Ohio · Hiking

Clay Bake

Clay BakePhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
2.9 mi
round trip
548 ft
climb
925 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Is Clay Bake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Athens Ranger District. It doesn't name Clay Bake, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Athens Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Clay Bake is an easy, 2.9-mile out-and-back hike in the Athens Ranger District of Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, about 1.2 miles from the town of Doanville. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and has a natural surface. It is not accessible, and horses are not allowed. The route rises about 105 feet from a low point of 845 feet to a high of 925 feet. The steepest stretch comes at about 1.1 miles in, with an 8% grade. Bikes are allowed. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens show May highs around 72°F and September highs around 76°F, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Several other trails sit close by. The Underground is about 0.2 miles away, and Gorges Curves and Bullfrog Loop are each about 0.3 miles off. For fishing, the Athens Ranger District - Athens Area is about 2.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Clay Bake

    Best months: June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 22°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 23°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      52° / 30°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 40°

      13 wet

    5. May

      72° / 50°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 59°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 63°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 61°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      76° / 54°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      65° / 42°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 32°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      43° / 27°

      13 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Athens Ou, OH, 9 mi away at 684 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

The UndergroundPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

The Underground

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8.51-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 892 ft elevation gain.

Gorges CurvesPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Gorges Curves

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5.60-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 579 ft elevation gain.

Bullfrog LoopPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Bullfrog Loop

Next door

1.27-mile loop in Ohio with 288 ft elevation gain/loss.

BloodrootPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Bloodroot

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17.12-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 1,188 ft elevation gain.

SalameanderPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Salameander

~1 min drive

4.83-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 457 ft elevation gain.

ThrilliumPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Thrillium

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2.70-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 395 ft elevation gain.

Wild TurkeyPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Wild Turkey

~3 min drive

9.59-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 991 feet of elevation gain.

Star BrickPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Star Brick

~2 min drive

4.57-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 827 ft elevation gain.

Holler CollarPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Holler Collar

~1 min drive

2.79-mile loop trail in Ohio with 914 ft elevation gain.

Pig IronPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)

Pig Iron

~4 min drive

14.32-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 943 ft elevation gain.