Hidden Treasures #6: Ohio
Monroe Outlook
Wayne National Forest
(740) 753-0101
Wildcat Hollow Trail near Monroe Overlook.
Photo by Gary Chancey
Just outside Glouster, Ohio, in Wayne National Forest lies an area known for panoramic views and wildlife watching.
The Monroe Outlook is close to the parking lot and offers 360-degree views for bird-watching or seeing wildflowers and fall foliage, depending on the season. Nearby is the Monroe Overlook Trail, a 1.5-mile trail developed for walkers to view wildlife in early successional habitats, which contains grasses, shrubs and tree saplings. Animals such as ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, black bears, rabbits and white-tailed deer may be found in this area.
For those looking for a longer and more difficult hike, the nearby Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail offers both a five-mile loop and a 15-mile loop, which can be combined for an extended backpacking trip. Dispersed camping is allowed along the scenic trail, which offers streams, meadows and tall pines. Burr Oak State Park is also nearby and a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking and camping.
Related Articles
Latest News
More Stories
‘First Line of Defense’
During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.
The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.
After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain
A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.
The Washout and Rebuild
For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.
The Shenandoah Salamander
The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.
‘Foraging Is a Way of Connecting’
Foraging has experienced a modern resurgence, partly because of social media, online groups, the pandemic and people wanting to connect with nature. It also builds community, whether in person or online.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Comment