Shawnee State Forest, also called “The Little Smokies of Ohio,” has developed into the largest of the 20 state forests, with over 60,000 acres. While the Forest is a fantastic recreation feature in Southern Ohio, you should not be surprised to see other activities occurring. The Forest is a working forest. It is managed to provide a variety of multiple uses on a sustained yield basis. Birders should note that this state forest spans two counties. The eastern and largest portion of the state forest is in Scioto County. The western portion of the forest is in Adams County.

Located in the Appalachian foothills near the banks of the Ohio River, 1,095-acre Shawnee State Park is nestled in the 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest. The Shawnee Lodge in the state park has been the host site for spring meetings of the Ohio Ornithological Society.

There are two birding drive routes through the state forest:
Shawnee State Forest OOS Birding Drive
Shawnee State Forest Panoram Birding Drive

The State Forest has been designated by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area.
Shawnee Important Bird Area

There are a number of eBird hotspots in both the State Forest and the State Park.