More of the ‘Little Smokies of Ohio’ saved

Two hours to the east of Cincinnati lies Ohio’s only state-designated wilderness area, the largest contiguous protected forest in the Buckeye State. Now, it’s getting bigger.

A U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy project has resulted in the addition of 929 acres – known as the “Little Smokies of Ohio” – to the forest’s current 63,747 acres, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The forest surrounds 1,168-acre Shawnee State Park in Portsmouth, which features some of the best backcountry camping in the state, as well as boating, hiking, golfing and fishing opportunities.

“Once the hunting grounds of the Shawnee Indians, the region is one of the most picturesque in the state, featuring erosion-carved valleys and wooded hills,” the park’s website says.

It will also protect the trails and scenic byways along there, including the North Country National Scenic Trail, American Discovery Trial, the Buckeye Trail and the Scenic Scioto Heritage State Byway.

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