, and this forest road loop connects the scattered remnants of 19th-century blast furnaces hidden in steep ravines. The route follows old logging roads past the crumbling stone foundations of Butler Furnace, built in 1838 to smelt local bog iron ore, before climbing through second-growth hardwood forest to Fire Tower Road. The most technical section drops into Honey Run Valley, where a rough two-track negotiates steep grades and loose shale before emerging at the ruins of Mohican Furnace.
High-clearance 4WD recommended for the full loop, though careful stock SUV drivers can handle most sections in dry conditions. Wet weather turns the shale slopes treacherous, so stick to late spring through early fall for best traction. No permits needed but check for active logging operations that may close sections temporarily. Primitive camping available at designated sites near Pleasant Hill Lake, and the area offers excellent fall foliage viewing from the fire tower overlook.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1380 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Loudonville, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ohiodnr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a lifted Tacoma or stock 4Runner run this trail without issues?
A stock 4Runner or Tacoma handles it fine. The trail designation is high-clearance 4WD, and while a lifted rig gives you more breathing room in the soft spots, low-clearance vehicles or 2WD trucks will struggle, especially after rain.
Is this trail passable in early spring or late fall?
Best season is May through October. Spring mud can make the dirt sections genuinely sloppy and rutted, and some low-lying sections hold water longer than you'd expect for Ohio. Late fall after leaf-off is actually a solid window if you're watching the weather.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp overnight?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed in Mohican State Forest, but you must camp at least 100 feet from water sources and trails — Ohio DNR rules apply. No fee for dispersed sites; confirm current regulations at ohiodnr.gov before you go.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The deep hollow sections are where it gets honest — narrow two-track with off-camber sideslope, loose dirt, and water drainage cutting across the line. Nothing that requires lockers in dry conditions, but a wet run will find your traction limits quickly on the steeper descents.
Are the water crossings actual drive-throughs, and how deep do they get?
Yes, there are real water crossings — not just wet spots. In normal conditions they're shallow enough for a stock high-clearance rig, but after heavy rain they can rise fast. Check recent conditions before heading out; Loudonville is your last stop for fuel and intel, roughly 10 miles from the trailhead.
Trail track
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