Lake Vesuvius - Wayne National Forest
Lake Vesuvius in Wayne National Forest
The Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is the Wayne National Forest's premier developed recreation site and is named after the historic Vesuvius Iron Furnace. The rugged hills and out-cropping cliffs provide a scenic backdrop for this historical and beautiful site. The lake boasts 143 acres with hiking trails along the perimeter as well as 46 miles of horse trails.
The site was once home to one of 46 iron furnaces. From 1818 to 1916, furnaces in southeastern Ohio made iron. By 1875, this area was the top iron producer in the US. The iron used for the Merrimac and Monitor ships came from here.
This site welcomes you to bring your non-gas powered boat or kayak and explore the lake. If being on the water isnt your thing there is a very long boardwalk with plenty of spots to fish from.