Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest

Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest is a large research forest spanning thousands of acres in Vinton County that serves as a continuous block of protected woodland for scientific study and conservation. Multiple hiking trails wind through the property via former forest roads with gradual elevation changes.

This research forest was established in 1952 and has accumulated extensive data on woodland ecology and management practices over the decades. The land also contains remnants of 19th-century coke ovens from earlier industrial settlements in the region.

The forest contains Belgian coke ovens constructed with numbered bricks shipped from Europe, representing a connection to industrial heritage.

The forest can be accessed from several entry points with parking areas and clear trail markings for different routes. Bringing proper hiking gear and water is advisable, as some paths lead through denser woodland areas.

The property supports one of Ohio's largest bobcat populations, making wildlife observation a possibility for visitors exploring the trails. The woodlands also harbor uncommon bird species and timber rattlesnakes, creating a diverse ecosystem that few realize exists here.