Overview
Maumee State Forest is comprised of 3,332 acres in Fulton, Henry and Lucas counties. Maumee State Forest features a 2-mile self-guided hike/interpretive trail called the "Stewardship Trail," 66 miles of unmarked firelanes for hiking, 8 miles of bridle trails, 8 miles of APV trails, a tree improvement/research and chestnut tree area, and wet-sedge meadow.
History & Description
Northwest Ohio’s topography and natural features are a result of the last glacier to pass through this area about 18,000 years ago. As the Wisconsin glacier began its retreat from Ohio, a glacial lake was formed across the northwestern corner of Ohio. As the water level fell, irregular sand beaches and a portion of the lake bottom were exposed. This area, with its poorly drained soils ranging from yellow blow sand to dark muck soil, became known locally as the Oak Openings Region. The entire 3,332 acres of Maumee State Forest lies within the Oak Openings Region. Elevation of the land varies less than 29 feet over the entire forest area.
The Maumee State Forest purchase unit came about as a post-World War II initiative to increase the number and acres of state forest and forest parks in Ohio. In 1945, the Division of Forestry published “A Twenty-year Plan for establishing a More Adequate System of State Forests and Forest parks in Ohio.” The plan called for seven more State Forests or Forest parks. Acquisition of land for Maumee State Forest was initiated in 1946. Most of the land that makes up the present forest was purchased between 1946 -1953.
In 1948, the first plantations were started in abandoned farm fields. By 1954, drier old fields had been planted to pine plantations and wetter field areas to hardwoods. The forest was self-supporting for several years from the sale of Christmas trees.
Maumee State Forest is located 15 miles southwest of Toledo in northwestern Ohio with portions in Fulton, Lucas and Henry counties. The forest covers 3,332 acres. Maumee State Forest is managed under the multiple-use concept including but not limited to, timber, wildlife habitat, forestry research, demonstration of good forest management, soil and water protection, recreational use and unique natural features.
During the spring and fall fire season, the forest crew encourages prevention and assists in the suppression of wildland fires. The spring is also the time of planting seedlings on private farmland through the Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program.
Favorite Things to Do or See
- APV and Snowmobile Area
- Public Hunting
- Mushroom hunting
- Hiking/Bird Watching
- Bridle Trails
Frequently Asked Questions
- What do I need to ride at the APV Area? The Maumee State Forest APV and Snowmobile area is open to dirt bikes, four wheelers, UTV’s (under 62 inches in width) year-round, and snowmobiles in the winter. For Ohio residents, you need to have your machine registered and have the APV plate or sticker on your machine. You get these from the Ohio BMV offices. Take the title of your machine and personal identification to a BMV location and they will sell you a registration good for 3 years. Michigan ORV trail permits are not honored here. Out of state residents must obtain an annual temporary operating permit from one of the BMV locations. Again take the title of your machine and personal identification to one of the BMV locations. Helmets and safety eyewear are also required. Trails are open during daylight hours only. You must stay on the marked trail. Riding double is not permitted unless your machine is equipped to do so.
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How many miles of APV trails? There are approximately 6 miles of multiple use APV trails and 2 miles of single track motorcycle trails.
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Can you hunt in Maumee State Forest? Yes. Maumee State Forest is open to public hunting. We follow the rules, regulations and hunting seasons as set down by ODNR Division of Wildlife. Target shooting is strictly prohibited
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Where are the deer and turkey located? Maumee State Forest has a healthy population of deer and turkey. They seem to be evenly dispersed on the forest. It is up to you to scout and choose the best location for your hunting opportunity.
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Can you mushroom hunt in Maumee State Forest? Yes, Maumee State Forest is open to mushroom hunting and yes, you may get off the trails/access lanes to do so.
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Can I cut firewood in Maumee State Forest? Firewood cutting is permitted by obtaining a fire wood permit from the forest office. The costs is $25 for a daily permit. Call ahead to check on firewood availability and get on cutting list.
Unique Features
- APV Trails – 8 miles (6 miles all purpose trail and 2 miles of motorcycle single track trail)
- Chestnut area/tree improvement research area
- Wet-sedge meadows
- Wetland Restoration Areas
- Stewardship Interpretive Trail
- Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program
Rules
Rules for Maumee State Forest
- Maumee State Forest is open to visitors between 6 a.m. and 11p.m. daily. Legal hunters may be present during other times.
- Vehicles may not be parked where traffic or access to division service roads or trails are obstructed. OAC 1501: 3-4 Motor Vehicles
- Horses may be ridden only on designated bridle trails.
- Fires are not permitted except in grills or in portable stoves. Fires must be attended to at all times.
- Trash must be disposed of in receptacles provided.
- Camping and building of open fires are prohibited.
- Hunting and fishing are permitted in most state forests as regulated by the Division of Wildlife. Shooting is prohibited within 400 feet of any building, facility, or recreation area and from or across any road or driveway. Discharge of any firearm is not permitted except during lawful hunting season.
- Public display or consumption of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited.
- Disturbance, defacement, or destruction of any property, material, natural feature, or vegetation is prohibited. Berries, nuts, and mushrooms may be gathered and removed except from posted areas.
- State forest boundaries are indicated with yellow blazes on the trees and/or posted signs.
- Other general rules for visitation are found at OAC 1501:3-2 Rules for Visitation
- Target shooting is prohibited.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
- Collecting any items such as rocks or wood from the forest, other than mushrooms and berries, is prohibited.
- Digging is prohibited.
- Cutting of vegetation is prohibited.
- Metal detectors are prohibited.
- Geocaching is prohibited without a permit.
APV Rules for Maumee State Forest
- Trail bikes, dual sport motorcycles, all purpose vehicles, utility vehicles (side by sides), mountain bikes and snowmobiles are the only vehicles permitted on the designated trails.
- Trail bikes, all purpose vehicles, utility vehicles (side by sides), mountain bikes and snowmobiles shall be registered and display a valid APV license plate per ORC 4519.11 ”State Recreational Vehicle Fund.” For more information on titling and registering your APV: bmv.ohio.gov
- Dual Sport motorcycles are permitted with a regular public road/highway registration and license plate (no other types of road or highway registered vehicles are permitted).
- You should bring a copy of your registration with you. Put it in a waterproof bag and store it under your seat with your tool kit.
- APVs shall be operated only within the designated area.
- No person shall operate an APV having a width greater than 62 inches.
- The APV area is open for riding from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
- The APV area at Maumee State Forest is open year round for snowmobile usage in appropriate conditions.
- All transport vehicles and trailers should be parked in the designated parking area for safety concerns.
- Maximum speed limits are 5 mph in the parking area. At no time shall an APV be operated at a speed greater than that necessary to stop the vehicle in the assured clear distance.
- All operators shall wear safety helmets and protective eye devices.
- All operators shall have a valid, current motor vehicle operator's license, except that minors less than 16 years of age may operate an APV if they are accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian 18 years of age or older.
- No vehicle shall be operated on a one-way trail in the direction opposite to which the trail is posted.
- All vehicles shall be equipped with adequate brakes, mufflers, and spark arrestors and must follow decibel limitations outlined in OAC 1501:3-4-12.
- No person who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs of abuse shall operate an APV.
- No person shall operate an APV in such a manner as to willfully damage or destroy vegetation and trails, or for the purpose of chasing, capturing or killing wildlife.
- Operators of APVs shall not carry or transport any firearms or other weapons that are not unloaded and securely encased.
- No APV shall be used to carry more passengers than the vehicle was designed to carry. Contact your manufacturer for ride capacity.
- No races or contests are permitted in the APV area.
- Operators must report any accidents to the forest headquarters within 24 hours. This is in addition to the reports necessary to be made to the local law enforcement authorities. Call 911 in an emergency.
- OAC 1501:3-4 Motor Vehicles
Attention Michigan and Other Out-of-State Riders: The State of Ohio requires riders from Michigan and other states that do not have reciprocity to obtain an annual “Temporary Operating Permit” at an Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) location. In order to obtain this permit, you must present a valid title, a driver’s license and Social Security card. The cost is $14.75 per year. When contacting the BMV, please refer to Ohio Revised Code 4519.09 to ensure prompt service. The permit must be kept with the APV and must be displayed to law enforcement/management if requested. For more information on states with reciprocity, call Maumee State Forest, (419) 822-3052.
Contact
Forest Manager: Don Schmenk, (419) 822-3052
Administrative Office:
Maumee State Forest
3390 County Road D
Swanton, OH 43558
Columbus Headquarters: (877) 247-8733, forestry.comments@dnr.ohio.gov
