Atwood Lake Mining Heritage Circuit
Coal heritage roads around Atwood Lake
This 14-mile loop follows abandoned Pittsburgh Coal Company roads that once hauled black diamonds from the hills surrounding what’s now Atwood Lake. The route starts at the old Sherrodsville tipple site and follows narrow-gauge railroad grades carved into hillsides, passing foundations of company houses at Coalburg and the massive earthworks where draglines stripped overburden in the 1960s. The technical highlight comes at Crawdad Creek Crossing, where an old railroad trestle foundation creates a rock-ledge ford that requires careful line choice.
Moderate difficulty suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles with decent ground clearance and skid plates. Spring through fall offers the best conditions, though autumn provides spectacular views across the lake from the ridge sections. No permits needed on public MWCD lands, but stay off posted private property around active mine operations. Fuel up in Carrollton before heading out. You’ll see Ohio mining history written in the landscape while enjoying some surprisingly technical driving for the eastern part of the state.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 14 mi / 22.5 km |
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1020 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance SUV |
| Nearest town | Sherrodsville, Ohio |
| Land manager | Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | mwcd.org |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Cherokee or 4Runner handle this trail without modifications?
Yes. A stock high-clearance SUV is the minimum and genuinely sufficient here — 14 miles of dirt and gravel with modest 680 feet of elevation gain won't punish an unmodified rig. Low-clearance crossovers and sedans should stay home.
When does the trail close, and is it passable in early spring?
The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District manages access April through November as the best window. Early spring can mean soft ground on reclaimed strip-mine sections — expect mud and potential ruts if you push it before May.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to run this route?
No dedicated trail permit is required, but you're on MWCD-managed land so follow their posted rules — some areas around Atwood Lake require day-use or camping fees. Check mwcd.org before you go for current fee schedules.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The water crossings on the old coal company roads are where most rigs get tested — nothing extreme, but after rain the crossings can run faster and muddier than they look. The reclaimed strip-mine grades have loose gravel and off-camber moments that demand attention at speed.
Are there dispersed campsites on the route, and how far is the nearest gas?
Dispersed camping is available on MWCD land along the circuit — scout spots on the eastern side away from the lake's developed areas. Sherrodsville is your nearest fuel stop, roughly 5 miles out, so top off before you leave town.
Trail track
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