The land encompassing Perry State Forest was originally used for strip mining of coal, and was acquired by the state in 1961 after the mines were abandoned.[2] The forest has trails for hiking, horseback riding, and all-terrain vehicles.[1][2]
Environmental permits for a proposed new coal mine on 500 acres of Perry State Forest land were denied in 2020, amid intense local opposition to a mine on forest property.[3]
History and Acquisition
Much of Perry State Forest was formerly used for strip-mining of coal before reclamation laws were in place. The state began acquiring parcels in 1961, purchasing approximately 4,400 acres from Sunnyhill Coal Company and its affiliate. [4] The area was known as the “Perry Reclamation Area” during the early 1960s and was officially designated as a state forest in 1966.[3]
Geography and Terrain
Covering roughly 4,700 acres in Perry County, Ohio, the forest sits within the unglaciated Appalachian Plateau and features rugged terrain, ridges and hollows left from former mining operations.[3] Reclamation efforts have restored portions of the landscape, particularly along County Road 48, with reforestation and test plantings improving ecological stability. [5]
Recreation and Trails
Perry State Forest provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Among them: - **Hiking trails**: About 24 miles of marked hiking trails follow scenic ridges and reclaimed land. [6] - **Bridle trails**: Approximately 8 miles of horseback-riding trails are available, with parking for horse trailers along County Road 48 and access to Miles Lake. [7] - **All-Purpose Vehicle (APV) area**: The forest hosts one of Ohio’s few state-owned APV areas — about 16 miles of marked trails for ATVs, UTVs and off-road motorcycles. It is season-ally open, typically from April through November. [8]
Ecology and Wildlife
Although the land was heavily disturbed by mining, reclamation efforts have promoted regrowth of native hardwoods and pine plantations. Wildlife species in the forest include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, small mammals and various birdlife. The mix of restored forest and open reclamation zones provides habitat diversity beneficial to hunting and wildlife observation. [9]
Management and Use Restrictions
The forest is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. General rules include opening hours (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), vehicle restrictions to designated roads except in the APV area, and no camping permitted within forest boundaries. [10]
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