The source of this information originates from trail administrators and hikers alike. If you have a snippet of news or a trail alert you feel is worthy to pass along to others trail users, then please email us at bp@backpackohio.com and we'll post it.

7/29/11 - Mohican State Forest Trail Damage - ODNR, Div. of Forestry
Due to the recent storms in the Mohican area many of the trails systems have been damaged by water. Users may find entire trails and/or sections of trails closed because of damage caused by these storms.

7/24/10 - Storm Damage Closes Road to Lake Vesuvius - Wayne National Forest
Heavy rains and high winds are being blamed for damages at the Wayne National Forest Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. The Storms Creek Bridge on County Road 29, the main access road, was severely damaged by high water. It will be closed until repairs can be made. BackpackOhio.com notes that FR-1955 is open and accessible from CR 29. The boat ramp/backpack trail trailhead are located on FR-1955. The road closure is located just past FR-1955, near the Vesuvius Furnace.

7/15/10 - Trails Experiencing Peak Seasonal Growth - BackpackOhio.com
All of Ohio's overnight trails are experiencing sections of seasonal overgrowth that will last into October when dieback will begin to occur. Lightly used trails are almost indiscernible as perennial understory vegetation reaches peak growth. Plant growth can reach several feet in height. This is a typical summertime condition in Ohio, which actually begins to affect trails by late June. Extra time should be allowed for trips scheduled in the Buckeye State over the next couple of months, especially if you are visiting a trail for the first time.

6/17/09 - Shawnee State Forest Trails Now Open South of SR 125 - BackpackOhio.com

4/27/09 - Forest Fire Closes Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail - BackpackOhio.com
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources closed off access to the Shawnee State Forest Backpack and Bridle Trails south of State Route 125 on Monday, April 27, 2009, while firefighters battle a 1500-acre forest fire. Hikers planning a trip to Shawnee State Forest in May should contact forest managers for a closure update before arriving.

1/28/09 - Ice Storm Hits Southern Ohio - BackpackOhio.com
A winter storm generated severe icing over a large part of southern Ohio on January 27 - 28, 2009. An ice coating of up to 3/4" can be found throughout the region, which covers numerous counties from the Ohio River north to Interstate 70 and extending into eastern Ohio. The area affected is home to most of Ohio's overnight backpacking opportunities. Many trees and limbs are down all across the iced area, making hiking conditions difficult, if not impossible. Anyone planning a trip in southern Ohio during the next several weeks should check with the trail's managing agency for updated closure and condition information.

9/18/08 - Most Trails Remain Open after Windstorm - BackpackOhio.com
High winds created by the remnants of Hurricane Ike caused widespread damage across Ohio on Sunday, September 14th. The highest winds blew in a corridor from southwest Ohio, through central Ohio and into northern Ohio. Since southeast hill country, where most of Ohio's backpack trails are located, did not suffer as badly as other parts of the state, no trail closures are being reported by either Wayne National Forest or ODNR Division of Forestry. In southwest Ohio, the Twin Valley Backpack Trail near Dayton will be closed for up to two weeks to allow time for crews to clear fallen debris.

8/23/08 - Trails Experiencing Peak Seasonal Growth - BackpackOhio.com
All of Ohio's overnight trails are experiencing sections of seasonal overgrowth that will last into October when dieback will begin to occur. Lightly used trails are almost indiscernible as perennial understory vegetation reaches peak growth. Plant growth can reach several feet in height. This is a typical summertime condition in Ohio, which actually begins to affect trails by late June. Extra time should be allowed for trips scheduled in the Buckeye State over the next couple of months, especially if you are visiting a trail for the first time.

6/23/08 - Ohio's Newest Backpack Trail Opens - Five Rivers MetroParks
The Twin Valley Backpack Trail officially opened this past weekend with grand opening festivities held at the Germantown MetroPark outside of Dayton. The 22 miles of trail connect Germantown and Twin Valley MetroParks and provides three backcountry camps for backpackers. Advanced permits are required for overnight use of the trail.

6/19/08 - Section of Wildcat Hollow Trail Severely Overgrown - BackpackOhio.com
Nearly a three-mile section of trail along the east side of the Wildcat Hollow Trail in WNF is severely overgrown with non-seasonal shrubby plants and young trees and is difficult to hike in many places. The seasonal growth of tall grasses and briars this time of year adds to the adverse conditions. The affected section runs from just south of the trail crossing of FR-736 to the intersection with the day hike cutoff trail. Other shorter sections of overgrowth are encountered on the trail, but not to the degree of the above section.

UPDATE: High winds caused by severe thunderstorms created widespread damage around Wildcat Hollow in late June 2008. Many uprooted trees and other debris are laying across the trail creating difficult hiking conditions. Please contact Wayne National Forest for updates on trail conditions.