Shawnee Backpack Trail
~4 days · 36.4 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Shawnee Backpack Trail is known for
A roughly 40-mile main loop through Shawnee State Forest in southern Ohio's 'Little Smokies,' where relentless short climbs and descents roll along oak-and-pine ridges. Side trails allow shorter or longer variations. Typically 3-5 days.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 2,014 ft to 4,049 ft over 36.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 14.5 mi · 40%
- Downhill 18.0 mi · 50%
- Flat 3.6 mi · 10%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Shawnee Backpack Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Shawnee Backpack Trail scores 24/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Shawnee Backpack Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Shawnee Backpack Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 36.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Shawnee Backpack Trail?
The Shawnee Backpack Trail climbs roughly 7,388 ft total — about 203 ft per mile, topping out near 1,270 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.