Getting Oriented
The Ironton Ranger District sits in the unglaciated hill country of southeastern Ohio, where Wayne National Forest holds four designated off-highway vehicle systems across the Athens and Ironton Ranger Districts, a network the Forest Service calls the largest OHV trail system in the state. Pine Creek is one of three OHV systems based out of Ironton, alongside the smaller Superior and Hanging Rock systems; two connector trails link Pine Creek to Superior, so riders based at either can cross into the other. Lawrence County surrounds the trail on nearly every side, with Ironton itself the closest town of any size.
Trail Overview
Pine Creek covers about 20 miles of trail open to ATVs and off-highway motorcycles up to 50 inches wide, plus hikers and mountain bikers year-round. Three trailheads reach it. Telegraph Trailhead sits 23 miles north of Ironton on State Route 93, then an eighth of a mile down County Road 193; a closure order currently blocks about 3.2 miles of trail between this trailhead and Brushy Fork Road over a private-property access dispute, so riders should plan to enter from Lyra or Wolcott instead until it's lifted. Wolcott Trailhead is reached by continuing north from Ironton on State Route 93, turning onto Highway 522 West for 3.5 miles, then County Road 9 for 3 more miles. Lyra Trailhead sits on the system's western edge, reached from Wheelersburg via County Road 2 to Township Road 307. None of the three trailheads have restrooms or potable water. Motorized and mountain-bike use closes seasonally each winter into early spring; hiking stays open year-round.
Points of Interest
- Superior OHV System connectors: two trails link Pine Creek to the smaller 16.5-mile Superior system farther south in the Ironton Ranger District, for riders looking to extend a loop.
- Rock House Trail: a separate 0.75-mile hiking trail elsewhere on the Ironton Ranger District, following a cliff face to a rock overhang with a small waterfall. It isn't part of the OHV system, but it's an easy stop for anyone camping nearby.
- Vesuvius Furnace: a 19th-century iron furnace at the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Where to Camp
Temporary camping is allowed at Pine Creek's trailheads under the forest's standard OHV rules: no site can stay in place more than two weeks, tents and gear have to sit at least 100 feet off the trail, and riders can't leave the trail to reach a campsite. Downed wood is fair game for a fire; standing trees are not. For a developed option, Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area southeast of Ironton has multiple Forest Service campgrounds, including sites at Oak Hill and Iron Ridge.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- A Wayne National Forest trail permit is required for riders and passengers 16 and older, along with valid registration for the vehicle; the permit runs $20 for three days or $35 for the season.
- Vehicles can't exceed 50 inches in width, and helmets plus eye protection are mandatory for OHV riders.
- Alcohol is prohibited on the trail under Ohio's Open Container Law.
- Check current alerts before riding the Telegraph Trail. The section between the trailhead and Brushy Fork Road is closed pending resolution of a private-property access issue.
- Carry your own water. None of the three trailheads have potable water or restrooms.
- Questions go to the Wayne National Forest Supervisor's Office in Nelsonville at 740-753-0101.
Fuel and Water
None of the three trailheads have potable water or fuel. Ironton, about 20-25 miles south of the trailheads via State Route 93, is the closest town with full services, including fuel, food, and lodging. Wheelersburg, near the Lyra Trailhead, has more limited services closer to that access point.
Nearby
The Superior OHV System, a separate 16.5-mile trail network elsewhere on the Ironton Ranger District, connects to Pine Creek via two marked connector trails. The Rock House Trail, a 0.75-mile hiking-only trail on the same ranger district, leads to a cliff-face rock overhang and small waterfall. The Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area, southeast of Ironton, holds the historic Vesuvius Furnace along with developed Forest Service campgrounds.
