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.

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.