Where is Wellston, Ohio

Wellston is a city in southeastern Ohio, located in Jackson County near the foothills of the Appalachian region. It is about 65 miles southeast of Columbus and 15 miles north of Jackson. The city grew around coal mining and the railroad industry and is close to Wayne National Forest, Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve, and the wooded hills of southern Ohio.

Location Map of Wellston, Jackson County, Ohio

About Map: The map shows the location of Wellston in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Ohio.

Wellston Map, Ohio

Where is Wellston Located?

Wellston is a city located in Jackson County, Ohio, the United States. It is in southeastern Ohio, about 65 miles southeast of Columbus, 15 miles north of Jackson, and approximately 35 miles west of Athens. Wellston lies at about 39.123° North latitude and 82.533° West longitude. The city had 5,137 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 4.14 square miles, or 10.72 square kilometers. Wellston was founded in the late 19th century and developed as a center for coal mining, iron production, timber, and railroad transportation. The community's growth was closely tied to the industrial development of southern Ohio and the surrounding mineral resources. Today, Wellston remains surrounded by forests, hills, and small streams characteristic of the Appalachian foothills. Nearby Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve protects a scenic lake and wooded landscape and offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. Wayne National Forest is also within reach, providing extensive trails and outdoor recreation. U.S. Route 35 and Ohio State Route 327 connect Wellston with Jackson, Athens, and other southeastern Ohio communities.

Most Viewed US Maps

Wellston City Facts

Distance from Wellston, OH to Nearby Cities

• Jackson, OH – 15 miles (24 km)
• Oak Hill, OH – 12 miles (19 km)
• Hamden, OH – 12 miles (19 km)
• McArthur, OH – 15 miles (24 km)
• Wilkesville, OH – 20 miles (32 km)
• Jacksonville, OH – 20 miles (32 km)
• Albany, OH – 30 miles (48 km)
• Athens, OH – 35 miles (56 km)
• Gallipolis, OH – 45 miles (72 km)
• Chillicothe, OH – 45 miles (72 km)
• Logan, OH – 40 miles (64 km)
• Circleville, OH – 45 miles (72 km)
• Portsmouth, OH – 45 miles (72 km)
• Marietta, OH – 75 miles (121 km)
• Columbus, OH – 65 miles (105 km)
• Huntington, WV – 65 miles (105 km)
• Ironton, OH – 45 miles (72 km)
• Cincinnati, OH – 120 miles (193 km)

Top Attractions in Wellston

• Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve – A scenic natural area centered on a lake surrounded by forest, with trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature study.
• Wayne National Forest – A large forested area in southeastern Ohio offering hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and scenic drives.
• Wellston Coal Festival – An annual community event honoring the city's coal-mining heritage with local activities, entertainment, and historical displays.
• Wellston Historic Downtown – The city's traditional commercial area includes older buildings and landmarks connected to the community's industrial and railroad history.
• Jackson Lake State Park – A nearby recreation area offering boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and picnicking around Jackson Lake.
• Leo Petroglyph State Memorial – A nearby archaeological site preserving a large Native American rock carving associated with the region's ancient history.
• Lake Alma State Park – A nearby state park featuring a small lake, beach, hiking trails, camping, fishing, and wooded scenery.
• Hocking Hills State Park – A major southeastern Ohio destination farther north, known for cliffs, caves, waterfalls, gorges, and extensive hiking trails.
• Hopewell Culture National Historical Park – A National Park Service site near Chillicothe preserving ancient earthworks built by Indigenous peoples of the Ohio Valley.
• Moonville Tunnel – A historic railroad tunnel in Vinton County surrounded by the forests of southeastern Ohio and accessible by nearby trails.

Airports Near Wellston, OH

• Jackson County Airport (JXN) – 15 miles
• Ohio University Airport (UNI) – 40 miles
• Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) – 65 miles
• Tri-State Airport (HTS) – 65 miles
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 80 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Wellston website and local government records.

Ohio More Maps & Info