Tar Hollow State Forest – Logan Trail
BackpackOhio.com status: Last hiked April, 2021. Updated Trail Guide download now available.
County: Ross, Hocking, Vinton
Nearest town: Adelphi/Laurelville
Length: 21 miles
Difficulty: Hiking is challenging with a half dozen steep 3-400 foot climbs. Route is generally well marked with a few confusing areas.
Permit/Fees: A permit is required to camp at the backpacker camp. The fee is $4/adult/night and $1/child/night. The permit can be purchased at the Tar Hollow State Park Campground store. It is now also possible to camp at Camp Dulen, no fee, no permit required.
Contact: Tar Hollow State Forest Office (740) 385-4402. Tar Hollow State Park (740) 887-4818. Web, ohiodnr.gov.
Location: Fire Tower Trailhead (N39° 22.480′ W82° 45.757′) Directions from Chillicothe: Take US 35 & 50 east, staying with US 50 for 7 ½ miles after they split. Left on OH 327 north for 7 ½ miles. Left on Clark Hollow Rd for 3 miles. Right on South Ridge Rd to Fire Tower and Trailhead. Pine Lake Trailhead (N39° 22.997′ W82° 44.793′)
Trail Facilities: Latrines are available at both trailheads. The Fire Tower Trailhead has parking, ample signage, and a map at the fire tower. The trail is generally well marked with red blazes and signage at major intersections. There were some issues with short re-routes as both options would be similarly blazed. All those I saw were not major problems as either option worked.
Water: Potable water is available, in season within the state park. There is none at the Trailhead or on the trail. There are several seasonal streams and Pine Lake along the route. As always, treat or filter any water obtained from natural sources.
Maps: ODNR Div. of Forestry Tar Hollow State Forest map
ODNR Tar Hollow State Park map
Local Information
Tar Hollow State Forest is Ohio’s third largest state forest, covering just over 16,000 acres in Ross, Hocking and Vinton counties. Logan Trail meanders through both the State Forest and 604 acre Tar Hollow State Park. The park also contains additional hiking trails, a campground and a small lake. Thankfully, the folks at the state did not continue the naming theme by calling it Lake Tar but went with the more pleasant Pine Lake. The 15-acre reservoir has a beach and a boat rental operation in season. However, the small park does not draw the crowds that other nearby State Parks, like Hocking Hills does; and that’s a good thing for backpacking.
Completely unrelated to places like the La Brea Tar Pits, Tar Hollow was named after the pine tar that could be gathered from the knots and heartwood of the pitch pine and shortleaf pines growing in the area. The tar had a variety of uses from anti-inflammatory to lubricants and was an important commodity for the early European settlers in the area.
During the Great Depression, land around Tar Hollow was purchased by the Federal government for conservation purposes; trees were planted and recreational facilities, such as Pine Lake, were built. In 1939, the State of Ohio assumed management and, over time, the land became the park and surrounding forest known today.
The land itself is rugged, laying just beyond the southern extent of the most recent glaciers. There is often a 400-foot difference in elevation between creek valleys and the surrounding Appalachian foothills. The 20-mile figure eight of the Logan Trail repeatedly makes the journey between the extremes. Be prepared for some steep hiking.
Tar Hollow State Forest is actively managed and there is evidence of previous and active logging. In fact, on my most recent visit (April, 2021), the trail was re-routed around some active cutting. The trail itself ranges from single narrow track cut into the side of a steep hill to sections of open former and still used forest service roads. The surrounding forest is often young, but holds sections of older woods, pine groves and some beautiful valleys containing clear, cool creeks.
The Hike:
Tar Hollow’s Logan Trail is designed in a way that makes for a different backpacking experience. The Fire Tower Trailhead is located by the intersection of the two loops of the Logan Trail. The Trailhead is also adjacent to the established camping area. This makes it possible for a more “civilized” experience than many opportunities in Ohio. Each of the sites has a picnic table and a fire ring, with a maintained latrine a short walk away. In addition, with the parking lot nearby, additional “comfort” items can be available at the campsite without actually having to carry them on the trail. In fact, each of the two, similar length loops could be day hiked with a basic car camping experience in between. Camping permits are available for purchase at the Tar Hollow State Park Campground.
A more traditional backpacking option has become available though. It is now permissible to camp at Camp Dulen (no fee), about halfway on the South Loop……
Tar Hollow Logan Trail Report now available.
