Lake Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail is located in Wayne National Forest near the city of Ironton, Ohio. This is a scenic trail that is great for day-hikes or an overnight backpacking trip. There are a few nice little campsites along the 8+ mile long loop style trail. A perfect hike in all seasons, Spring, Summer, Winter or Fall. Want to know how to hike this trail, then this is the video for you. We show you how to hike the lakeshore trail at Lake Vesuvius, where to look for blazes at different parts of the trail. This is a moderate trail, follows along the 143 acre Lake Vesuvius, and Storms Creek. However, I would rank the trail difficulty on the lower side of the moderate scale. There are some small water crossings, along the way, but all were manageable. Storms Creek was a little deep in spots, near the back end of the loop, so your feet may get wet. There is also a nice camping and picnic area near the back end of this loop as well, just off of the blue blaze next to the horse trail.

The recreation area, is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and includes the lake, campgrounds, picnic areas, fishing, boating, Kayak rentals, and archery trail and multiple hiking trails. Along the way there are beautiful lake views, interesting rock formations, wildlife encounters, much more. The trail has some unpredictable twists and turns as well.

The Lake is named after the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace which dominated the local landscape and helped build a nation. There are historical markers near the furnace, just past the road to the boat dock.

When you are finished with this trail, check out some of the local cuisine in Ironton. Perhaps check out the Armory Smokehouse, or Buffalo Wild Wings. A couple post hike favorites for some of us local Lawrence County Hikers.

Check out Lake Vesuvius
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/wayne/recarea/?recid=6204

Special Thanks to the US Forestry Service and the Wayne National Forest Team for the trail maintenance on this trail over the past couple of weeks. A month ago it was practically impassible after some ice storms. Now it is a great walk in the woods.

Filmed on a GoPro Hero Black 9.
Photos via iPhone XR
Video Editing on iPad Pro