Harrison County State Forest

About Harrison County State Forest

A significant part of the country is mined for coal, but the production of acidic pit water is minimal due to the neutralizing effect of limestone deposits. Harrison State Forest, which covers 1,344 acres, was purchased in 1961 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Harrison County, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Most of the unspoilt areas are forested and lie on ridges and valleys, with a mixture of forests, forests and grassland in the central and eastern parts. Subsequent reforestation and recreational facilities, funded by the U.S. Forest Service and the Harrison County Department of Natural Resources, have restored the area to a state suitable for public use.

The primary area is north of county road 13, while two smaller sections are south of it and the two areas were afforested in 1992 and 1993. Harrison State Forest covers 186 hectares of land, 186 of which are planted with over 100,000 trees. Between 1992 and 1993, the Harrison County Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) reforested two of these areas.

Campers will have to choose a location and provide the water they have obtained, and forest officials will issue permits and familiarize visitors with the tent regulations. Seven family campsites are located in the park, and 20 places for family horses are available at the Trailriders campsite. Campers can also camp in vaulted latrines, which are also available in a number of other wooded areas and on the paths.

For athletes and shooting enthusiasts there is a 100-yard shooting range where they can practice shooting and accuracy with firearms. There are strategically located parking spaces at the intersection, and in the State Forest there are numerous parking spaces for vehicles and a bicycle parking space.

This area is available on the basis of first come, first served, so extreme caution is required when using this area. All persons under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult when handing in a firearm and all rules on gun safety and the proper use of firearms must be respected.