Solo Backpacking the Hardest Hike in Ohio

Solo hiking the South Loop of the Backpacking Trail in Shawnee State Forest in Ohio. 18 miles or so of difficult terrain in what is known as one of the hardest hiking spots in Ohio. It's also known as "The Little Smokies of Ohio".
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Music Credits in Order of Appearance:
More Coffee by Ealot
Unfinished Stories by Ealot
Amber Lights by Chill Cole
City Phases by John Abbot
The Washing Ladies by John Abbot
Bossa for Baden by Vendla
Blazing New Trails by Robby Huang
Like Clockwork by Benjamin Kling
A Classic Noir by Mary Riddle
Oscillation by Adriel Fair
My Strange Dream by William Benckert
When You Move (Instrumental Version) by Stonekeepers
Equipment used:
Sony A7s iii - amzn.to/2JNkBZ7
Sony 24-105mm f4 - amzn.to/2VFOhd2
Sony 55mm f1.8 - amzn.to/1ToMpy4
Manfrotto BeFree Live Tripod - amzn.to/2HcKsnh
Some of the links above are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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Original content is copyright Adventure Archives (c) 2020

[@pearldiving7492]

Ohio is a lot more impressive during spring (wildflower season )or fall. Winter isn't as impressive because of the temperate deciduous climate (imo). We don't get a lot of snow unless you're up north. It'd be cool to see a video of Ohio in the spring! During that time of year, the ground is covered in moss and delicate looking flowers.

[@Michael_Tran]

Theres a sense of joy for some reason seeing Robby hiking by himself.

[@kurohikes5857]

Michael Tran he has a unique ability to bring joy to people.

[@Michael_Tran]

@@kurohikes5857 for sure

[@paracop35]

And eating

[@peterdisbury6346]

Yes

[@WannaKamaka]

That’s because Robby is the most entertaining out of those 4 guys. They all contribute something, but Robby is cool.

[@jordanyoder4181]

I rate how good the meal was by how many knee slaps Robby does. The more slaps the better the meal.

[@MotoSly]

this is legit btw!

[@pauldemelto6650]

I live in Berea, Ohio. Where can we buy your stuff around here?

[@MsPennay1]

It's so cute! I agree

[@jabt]

what I love about robby is those moments where you can tell he's been alone for just a little bit *too* long and he starts kinda wigging out some, just doing goofy shit almost as if there was no camera there. entertaining himself, essentially - yet also it's enjoyable for us to watch.

[@trtlduv07]

RIGHT? love it!

[@rickshears1]

Do you want to try another tough hike in Ohio? Hike the Logan trail at Tar Hollow State Park. It is also intense and has some serious climbs. It is a figure 8 trail and each loop is about 10 miles so the complete trail is around 20 miles. You can enter the trail at a few spots but the main trailhead is in the middle of the figure 8 which also has camping. There is a fire tower also there that you can check out. The Buckeye Trail comes through Tar Hollow.

[@carolczina9235]

Fabulous. Beautiful. I have been a fan for years and this one is one of my favorites. The simple purity of the hike, gorgeous footage and amazing music. I wanted to note that those 20 mile AT hikers typically start out doing 8-10 miles per day in the first weeks they are on trail. You are a very fit hiker and you are carrying a big pack with heavy camera gear. Plus you stop and get footage through the day. And no food! Heroic! Great hike!

[@trtlduv07]

"Coffee kinda smells like an OLD CLOSET!" Lol. So true. I drink it every day and still... relatable LOL.

[@MountainGardenGirl]

Us older less experienced at camping folks would love to see more of the tent set up along with camping skills...know they are easy but simple can be hard when its cold and getting dark. Your meals look fun but need more calories...maybe buy some peanut powder and unsweetened coconut flakes and add to packets. Love the music and the views. Thanks Robbie and team.

[@reyl6152]

Plant person here, those holes in the oak leaves do in fact resemble some kind of insect or caterpillar/larvae damage that are fairly common with oak trees (at least from my experience living in the midwest). Its very hard to tell for sure which specific kind of creature caused the damage but thats as much as I know. Wonderful video as always!

[@mrdave22]

slugs quite possibly

[@Duckh3rd]

That second night campfire montage time-lapse sequence is *chef's kiss*

[@savionh22]

You should make a compilation of all Robbys knee slaps after he eats something haha

[@criscoleman]

It always amazes me how you, and the rest of Adventure Archives, are able to just talk off the cuff as you're going about doing your business. That's the same sort of talent that, say, a sports broadcaster has. I like how you take the time to show unusual little things, like a few green leaves where the rest of the entire scene is basically brown and bare. Little scenes like crossing a creek, stepping from stone to stone. It brings everything a lot closer. I like how you show things that maybe didn't go quite as right as you'd like, like going down the wrong trail. You know what I'd REALLY like to see? And I wonder if others would like to see that as well? How you (meaning you and Andrew) go about editing a long hike. What are the little things you do to make such a professional presentation? How you go about choosing what to include when you have so much video you don't use? What do you do with the video that you don't use? I don't mean like a 5-minute quick sketch video, but maybe even a half-hour or more show. What video-editing tools do you use? How did you go about choosing them? What led you to where you are now? This would certainly something I would put in my bucket list to watch, but I don't know if it would be on your bucket list of things to do when you are already so busy. Love you guys.

[@megtheetiger]

Been looking for some trails in Ohio for my first day hike.. Definitely will save this one for when I’m a bit more seasoned haha thanks for sharing.

[@georgesbondorjr2483]

Excellent video. This OHIO boy, born and raised in Dayton, who now lives in Washingtohn State thoroughly enjoyed your adventure!

[@AndricKelton]

Yeah my friend lives in Oregon now. He does ski mountaineering and some high altitude and he still says our trip in Shawnee was the toughest hike he has ever done.

[@inwardk]

Who ever forgets to pack enough food? Not me!!! What would happen if you slipped and broke your ankle and had to wait to be rescued, without an extra meal? Thanks for this episode, the scenery is magnificent. Greetings from a sunny South Africa.

[@Outdoors49Man]

Having had some multiple day solo backpacking trips I truly relate to your experience and your narrative. I'm also impressed by all of your extra walking to set your tripod to show your walking either towards or away from the camera. The effect is so natural. Thank you.

[@pandorahunter]

My first video of yours. I'm new to hiking and live in Ohio. I was searching for trails for a close to home bucket list a d this was my first pick because I love Shawnee. My son and I would walk the small trails when he was young. O never knew of the vast trails available and am excited to have this option so available. Thanks for a beautiful video and lessons about the trail, bring extra food lol

[@WannaKamaka]

I’ve watched many hiking videos. AA and Craig Adams have the best videos. I have to admit, this one with Robbie solo hiking is kind of a nice respite to the others where there’s a lot of pausing so Andrew can explain the different plants. That interrupts the cadence and ambiance sometimes.

[@NK-iv1ik]

Aha! This is a good one with +! Not just one night camping, we like multiple ones!👍 Thank you Robby!

[@cynthiadonahey9989]

There are interesting hikes in Ohio near urban areas. It just takes a few minutes to get there. Some are accessed by bus, very old bus routes. It can be hard to find a place to park. A dry stream bed going into a river or stream under a bike trail warrants a look. Warning, you might find a conquered stream and really beat up land at the end. Some of the bike trails took over abandoned railroad routes, before that Indian roads. The Alum Creek Bike Trail was once a road, abandoned when Ohio became a state. There are Medici traces if you know where to look. You cross up thru Ohio Dominican, turn left and look at the stone bridge under Sunbury Road, built by Medici engineers. The bike trails were once called the wildflower trails and bore the brunt of the spraying and burning campaigns of the 50s and 60s. If you hike off Oxbow Trail, you will find the oxbow. I guess the mill is gone. All the oxbows predated statehood. In fact, it was not known who built them. All the golf courses built in the 20s with the new suburban housing were built on athletic fields, that had in part an Amerindian basis. Big drunks were common in these places. There are still homestead sites along the edge, but the courses forbid trespassers. They promised a more sedate game and behaving members. Now the first gold courses built next to metro parks allow access to old cemetery sites. The first settler organization was a cemetery association. Cemeteries were clustered close together and bodies stored until spring in various way, small caves etc When certain wildflowers bloomed in the spring, this was a sign to gather and bury. A lot of the springs have dried up, unless it rains a lot.

[@jeffreyfeist2099]

When my busy job keeps me from getting out, your videos do my soul good. You have a way of making the viewer feel they're there enjoying the adventure too. Thank you for the escape.

[@mohammedalam2410]

Very True

[@cham_hikes6821]

I would watch those few seconds of the starry night on repeat if I could! 🤩

[@tranquillvibes8849]

Robby, it’s always a pleasure watching your solo adventures!! 🤗

[@jesseporter6913]

When I wake up in the middle of the night, Robby you're great to hang with. And, dig that jazz.😀

[@jdmccartney1]

Just a heads up to you AA fans out there , I find the Knorr meal helpers with an added protein to be much more filling than dehydrated backpack meals. They are also way cheaper and if you doctor them up with a bit of curry powder , chili powder or your favorite spice really tasty as well.. 👍👍

[@amelie3265]

Yes! They’re usually on sale as a 10 for $10 special...definitely helped get us through some tough times!

[@stephstargirl]

Yes, that's what I take! $2 meal with some variety because I can get the Knorr sides and packets of tuna or chicken for a buck each on sale.

[@stephstargirl]

@@NoTrail sure, but it's still much cheaper for me bc I use heet for fuel.

[@jdmccartney1]

i think the cook time is 7 or 8 minutes or so .... but i cook them for 3 mins take off the heat then put my coozy on the pot and leave it for ten minutes or so ... take off the coozy and voila ... perfectly cooked and still piping hot 👍👍

[@andyortiz7954]

Enjoy the hell out of your Solo hikes, funny stuff and great all around. Keep it up.

[@xBINARYGODx]

Those nighttime skyline timelapse shots were fantastic - the music for them was great too.

[@louisemitch1]

Always enjoyable because you shoot such beautiful footage Robby. 46:02 that feeling when you see your car at the end of a looong hike! Yes!!

[@itmissionca2178]

Another great video. Wish the music is not as loud. Would love to hear more the sound of the hiking as it is. The wind, the walk, the water, etc.

[@KREPTiiK_]

I had the same thought. The music seems a bit too loud. Perhaps if it was more mellow, ambient, chill music it wouldn't be as bad! But I do prefer listening to the sounds of the forest myself :) amazing video non the less!

[@MichaelRichards983]

The music was over the top. Too loud, too much. Also him eating and constantly talking about food really brought this video down. It's like he is on meth

[@melvinlee5684]

Poor selection of music for hiking and nature.

[@bridgethurtuk3035]

@@MichaelRichards983 he just didn’t bring enough food, that constant state of not having enough food can actually increase energy. I loved every thing about it..maybe just don’t watch it? Just a suggestion

[@MichaelRichards983]

@@bridgethurtuk3035 Criticism isn't a bad thing as it will help him be a better video creator. Acting like he is on drugs isn't ok

[@courtneydunfee9322]

When you said cajun tastes like an antique that's when I knew I should subscribe. Lol

[@ripvanrevs]

Adventure Archives, check out the 16 miles of new Buckeye Trail that recently opened through the Edge of Appalachia. The goal is to connect to the Shawnee State Forest with all off road trail. There are also an abundance of other trails throughout Adams County in various nature preserves.

[@MikeGivesBack]

I haven't even started the video yet and I'm already super excited to see another Robby solo adventure.

[@Zeemeegaming]

I love all the videos, but I gotta say, the solo hiking trips by Robbie are always the best.

[@Uptownunicorn]

Must be hard to leave tripod to film go back down hill to pick it up and walk up the hill again.👏🏻👏🏻😵

[@jonhall398]

Love watching all of your Solo Hikes would love to go on one with you

[@Jesuscares7680]

I hope this new year brings a lot of all the team of Adventure archives... enjoying the woods and the water and the sky and the fields and the mud and the snow... and eating awesome meals around the campfire....John 3:16

[@shinaken]

Scrambly Rocks at 23:18 felt so good on my ears!

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Awesome hike Bro! Thanks for letting us tag along!

[@DadsBackpackTrip]

The best part of campsite six is right across the creek from where you ate lunch. Best campsite in Ohio. That white blaze trail is the wilderness side trail. I’m glad to see Shawnee make you sweat! We only made half our adventure last year at Shawnee before we bailed after a 20 mile day 1...our trail eyes were stronger than our legs! 😂

[@ReeWrayOutdoors]

Man, I need to start taking notes! Your cinematography is fan-frickin-tastic. And did I witness some creamy-smooth Catayst stabe? NOICE!! That new a7Siii is the bomb...

[@321654987510]

Watched this while at the gym thanks for taking us along on the hike

[@Sophie-ei6zh]

Robby, you are such a good cinematographer and film editor. Pure art and masterful. Thank you for an enjoyable trip!

[@hikingleigh]

The video did not feel complete until we saw the post-hike meal. Soooo satisfying 😂😂

[@hottamaledancer]

Oh my gosh, this was like watching myself solo adventuring!! XD Especially the elation about eating food in the outtakes...I've made those same sounds! Can relate 100%.

[@cingulum16]

To be out in the woods during the pandemic is a bliss.Consider this a blessing when most ppl are restricted to go out.⚡⚡

[@brad7232]

First time I ever watched this channel. Very glad I found it. Good job powering through

[@JessicaPurdon]

What an awesome video! Your nephews must be like my son, if in the end they all yelled, “EXCAVATOR!” Lol

[@marypyles3730]

Happy to have found your channel! I grew up near the Shawnee State Forest and spent my college years in Athens (I enjoyed your PawPaw Fest video). Left the area for the big city a few years back, but I miss the hiking so much! It's very nice to see someone bringing attention to one of the positive aspects of living in this area of the country. There are hundreds of miles of trails just out your backdoor and hardly anybody ever on them!

[@areagh13]

If you guys haven't been yet, you should check out the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in NE Ohio

[@skeezo2927]

Is there any long hiking trails there?

[@KisstheSky.1989]

Lots of trails out that way! I live about 30 minutes south, and love going there no matter what season.

[@birgitnazarian8767]

Omg got PTSD when you talked about not having enough food and that rough elevation. Brings back backpacking memories when I hadn’t quite gotten my food or gear right. 😬 I just wanted you to have more food it was stressing me out. 😂 Not sure I could go alone up there in Shawnee SF. Awesome about the water though. And post hike meal, I always plan on where. You were probably heading west towards Cincy? Was hoping you had a suggestion, of course the lodge at Shawnee SP has decent breakfast and maybe burgers.

[@tdonaven]

I just had a group there a few weeks ago. It was super windy at site 5 so we couldn't end up having a fire. That wood you found could very well have been left by us!

[@bobanga470]

Great video! Even though I live in Ohio I don’t always get to appreciate these awesome trails we have.

[@pauldemelto6650]

I watched this for the third time today, lol. Planning on hitting this trail soon, and I just love your video. Love Shawnee State Forest!!!

[@lisam7036]

Great video. I love watching the group videos but Robby's solo's are awesome too. Love the outtakes.

[@halesonair]

Man, your music has gotten SO much more intricate and diverse. I love it :) Also, the solo hikes are great. Maybe someday I won't chicken out of it and just do one haha

[@marksonger6463]

Do one.

[@reazhak]

Hey Adventure Archive guys I just want to say how much I love and appreciate your content . From a solo hiker out here in the Canadian Rockies when I can't be hiking and I need that fix your channel is one of my first clicks . So great to see all the wonderful landscapes I have yet to explore . Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@perrymichales4242]

Canadian woods and meadows would be awesome to hike with these guys

[@AJKPenguin]

4:20 Rob blazing! Well done sir on a great adventure and the Weather Channel music.

[@Ifindcosplay]

Great stuff. I know everyone likes the whole crew together but I do enjoy the solo hikes with you Robby.

[@valorhsu]

I also like to hike alone, free and unrestrained. Love your videos, thanks for your share.

[@JB-rt4mx]

So it's steeper than flat...lol Colorado...Canadian Rocky Man. Glad you are getting out...Blessings 🏞😁

[@johntuttle9544]

Henry David McThoreau. Get out west, Robby. Your mind will be blown.

[@williampittman8739]

I had no idea Thoreau was of. Scottish decent??????

[@HarrimanHikersTV]

Thank you for sharing a wonderful energetic adventurous backpacking footage. I'm glad to find a fellow hiker and KZbinr sharing the same passion.

[@twostrokeguys7861]

watching all your episodes from oldest to newest in the past days for the second time - you guys are awsome

[@dcchiasson5991]

Best Covid binge watching ever!

[@DakotaDunlap69]

It's up and down strenuous pretty much the whole way through the south loop that you are on, the north loop is even more difficult. My buddy Mike and I did this entire south loop trail in one go, no camping, back in 2020 also. The best thing about this loop is a really nice section that follows a creek for sometime that is a great area for a much needed break and views. I'd say the worst thing about this trail is that it isn't a complete loop, once you get out of the woods at the end you realize you still have another few miles to go to get back to your vehicle. The quickest way was to just walk the road back around by turkey lake where the registration kiosk is. My after hike food is sour patch kids and a tall boy of Monster, I don't know why but I need sugar bad after intense hikes. AllTrails Dakota Dunlap

[@CamboRambo25]

Love your solo hikes

[@jstair78]

I camped with my daughter Friday night at Lake Vesuvius. We got to the campsite right at dark. As we were setting up camp in the dark, I pictured you guys showing up with your theme music playing! Lol

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing another fine outdoor adventure. You always do a great job of filming. All the best to you out there on the trail. 🤗

[@Davidesonar449]

These solo trails are a joy to watch

[@marktaylor806]

I enjoy the outdoors but I'm not an avid hiker. What impressed me was your videography and editing skills. You have a good "eye" because this video is both interesting and beautiful. Keep producing content like this...please!

[@TravelTourTaste]

Hello, We hope all is well . Great to see you again. We just want to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year. Love and Light Sarah and Glenn

[@undeadly1103]

i love seeing the solo hikes, but when you are all together it's like Voltron or something

[@ravinazn]

Robby out here keeping the adventure alive. Great video

[@benc8640]

Thanks for bringing us along. Beautiful video and music. Felt like I was there with you. Loved the outtakes!

[@Cowgirl77Hikes]

After my first BP trip, I have a new appreciation for the sport. I've also never noticed people's pack weight, size till I found out how difficult it was with a 40 lb plus weight on my back. Obviously, too heavy. Yours looks at least that!? Wow, and as usual, enjoy your films.

[@wickedsonz3847]

Awesome video!! Lol peanut butter sandwiches... gourmet! Love the simplicity! It’s true, we don’t need much to be happy, just awesome adventures with Robby and cool music. Thx

[@glennmolano683]

Awesome channel bro! New subscriber here. I'm really Inspired on the way you film and edit these beautiful outdoor shots. stay safe and see yah on the trails!

[@Jesuscares7680]

Protein..cheese sticks for example.. always takes straight protein with you on the hikes.... your metabolism is like a jackrabbit .. food goes right through you... even when you're at home you're always hungry... my favorite part of the video was the campfire and those Stars...invest in a small yeti lunch bag too..little creamers for java time..😉..

[@dakotakatzenmeyer1231]

here spending my 2021 with these amazing videos keep up the great content guys ive kinda been on a binge watching you guys keep it up

[@3875MIKEL]

keep a journal of what you bring and how long each hike was.. the harder the trail the more calories you will need.. and if you pack is heavier you will need more plus the cold make you hungrier.. learned the hard way.lol

[@AngelaGonzalez-kd8sz]

oh my goodness I was hungry with you and was chewing along with you even though I didn't have food in my mouth! just stumble on to your page. I'm a beginner hiker, and when I say beginner I mean like a 2 hr trail for me is an all day thing. but I take my dog Neco with me and we stop and just take in the views. I live in Southern California. but the trail we walk burned down this year. happy hiking dude. i enjoyed your hike and video.

[@collegedad8656]

A "30 dream" sleep, the perfect night backpacking 👍

[@evinnymar1831]

Music in this video is fantastic! Is it available to listen in SoundCloud etc or for buying? Patreon seems to have soundtracks from their main episodes. Appreciate any info.

[@jamielewis136]

Amazing trip! Beautiful editing beautiful video..good job man 👏👏

[@15cooperk]

🌲⛺️Hi Robby, love watching your hiking videos. I was so surprised to se you were in my own back yard. I live in Portsmouth, Ohio, just a short drive from Shawnee State Park. My family and I fish here all the time, and have camped in the campgrounds nearby. Thanks for sharing.🏕

[@sahasralah]

the shared solo hike is a hidden gem amidst our wintry repose. thanks for another great one!

[@andreyschneider9934]

Thank you for taking us on these walks. It is very valuable to share with others the beauty of our world, real emotions and your vision of what surrounds us! All this is a great work and art, it is worth a lot..... Thank you for the fact that more and more people are carried away by hiking romance, making people kinder. When you are in nature, you always enjoy the little things. You live in the present moment, and all negative thoughts leave our mind!

[@bridgethurtuk3035]

Loved your energy and your camera work, absolutely amazing for a solo hike through bare trees!!

[@LeighDeitrick1]

Robbie you make these so much fun! 🤗

[@EvangelistAnitaMartirRivera]

Wow. Very cool. I was hooked the entire time. God bless you.

[@carlfields]

Another quality video. Great job. But FYI, the area around camp 6 always seems to confuse people. There is a small camp site that is part of camp 6 that overlooks the creek, but you actually have to cross the creek to get to the actual camp. It's really nice. If you don't see the pit toilet, then you weren't at the main part of camp 6. Keep the adventures coming. You guys are awesome.

[@devinfarmiloe7042]

this one was one of my favorites yet! It is also great to discover such a nice backpacking trail in my home state! I will have to give it a go!

[@WonderlustAdventures]

Pretty ignorant of anything outside the west... moss out there in the Fall affected forest is gorgeous! May wander that way to do some filming myself, we'll see. :) Glad to see the place vicariously all the same!

[@unreliablemedia7920]

Aw man really making me want to take the tent solo. Still a little scared of wild animals, but just bought an airhorn to spook any predators that I can spot before they pounce. Keep up the great videos, great inspiration! Bass was sup funky on this one

[@stephstargirl]

you'll be fine.. animals usually stay away. I've done something like 80 nights solo and never had an animal bother me.

[@sharvo6]

Never been to that part of Ohio; thanks for the look-see.

[@notyourboy663]

You're inspiring me bro! Doing a 3 day trip in the Tetons with my wife in June!

[@terriecarlson4188]

This was the first video of yours I watched. I really enjoyed it. But it was the outtakes at the end that sent had me binge watching. Great job.

[@Tendonz_]

Quality and clean editing on point, great job!

[@yungthunder2681]

I run this trail every summer! Love it

[@BeichnerFarms]

Great shots Robbie and excellent music selection. I dig it!