Ohio · Hiking

Salameander

SalameanderPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
4.8 mi
round trip
679 ft
climb
996 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Is Salameander open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Athens Ranger District. It doesn't name Salameander, 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.

Salameander is a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike in the Athens Ranger District of Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is rated moderate, with a total elevation gain of 135 feet, and the steepest stretch comes about half a mile in at roughly 8%. The trail is natural-surface and allows bikes, but horses are not permitted. It is not an accessible trail. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens run to highs around 72°F in May and 76°F in September, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. Thrillium lies just 0.1 mile away, and Gorges Curves and The Underground are both within a mile. For an overnight stay, Burr Oak Campground is about 9 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Salameander

    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, 8.9 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

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.

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

Gorges Curves

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

The Underground

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

Clay Bake

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

Breaker Boy

~2 min drive

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

Bloodroot

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

Bullfrog Loop

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

Corps Tour

~2 min drive

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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.

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

Beech Drop

~1 min drive

Beech Drop is a 2.00-mile out-and-back trail in Ohio with 279 ft of elevation gain.