::: 20 DESTINATIONS UNDER 20 MILES :::

Shawnee & The Little Cities of Black Diamonds Outdoor Experience Guide

_DSC4664_web.jpg

About

Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Wayne National Forest, Shawnee sits in the heart of the Little Cities of Black Diamonds: the historic coal town mining communities of Appalachian Ohio. Home to a vibrant community of artists and makers, its unique natural and historical location creates a wealth of opportunities for visitors year-round.

Download a PDF Guide
 
RobinsonsCave_dmp006_web.jpg

How To Use This Guide

This 20 Under 20 guide provides visitors from near and far with a list of oft-hidden outdoor destinations in the Little Cities of Black Diamonds region, all within 20 miles of Shawnee. We’ve also include seasonal event and local amenities for fun and refreshment after your outdoor time. Feel free to look around our website for even more ideas!

20 under 20 Final Map-01.png

Find your adventure!

  • 1. Tecumseh Lake & Buckeye Trail Loop

    (.3 Miles) Fisherfolk and hikers enjoy a stroll around the lake or a loop trail up in the shaded woods.

  • 2. Stone Church Trailhead

    (2.1 Miles) Great place to ride horseback or hike for miles and miles. Camping available. More info here.

  • 3. New Lex Gravel Grinder 33

    Start this loop in Shawnee and view rolling hills, wetlands, stone outcrops and more. More info here.

  • 4. Upstream Rock Run Recovery Area

    (1.4 Miles) Explore an old mining area so close to Shawnee, you might as well go have an adventure! More info here.

  • 5. Robinson's Cave

    (1.5 Miles) The natural sandstone outcropping is known for its beauty and historical link to the labor organizing movement. More info here.

  • 6. Tecumseh Trails Offroad

    (2 Miles) This off-road park caters to ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes, and offers riders 1,340 acres of signed and looped trails. More info here.

  • 7. Tinkers Cave

    (5.6 Miles) Shep Tinker was a horse thief who began stealing horses and hiding them in the cade in the 1840s. More info here.

  • 8. Bouldering Opportunities on Wayne National Forest Land

    (5.5 Miles) Heading south on Salem Hollow Road, pull offs available on the west side of the road after crossing county line. Ridge with north/south aspect on eastern side of road. Reach boulder field by approaching using ATV trail.

  • 9. Payne Cemetery

    (4.6 Miles) This early African American settlement was made up of mostly freed or escaped slaves from Virginia. There were several farmsteads that served as logical stops on the Underground Railroad. More info here.

  • 10. Greendale Wetlands

    (3.8 Miles) After decades of polluted waterways from coal mining and timber, this partnership with the Wayne National Forest and the National Audubon Society has revitalized much of the local ecosystem. More info here.

  • 11. Ora Anderson Nature Trail & Rutherford Wetland

    (10.5 Miles) This location provides one of the most serene fully accessible out and back trails in the region. Enjoy Monday Creek bottom lands and forest with birds galore. More info here.

  • 12. Monroe Overlook Trailhead

    (8.9 Miles) This 260 panoramic view from the top of the hill is a prime spot to view raptors and see which trail you would like to traverse. More info here.

  • 13. Wildcat Hollow

    (12.4 Miles) Choice of a five or fifteen mile loop trail, and soft rolling hills with valleys of wildflowers, and needle covered trail. More info here.

  • 14. Burr Oak State Park

    (13 Miles) Rustic lodge with indoor pool, bar, restaurant, and wifi. Trail around lake, portions double with the Buckeye Trail for rolling landscape, water stops, campgrounds and a designated star gazing area. More info here.

  • 15. Robbins Crossing Historic Village

    (14.3 Miles) The historical village comes alive for special events and train visits. Net door to the Hocking College Nature Center. Near Doanville Trailhead for Baileys Trails access. More info here.

  • 16. Hocking River Access

    The river offers various access points: Kackelmatcher Park in Logan, State Route 328 Bridge Access; Wandling Road Bridge in Haydenville; Lake Hope Drive bridge in Nelsonville; Nelsonville City Part on Watkins Road.

  • 17. Hock Hocking Adena Bikeway

    (14.3 Miles) Access from Robbins Crossing. Go south on bikeway toward Athens and visit Eclipse company town. More info here.

  • 18. Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

    (16.8 Miles) There are three trailheads and seven miles of trail. The most significant natural feature in the preserve is a rare example of a canyon falls. An access permit is required from the Division of Natural Area and Preserves. More info here.

  • 19. Rock Stalls Nature Preserve

    (19 Miles) Rock Stalls is a semi-seasonal waterfall that half drops/half-slides down a rock face. The waterfall is located in the Rock Stalls Nature Sanctuary. More info here.

  • 20. Rockbridge State Nature Preserve

    (22 Miles) This geologic wonder, the “largest natural bridge in Ohio,” is situated adjacent to the scenic Hocking River. More info here.

Plus: Download a PDF of the Tecumseh Lake Loop Trails!