HomeOhioBloomingdale › Fernwood State Forest

Fernwood State Forest

4.4 ★★★★☆ 228 Google reviews · Running trail in Bloomingdale, Ohio · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Fernwood State Forest yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicFlat & fastRestroomsTrailhead parkingQuiet

Forest campground with tent spots and scenic hiking trails.

What runners say about Fernwood State Forest

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (228 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 6 mentions

“Camping is free, it was quiet and clean with the exception of the pit toilets, which were really gross if I'm being honest, and wasps had made their home in them.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 9 mentions

“This is a beautiful place I have been here to Fernwood twice now and both times were very eventful.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Camping is free, it was quiet and clean with the exception of the pit toilets, which were really gross if I'm being honest, and wasps had made their home in them.”

What Better place to spend your 65th. BIRTHDAY. THANKS TO ALL THE RANGERS STAFF MEMBERS FIRN WOOD FORREST COUNTY SHERRIFS And CAMPERS For all ya do. My stay here is Gratitude. Only 12 Miles to Cadiz 10 miles to Steubinville and 4 miles to route 22. Has Fishing and Gun Ranges. 4 Years ago I caught a Super 10# Catfish.

★★★★★ — Pastor , Sep 2022

This is a beautiful place I have been here to Fernwood twice now and both times were very eventful. The first time I visited it was a small group myself and son and his daughter and my daughter and her daughter and son we were only there for the day we picnic and walked the trails drove through the as tried to see as…

★★★★☆ — Debbie , Aug 2024

Fernwood is a simple but beautiful place. I wish they had more trails, since as far as I know theres really only the 3-mile loop. But its a nice walk, moderately challenging but still very accessible. The vistas are nice places to relax for a few.

★★★★☆ — Jamie , Jan 2021

Tons of hiking and just all around beauty! Tons of ponds for fishing 🎣. Very nice gun range area as well!

★★★★★ — Ashley , Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 228 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“This is a beautiful place I have been here to Fernwood twice now and both times were very eventful.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Camping is free, it was quiet and clean with the exception of the pit toilets, which were really gross if I'm being honest, and wasps had made their home in them.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Not much flat space for tent camping, but they provide raised driveways for vehicles and we just put our tent up there.”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“Free can't beat it, camp grounds nice gun range is nice bathrooms are truly gross though not gonna lie I'll be back out one day.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Fernwood State Forest

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • Websiteohiodnr.gov
  • Phone(740) 266-6021
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Where to find Fernwood State Forest

11 Twp Rd 181, Bloomingdale, OH 43910

Get directions

Running trails near Bloomingdale

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Fernwood State Forest Deer Run Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

Bloomingdale, OH

1.6 miles away

Hellbender Preserve

4.8 ★★★★★ 39 reviews

Bloomingdale, OH

Scenic

4.5 miles away

Beatty Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 298 reviews

Steubenville, OH

Scenic

Relaxed, beautiful park featuring hiking paths, disc golf and a playground.

6.0 miles away

Belleview Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 102 reviews

Steubenville, OH

Scenic

Park featuring a basketball court, tennis courts, and a playground for children.

6.5 miles away

10.0 miles away

Jefferson Lake State Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ 290 reviews

Richmond, OH

Natural surfaceScenic

State-run park featuring a beach and a picnic area along with camping and fishing.

10.2 miles away

All running trails in Bloomingdale, OH →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.