lake vesuvius
Lake Vesuvius is the recreational area for the Wayne National Forest. It's a large, 143 acre lake encircled by over 25 miles of hiking trails. Camping, picnicking, or fishing are available. No access fee.
Most of the climbing is along the lake shore about 50 feet from the water. There are lots of trees to block the wind. Most of the routes are shaded. The rock quality varies in the park, but there are at least a dozen established routes that are clean and have good quality rock. Several routes are bolted with two bolt anchors at the top, but these bolts were installed without permission from the Wayne National Forest land managers. Top roping and bouldering are allowed at Lake Vesuvius, and you can setup most routes as top ropes if you have enough rope/webbing. They are at most 35 to 40 feet tall.
GETTING THERE
The nearest town is Ironton: Take exit 93 from Highway 52 and head north on OH-93. After 5.8 miles you'll see a sign for Lake Vesuvius Rec. Area. You'll take a right within 100 yards of the sign onto paddle creek road. That will take you straight into the park. going into the park the road forks. Most (if not all) of the climbing is to the right. You can park next right at the base of the huge hill that is the dam.
ROUTES
There currently is no guidebook for this area, but you can view routes on Mountain Project.
CAMPING
Oak Hill: Oak Hill Campground is one of two camping areas within Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. It has recently renovated and upgraded with modern conveniences like electric hookups and flush toilets. Lake Vesuvius is very close, providing access to ample recreational opportunities.
Iron Ridge: Iron Ridge is one of two campgrounds in the Vesuvius Recreation Area in southeastern Ohio's Wayne National Forest. Iron Ridge offers a great location for outdoor recreation, with activities like boating, swimming and fishing on Lake Vesuvius. Horseback riding and hiking are also available in the rolling hills surrounding the campground.
