Atwood Lake Mining Heritage Circuit

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.