Bur Oak Picnic Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bur Oak Picnic Area is a beautiful recreational area located in Ohio's Wayne National Forest.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, due to its stunning natural scenery and numerous recreational opportunities.

There are many reasons to visit Bur Oak Picnic Area, including its beautiful hiking trails, scenic picnic areas, and abundant wildlife. The area is also home to several historic sites, such as the old iron furnace and the restored log cabin.

One of the most interesting facts about Bur Oak Picnic Area is that it is home to one of the largest populations of wild turkeys in Ohio. Visitors can often spot these majestic birds wandering through the forest, particularly in the fall when they are most active.

The best time of year to visit Bur Oak Picnic Area is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, visitors can enjoy the area year-round, as there are plenty of activities to do in the winter months as well, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, Bur Oak Picnic Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and outdoor recreation. With its beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it is sure to provide a memorable experience for all who visit.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References