Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Zaleski State Forest adventure.
Discover Zaleski State Forest's lush trails and historic sites.
Clocking in a whopping 26,000 acres and listed as the second largest forest in the Ohio state park system, you may have to ask the boss for a little extra time off to enjoy Zaleski State Forest in its entirety. Bring Black Beauty along for the camping experience and explore 50 miles of trails on horseback together, or just pack a well-worn pair of boots and trek the 25 miles of trails designated for hiking. Did we mention you can always backpack in if you want a more remote experience? Hunters and fishers will also quickly find their home here, where 4,000 acres set aside for wild turkey production mean you'll be able to share some serious Thanksgiving bounty. Grab some tackle and cast a line in Lake Hope, or just kick your feet back and listen to the forest teem with life come sunset. Don't forget to pack that camera and some extra batteries—this area is just begging to become your next desktop background.
The prime time to visit Zaleski State Forest is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and the forest is full of life. Winter months can be harsh, with trails less accessible due to snow and ice.