Lake Vesuvius Backpack Trail, Wayne National Forest, Ohio - Video

[Aerialtraveler]

Lovely 1 night / 2 day backpacking trip at the end of July 2018 covering about 16 miles. Perfect weather and a very well maintained trail made this trip a pleasure. Most of the hiking was done on the Lake Vesuvius Backpack trail/loop. The northern section of the Lakeshore trail was used on day two. The Lakeshore trail really steals the show and is much more scenic than the Backpack trail. The Backpack trail is very quite and has very little traffic compared to the Lakeshore trail.

Several campsites are shown on the video but most are directly on the trail. If you had some extra time to explore you could surely find some nice secluded spots. There looked to be several potential spots on top of some of the rock cliffs/bluffs. Campfires are allowed as long as conditions aren't too dry. Most but not all camp sites could accommodate both tents and hammocks.

This is a good place to consider kayaking / canoeing camping since there are a few camping spots on or near the lake shore. The lake is very quite since only electric motors are allowed.

Bugs were not too bad for the time of year (End of July 2018). Some seed ticks were present and trail spider webs were heavy at times.

Safe overnight parking is provided at the Boat Dock. It may be possible to park overnight at the beach area depending which ranger is on patrol that night.

This is also a great area to go horseback riding with many different trails available to explore.

Don't buy a map! Use a trail map provided by the US Forest Service which your tax dollars have already paid for.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE...eprd489860.pdf
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE...prd3792530.pdf

Tested out lots of new gear including a cheap bug net (Wecamture Hammock Bug Net) and a couple new quilts.

[OneClick]

Thanks for the report! Not a bad drive so I may have to try that out for something new.

[One-Sky]

Nice report and thank you! I do need to hike/camp there. I'll wait until fall. It's not a very far drive for me.

I've ridden the horse trails there and Wayne National Forest is a beautiful place.

[Aerialtraveler]

Thanks for the report! Not a bad drive so I may have to try that out for something new.

Thanks for the kind words. It a great area to consider for a trip. The distance from major urban areas seems to keep trail traffic to a minimum. Couldn't believe how quite it was.

[Aerialtraveler]

Nice report and thank you! I do need to hike/camp there. I'll wait until fall. It's not a very far drive for me.

I've ridden the horse trails there and Wayne National Forest is a beautiful place.

Thanks One-Sky! Fall would be a great time to go. You could defiantly see more of the rock formations and get better views of the beautiful lake.

[Marmaduke]

Looks great. I really need to head on down and check that out.