Shawnee State Forest Bridle Trail Loop
Ohio's gnarliest horse trail turned jeep track
The Bridle Trail at Shawnee cuts a challenging path through 63,000 acres of mixed hardwood forest in Ohio’s hill country, where the bridle path doubles as a legitimate 4WD challenge. The main loop winds past the ruins of 1800s iron furnaces and crosses Turkey Creek multiple times, with the gnarliest section climbing through Copperhead Hollow where erosion has carved deep ruts into the clay-based trail surface.
This is honest moderate to difficult territory requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates — the creek crossings can be knee-deep after rain, and the climbs will test traction on wet clay. Best run April through October when water levels are manageable. No permits required, plenty of dispersed camping along the route, and you’ll earn solitude in Ohio’s largest state forest. Fuel up in Portsmouth before heading in.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 28.9 km |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Portsmouth, Ohio |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but a 2-3 inch lift with all-terrain tires gives you real margin on the creek crossings and rutted clay climbs. Steer clear in a stock SUV or crossover — this trail will punish you.
When does Shawnee State Forest close this trail for the season?
The trail is best run April through October. Winter and early spring turn the clay surface into a greasy mess that chews up the trail and your recovery gear. ODNR can also close sections after heavy rain — check their site before you roll out.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to run this trail?
No permit or fee required to run the bridle trail loop. You're on Ohio Department of Natural Resources land — just follow state forest rules, pack out your trash, and don't tear up the trail more than necessary.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually expect?
The steep clay descents after wet weather are where rigs get into trouble — the surface goes from firm to skating rink fast. Expect tight tree-lined two-track, off-camber shelf sections, and creek crossings that can run knee-deep after rain.
Is there anywhere to get gas or water near the trailhead before I head in?
Portsmouth is your last real stop for fuel — top off there, it's roughly 20-25 miles out. Cell service is completely dead on trail, so download your maps offline and tell someone your plan before you leave the pavement.
Trail track
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