Located in southern Ohio, lies the Wayne National Forest encompassing over 160,000 acres. You can get there in no more than a day's drive from such metropolitan areas as Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Pittsburgh. Camping and picnicking season extends from May through September, except at Vesuvius Recreation Area where camping is permitted year-round. Southweast Ohio relishes its warm days and cool nights during May and June, with visitors claiming the swimming is best during July and August.

The Wayne National Forest is located in southeastern Ohio and covers over 240,000 acres of land. To get there from Columbus, follow these directions:

1. Start by heading southeast on I-70 E.
2. Continue on I-70 E for approximately 50 miles until you reach exit 132A to merge onto OH-60 S toward Marietta/Zanesville.
3. Stay on OH-60 S for about 40 miles until you reach the town of McConnelsville.
4. In McConnelsville, turn left onto State Route (SR) 78 E/E Main St., following signs for SR-555/Stockport/Marietta/Wayne National Forest Headquarters.
5. Follow SR-78 East for around 15 miles as it winds through scenic countryside and takes you into Morgan County.

To access specific areas within the forest:
For Athens Ranger District:
6a: For Burr Oak Lake Area - After reaching Morgan County via SR-78E continue straight at a four-way stop intersection with Stockport Rd./State Rte (SR)266 N/SR377 W towards Glouster/Athens
7a: Turn right onto US Hwy33W/OH13N then take Exit ramp to The Plains/Glouster/Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center
8a: Merge right off highway exit ramp continuing eastbound along Old Nelsonvile-Glouseter Road which becomes Township Highway #11/Nelsonsville-Gloucester Road SE after crossing under U.S.Hwy33

Or,

6b: For Wildcat Hollow area – From step five above instead…
7b :Turn Left at that same four way Stop Intersection mentioned earlier staying southward now along Stockport Rd.(also known as state route(SR)-266S)
8b :Continue South past Wolf Creek Wildlife Management Area entrance road till arriving near mile marker#9 where parking lot will be on your left

For Marietta Ranger District:
6c: For the Athens Unit - After reaching Morgan County via SR-78E continue straight at a four-way stop intersection with Stockport Rd./State Rte (SR)266 N/SR377 W towards Glouster/Athens
7c :Turn right onto US Hwy33W/OH13N then take Exit ramp to The Plains/Glouster/Burr Oak Lodge & Conference Center
8c :Merge right off highway exit ramp continuing eastbound along Old Nelsonvile-Glouseter Road which becomes Township Highway #11/Nelsonsville-Gloucester Road SE after crossing under U.S.Hwy33.
9a: Continue for approximately 18 miles until you reach State Route 690, and turn left onto it. Follow this road for about 4 miles.

Or,

6d: For the New Matamoras Unit – From step five above instead…
7d :Continue South past Wolf Creek Wildlife Management Area entrance road till arriving near mile marker#16 where parking lot will be on your Right