Wayne Nat'l. Forest Ohio: Stalking the remote trailhead

[Marthe48]

In 1998, I learned that Ohio has several natural stone bridges, or arches. There is one near us in the Wayne National Forest in Washington County. When I learned of it, the source warned it was a challenge to get to. Even back then, there was supposed to be a trail to get to it. My husband and I drove around in the back country trying to locate the township road nearest the arch. Even with directions and a county map, we couldn't find it. It was a nice drive and I still hoped we'd find the arch. We looked for another arch in western Washington County and didn't find that one either.

Today, I was up the river and on my way home, decided to give it another try. On my way back from Cindy's service today, I went looking for the parking spot from which to hike to the natural arch. I found the general vicinity, but man, what a trek. I had a county map with me, but in reality, not that useful. I followed Leith Run, to Cty Rd. 9 to Township Rd 36 to Township Rd 58 and after crossing a small creek via a ford, I found Township 411, which is the road on which there is a cemetery, by which you should park and then hike to the natural arch. T411 is more like a goat track. I drove up a mild grade until the way was blocked by a monolithic metal bar of some sort. Possibly proves some of the myths on Ancient Aliens! I think it had been buried under the cobblestones the township had used to "pave" the track. Anyway, knowing that trying to drive over that bar would be like driving up steps, I backed down. Backing a car is a treat in any situation. I was doing pretty good, but thought I would have to ford the creek in reverse, then I decided, I will cross that bridge when I come to it. Came to a closet-sized wide spot next to a couple of oil storage tanks. I closely examined the ground to see if it were level and solid, and thought I could manage tight turns to keep a couple tires on the cobbles and get the car turned. Not much chance of blocking traffic. lol I was about a 1/3 of the way turned when I noticed that less than 25 ft. away was the road I came in on. And with great relief, realized the ford was further back along that road. I didn't get to find the cemetery, but I am so much closer to finding the arch. There is another road past T411, which might let us park and walk down to the arch. I found another map online when I got home, and the cemetery I need to find is not on the county map. On the online map, it looks like the trailhead is on the opposite end of of T411. I'm hoping to locate the parking area, and hike to the arch with my daughter and her family. Hoping I can lead the way right to it when I go with them. It was a nice adventure and got me out of the house for awhile

[ret5hd]

1. A suggestion (maybe old news to you)

There are two apps I suggest…one I use CONSTANTLY, the other is similar but I don’t use it:

1) AllTrails: open the app and view the map view. Zoom into the area you are interested in and see if there are any dashed lines (these indicate trails). You might be able to identify the site you are searching for by evidence of a trail. I know I’m not explaining clearly, but after playing with the app I think you can figure it out.

2) Gaia app: real close to the same thing, but I don’t really use it

Note: a BIG plus to both of these apps is they can record your trek thru the “outback”, meaning you never get lost. Start the recording where you park…walk walk walk…Oh no, I’m lost! Pull out your phone and retrace your steps. It uses your phones GPS not phone signal, so if you have battery power you are never lost.

[Marthe48]

2. Thanks for the ideas

I didn't know about the apps. My friend hikes in the Wayne almost every day, and she uses an app, but I don't which one she uses. If we locate the trailhead and get to see the arch, that app would come in handy. From the parking lot to the arch is about 1/2 mile, which would be great for me. There is a 9 mile loop and several people I know would probably like trying it.

[ret5hd]

3. I can practically guarantee...

that the trail will be on AllTrails…if you know there is a 9 mile loop then others do also, and I’d bet a fiver that one of them “registered” that trail.

Download AllTrails and open the app. If you don’t see the map view, touch the symbol in the upper right corner that looks kinda like a waving flag. Then you should see the map view.

Then move/zoom the map to the general area you are looking for. I bet you see green pointers, maybe some with numbers in them. These are pointing to trailheads…the ones with numbers indicate multiple trailheads.

After finding a likely “target” touch the green pointer and it will bring you to a description page for that trail…reviews, pics, etc.

You will also see a “Directions” tab on this page. Touch it and your maps app will open and give you an exact route to that trailhead you are looking for.

[ret5hd]

4. PS: you don't have to use the app...

You can go to AllTrails.com and do the same from your regular computer. In fact, for what you are doing right now, that option would probably be easier…more screen size makes things easier to see.

When you find these arches, PLEASE pm me the trail name/coordinates etc. I love arches.

[Marthe48]

5. Here is a link with pictures

A hiker took and shared. I hope the link works

https://www.google.com/search?q=wayne%20national%20forest%20trails%20washington%20county%20ohio&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS890US890&ei=oUTFYNSCLc63tQb02JbwAQ&oq=wayne+national+forest+trails+washington+county+ohio&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAwyBQghEKsCMgUIIRCrAjIFCCEQqwI6BwgAEEcQsAM6BAghEAo6BQgAEM0COgoIIRAWEAoQHRAeUO8QWMZFYKxdaABwAngAgAH9AYgBzQqSAQYxMS4xLjGYAQCgAQGqAQdnd3Mtd2l6yAEIwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz&ved=2ahUKEwiw2IKwp5PxAhVqAZ0JHdZiC44QvS4wAHoECAMQMQ&tbs=lf:1,lf_ui:1&tbm=lcl&rflfq=1&num=10&rldimm=17641492123152076464&lqi=CjN3YXluZSBuYXRpb25hbCBmb3Jlc3QgdHJhaWxzIHdhc2hpbmd0b24gY291bnR5IG9oaW9I0rW0y-WAgIAIWk8QABABEAIQAxgAGAEYAhgEGAUYBiIzd2F5bmUgbmF0aW9uYWwgZm9yZXN0IHRyYWlscyB3YXNoaW5ndG9uIGNvdW50eSBvaGlvKgQIAxADkgEPZm9yZXN0cnlfb2ZmaWNlmgEjQ2haRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVU5SYVhCeFRWaFJFQUWqAQ4QASoKIgZ0cmFpbHMoAA&phdesc=u1Ruv4xLiIM&rlst=f#rlfi=hd:;si:2334797093233741625;mv:[[39.63026511949131,-80.88968075175781],[39.131373303269626,-82.18881405253906],null,[39.3812649375272,-81.53924740214843],10]

[Marthe48]

6. I have All Trails saved on my laptop

Found Archers Fork Trail and even more pictures

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/ohio/archers-fork-trail/photos

Thank you so much!

[ret5hd]

7. Excellent.

[Marthe48]

8. I found the trailhead!

I took a drive yesterday to the general area, just spur of the moment, with no maps or notes. I didn't find it, but it was a beautiful day to be out. And there was hardly any traffic on the country roads.

I got out my county map today, and also the online information about the location. I made notes about the roads I needed to locate and drive. And I got there! Ohio St. Rt. 26 N from Marietta, Ohio, drive about 20 miles and turn right on Tice Run. Drive on Tice Run until you come to Ohio Rt. 260 S. Drive for about a mile, and turn right onto T34, Hooper Cemetery Rd. It isn't marked, but it is the first right after you get on 260. You'll see the Archer's Fork Trailhead sign on the left and the old St. Patrick's Cemetery where you can park is a few hundred yards along the way. Unbelievably, there were 5 cars parked there! I am thrilled to finally know where the trailhead is. I didn't hike, saving that for when someone will go with me

[Marthe48]

9. My daughter, granddaughter, my friend and 2 dogs hiked the trail today

It was an awesome experience to finally see the natural stone arch. It is very remote. It turns out my friend had hiked in the area before, but didn't make it to the arch because it was remote, and her little dog took off. I think we parked at the trailhead, about 2 miles from the arch. We got to see Great Cave on the way.

I can see why this arch wasn't commercialized. I don't know how it was ever discovered