Richland Furnace State Forest
The Adventure…
Located in the wooded hills of northern Jackson County, the 2,500-acre Richland State Forest is a reflection of a by-gone era. Flint outcrops used by the Native Americans are evidence of the region’s pre-European past. These outcrops are tricky to find today but can be reached if you are willing to do a little exploring. Evidence of the Industrial Revolution is also present in the forest. Richland Furnace State Forest is located in an area known as the Hanging Rock Region. During the 19th century, the Hanging Rock Iron Region was the second largest producer of iron for our young nation. The stone remnant of the old Richland iron furnace still stands on private property just north of Richland Furnace State Forest – adjacent to Vinton Township Road 6. The town of Richland, which is still listed on many maps, is gone but a keen eye can detect where many of the homes once stood. Furnaces of this era usually employed up to 100 people and most lived in the small crossroads "company" towns such as Richland. These furnaces were operated on the resources from the surrounding area. The required iron ore was mined by oxen from the underlying sandstone and limestone. The trees were cut and burned to produce charcoal to fire the furnace. The old ore pits are still quite noticeable near the ridges throughout the state forest. The importance of the Hanging Rock Region has since dissipated but its legacy can still be seen. The forest is open to hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding, and hunting.
Learn More…
Richland Furnance State Forest
Administrative Offices
345 Allen Avenue
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601740.774.1596
Website: Richland State Forest
Getting there’s Half the Adventure…
Richland Furnace State Forest is located in northern Jackson County near the town of Byer. State Route 327 passes through the forest. Parking is available on County Road 32 just off of State Route 327.
Click HERE to View the Map
Nearby Adventures…
Art & Culture
Markary Cultural Arts Center – Jackson, Jackson County
The Art Barn – New Plymouth, Vinton CountyHistoric Sites & Places
Leo Petroglyph – Leo, Jackson County
The Lillian E. Jones Museum – Jackson, Jackson County
Buckeye Furnace State Memorial – Wellston, Jackson County
Alice's House Historical Genealogical Society – McArthur, Vinton County
Vinton Iron Furnace – McArthur, Vinton County
Hope Furnace – Lake Hope State Park, Vinton CountyParks, Forest, & Outdoor Activities
Lake Alma State Park – Jackson and Vinton Counties
Wellston Bike Path – Wellston, Jackson County
Wellston Wildlife Area – Vinton County
Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve – Jackson County
Tar Hollow State Forest – Vinton County
Zaleski State Forest – Vinton County
Lake Hope State Park – Vinton County
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