The forest comprises three administrative and purchase units: Athens, Marietta, and Ironton. Many of the lands included in the forest are former coal-mining lands, and much of this land is owned by the federal government without the mineral rights, those having been retained by former owners.
From the official website: "As of January 1, 2002, the Wayne has over 232,900 acres within a Forest boundary of 834,000 acres."
The Athens Unit is located in Athens, Hocking, Morgan, Perry, and Vinton Counties, and includes 67,224 acres as of 1-1-2002.
The Marietta Unit is located in Monroe, Noble and Washington Counties, and includes 63,381 acres as of 1-1-2002, with over half of the total being within Washington County.
The Ironton Unit is located in Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence and Scioto Counties, and includes 99,049 acreas as of 1-1-2002, with over two-thirds of the total being within Lawrence County.
The area of Ohio included within the Forest is based on late Paleozoic geology, heavy in sandstones and shales, including redbeds, with many coal beds. The topography is typically very rugged, with elevation changes typically in the 200-400 foot range.
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The official Wayne National Forest website: