As spring arrives in Ohio, residents are heading outdoors for one of the state’s most popular seasonal activities: mushroom hunting.
From mid-April through May, mushroom hunters search state parks and forests for edible mushrooms, with morels–known for their honeycomb-shaped caps and are valued for cooking—being the most commonly pursued.
Mushroom hunting is allowed in many of Ohio’s state parks, but, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, there are specific rules that must be followed. Collectors are required to stay on designated trails, and off-trail collecting is not permitted. Park offices should be contacted in advance, as rules can vary between locations.
Hunting is also permitted in Ohio’s state forests and wildlife areas. However, collecting mushrooms in state nature preserves and designated natural areas is prohibited.
Several state-owned areas within driving distance of Mount Vernon are open to mushroom hunting.
Burr Oak State Park offers a lodge, campground and access to trails and wooded areas. Great Seal State Park is located in the rugged hills once inhabited by the Shawnee. Lake Alma State Park provides access to forest trails and a 60-acre lake in Jackson and Vinton counties.
Shawnee State Forest, also known as “The Little Smokies of Ohio,” is the state’s largest forest, with more than 60,000 acres open to the public.
Harrison State Forest, which was previously used for strip mining, has been converted for recreational use and includes land open to mushroom hunting.
The Ohio Mushroom Society, founded in 1973, offers information and resources for those interested in mushroom hunting and identification.
In the January/February 2025 issue of the Ohio Mushroom Society’s newsletter President Debra Shankland touted the many positive aspects of mushroom hunting.
“If you’ve resolved to increase your fitness, attending a foray or even scouting the woods on your own a couple times a month will get you out and moving,” Shankland writes. “You can use these outings to augment or even substitute for time on the treadmill. And don’t forget that spending time in nature is vital to your mental health. I prescribe at least one outing of 1 - 2 hours every week.”
Shankland also suggested mushroom hunting as a fun activity for family and friends.
“Is spending more time with friends or family on your list? Why not invite them along on your forays?” she said. “Perhaps, they, too, will find enjoyment in the mushroom hunt.”
In addition, Shankland offers mushrooms as a substitute for meat.
See the below mushroom hunting guide from Ohioline at the Ohio State University Extension for identifying mushroom species common to Ohio.
