Ohio · Hiking

Starin' Heron

Starin' HeronPhoto: Wayne National Forest, Public Domain Mark (via Flickr)
3.5 mi
round trip
1,013 ft
climb
955 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Is Starin' Heron open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Starin' Heron is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Athens Ranger District of Wayne National Forest in Ohio, about 3.5 miles long with a total elevation gain of 247 feet. The trail climbs from a low point of 688 feet to a high of 955 feet, and the steepest stretch comes about 0.65 miles from the start, where the grade reaches about 10%. The route is a natural-surface trail, and bikes are allowed. Horses are not, and the trail is not accessible. The most comfortable stretch for a visit runs from late spring into early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Athens show highs around 72°F in May and 76°F in September, while July and August climb to the low 80s. That station sits a few hundred feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures up top run a little cooler. The hike starts close to the Kidwell Trail and Truetown, and Till Hill is about half a mile away. Within about 10 miles you'll also find Sunday Creek for canoeing and Burr Oak Campground.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Starin' Heron

    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, 8.3 mi away at 684 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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