Shawnee State Forest Turkey Creek Mining District Loop

The Turkey Creek Mining District Loop winds through 16 miles of Ohio’s forgotten iron ore country in Shawnee State Forest, where 19th-century blast furnace ruins still dot the hollows between sandstone ridges. This route follows old haul roads that once carried ore from hillside mines to the furnaces along Turkey Creek, and you’ll encounter evidence of that industrial past at every turn. The technical highlight comes at Copperhead Hollow where the trail drops 200 feet through a series of tight switchbacks before crossing Turkey Creek at the old furnace foundation site.

Stock 4WD with decent ground clearance handles this route fine in dry conditions, but the creek crossings can get sketchy during spring runoff or after heavy rains. Late spring through early fall provides the best combination of stable water levels and comfortable temperatures under the hardwood canopy. No permits needed and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest with some excellent sites near the creek crossings. You’ll come away with a solid day of moderate wheeling plus a fascinating glimpse into Ohio’s industrial heritage that most folks never knew existed.