Name: Shawnee Forest 13 mile fast, strenuous day hike, Part 2 of 4
Start: 2025-01-04T09:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-01-04T15:30:00-05:00

Let's work up a sweat for Part 2. The trails around Shawnee have a well deserved reputation for being some of the most strenuous trails this side of the AT. Fortunately, that presents a great opportunity for the hiker looking for a good workout.

This trip will be the second of a series of monthly hikes that include the whole Shawnee State Forest Backpacking Trail, around 13 miles each and focused on conditioning. For this one, we will do a day hike on the Wilderness side loop and part of the backpacking trail. This trail goes through the Shawnee Wilderness Area, the Back Country Management Area, and is joined in part by both the Buckeye and North Country trails. Due to very limited parking options near the starting point we will meet at the Backpacking Trailhead parking lot on Route 125, and shuttle the hikers to the actual start of the trail.

The plan is to take advantage of the workout potential by going at a fairly fast pace, and getting in some cardio and conditioning for the winter. My definition of fast is an average of 3.0 mph or better moving pace. This hike would be unsuitable for beginners, or those who do not enjoy a physical challenge. You should be comfortable hiking 10+ miles at a fairly brisk pace to participate in this hike.

We go rain or shine. Even freezing rain and snow. If you're experienced enough to come on this hike, you're experienced enough to know what to bring and wear. I'll note that this hike will very easily have you working up a sweat on the hills even though temps are likely to be near freezing or below, so be prepared with the right layers to protect yourself, especially when we stop moving.

Carpool (39.096061, -84.279267) - Look for the red Pontiac G6 at the far end of the Value City Furniture parking lot in Eastgate at 7:45 am, leaving by 7:55 am.

Directions: We'll meet at the Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trailhead parking lot, where the registration kiosk is. GPS: 38.74159, -83.19745 or Google maps: http://goo.gl/maps/5j9tP Please be prompt at 9:30 am, as we will have to drive further to the hike start/finish location.

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Shawnee Forest 13 mile fast, strenuous day hike, Part 2 of 4

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Shawnee Forest 13 mile fast, strenuous day hike, Part 2 of 4

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