Wayne National Forest, Ohio, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Wayne National Forest, Ohio, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Wayne National Forest, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Wayne National Forest, Ohio, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Wayne National Forest, Ohio, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Wayne National Forest, Ohio, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Wayne National Forest, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Wayne National Forest, Ohio, United States of America by month

January

If you are traveling to Wayne National Forest in January, you will notice that it is freezing. Expect it to rain or snow about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

February

February in this region is very cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

March

March in Wayne National Forest can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

April

April in Wayne National Forest is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. Most adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

May

May in Wayne National Forest is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you visit Wayne National Forest during June, you will probably see that it is extremely warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

In July, Wayne National Forest is hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) and once in a while jump into the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 60s F (high 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Wayne National Forest, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

August

If you are traveling to Wayne National Forest in August, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

September

September is warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

In October, Wayne National Forest is cool. Temperatures routinely are in the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Wayne National Forest, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

November

In November, Wayne National Forest is brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Wayne National Forest, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

In December, Wayne National Forest can be brisk. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Wayne National Forest, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Wayne National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Wayne National Forest, Ohio, United States of America

The Wayne National Forest is a natural wonderland in southeastern Ohio, offering visitors breathtaking scenery, countless recreational opportunities, and a deep sense of tranquility. It is a popular tourist destination that lures visitors from all over the world with its natural beauty and endless attractions. If you are planning a visit to Ohio, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Wayne National Forest, Ohio:

1. Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park is considered one of Ohio's most scenic places and is a must-visit attraction in Wayne National Forest. The park features stunning caves, waterfalls, and rock formations that will leave you in awe. There are many recreational opportunities available at Hocking Hills, including hiking trails, fishing, and camping.

2. Ash Cave

Ash Cave is one of the most visited attractions in Hocking Hills State Park. The cave is a massive recess carved out of a towering cliff, with a waterfall cascading over the tapered edge of the cave. Visitors to Ash Cave can explore the cave's interior, walk around the waterfall, and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding forest.

3. Lamping Homestead

The Lamping Homestead is a historic site located in the middle of Wayne National Forest. It's a combination of a house, a barn, and several outbuildings which were used by the Lamping family during the 19th century. Visitors can wander through the homestead and learn about what life was like for the Lamping family during the 1800s.

4. Wildcat Hollow

Wildcat Hollow is one of Wayne National Forest's best-kept secrets. It's a scenic valley that stretches across thousands of acres, with unparalleled trails and picturesque views. Hiking through Wildcat Hollow is an enriching experience, and visitors can spot a wide range of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, and many species of birds.

5. Burr Oak State Park

Burr Oak State Park is a massive recreational area located within Wayne National Forest. The park is home to Ohio's third-largest lake, which offers excellent fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also features endless miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites, making it an ideal destination for families.

6. Zaleski State Forest and Backpack Trail

Zaleski State Forest and Backpack Trail is a well-known destination for nature lovers, hikers, and backpackers. The trail is the most extended backpacking loop trail in Ohio, stretching up to 28 miles through the wilderness. Along the way, visitors will enjoy stunning views of the forest, streams, and lakes.

7. Dock 580

Dock 580 is a unique wedding venue located in Columbus, Ohio, within Wayne National Forest's surroundings. The venue is a historic building with modern and elegant features, offering a beautiful backdrop to the wedding ceremony. Dock 580 is a popular venue for weddings, receptions, and other special celebrations.

Bottom Line:

Visiting Wayne National Forest is an outdoor enthusiast heaven! Exploring the numerous attractions of the forest and its surroundings, including Hocking Hills State Park, Ash Cave, Lamping Homestead, Wildcat Hollow, Burr Oak State Park, Zaleski State Forest and Backpack Trail, and Dock 580, will leave you with unforgettable memories. Move forward and plan a visit to this beautiful destination and enjoy natural beauty at its finest.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Asni, Morocco, Gobi, Mongolia, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America, Iron Range, Minnesota, United States of America, Weybridge, England, United Kingdom, Shardlow, England, United Kingdom, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, Mdumbi, South Africa, Val d'Orcia, Italy, Maidenhead, England, United Kingdom, and Blue Ridge, Georgia, United States of America.