Shawnee State Forest Bridle Trail Loop

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.