Logan Backpack Trail - North Loop

The North Loop is considered moderate to difficult, offering a challenging experience through rugged Appalachian foothills. You'll encounter significant elevation changes, including steep climbs and descents of 300-400 feet, multiple creek crossings, and sections that can be muddy, especially in spring. The terrain varies from forested ridges and hollows to parts that follow stream beds or even bulldozed tracks.

Based on average hiking speeds, the 14.8 km (9.2 miles) North Loop typically takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. This duration can vary depending on your fitness level, the number of stops you make, and trail conditions.

The North Loop is part of the larger Logan Backpack Trail system, which often starts and ends near the Brush Ridge Fire Tower. This serves as a significant trailhead. Parking is available at the state park campground or near the fire tower itself.

While there are no entrance fees for Tar Hollow State Forest, a permit is required for camping along the Logan Backpack Trail. You can obtain this permit at the Tar Hollow State Park campground office. For more details, you can check the official Ohio Department of Natural Resources website: ohio.gov.

The North Loop is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly stunning with vibrant fall foliage. Spring offers lush greenery, though trails can be muddy. Summer can be warm and humid, while winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially icy or snowy conditions. Be prepared for varied weather regardless of the season.

Yes, the Logan Backpack Trail - North Loop is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all waste. Be aware of the challenging terrain and potential creek crossings for your pet.

You'll hike through a dense deciduous forest, offering beautiful fall colors. While mostly forested, some sections provide limited vistas. Notable features include the Brush Ridge Fire Tower, areas affected by a 2010 forest fire, and quiet, remote sections. The trail also passes through the state park campground, blending wilderness with some developed areas.

The trail is marked with red blazes, though these can sometimes be dots or arrows, and may not always be standard rectangular blazes. Some sections can be poorly marked or difficult to follow due to leaf cover or intersecting logging roads. It's advisable to carry a map or use a GPS device for navigation, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Logan Backpack Trail - South Loop, the ADT - Ohio D - Seg 5, the Buckeye Trail (Scioto Trail), and the North Country National Scenic Trail (OH).

The North Loop passes directly through the state park and its campground, where you can access amenities like latrines and potentially water. However, it's always best to carry sufficient water for your hike, as natural water sources on the trail may not always be reliable or potable without filtration.

The North Loop is generally considered the more difficult of the two Logan Trail loops, known for its more sustained climbs and descents, particularly on its western half. The entire Logan Backpack Trail is designed in a figure-eight pattern, with both loops converging at the Brush Ridge Fire Tower, allowing for flexible hiking options.