Our mission is to promote and apply management for the sustainable use of Ohio's private and public forest lands.

State Forest Program Administrators

Division of Forestry
2045 Morse Rd.
Building H1.
Columbus, OH 43229

P.O. Box 330, S.R. 278 Zaleski, Ohio 45698-0330 740-596-5781 Directions to forest Total acres: 26,827 County: Vinton and Athens Counties Brochure with map (pdf) Brochure with backpack map (pdf) Bridle Trail Map (pdf) Vinton County Convention & Visitor's Bureau Link to trail closure information

Public Recreational Areas near Zaleski State Forest
Use ODNR's Recreational Areas by County Map to locate State Parks, Nature Preserves, Boating Areas, and public hunting and fishing areas near Zaleski State Forest.

Lake Hope, Zaleski Additional Information History of Ohio’s State Forests officially began in 1916, but its roots go back much further. READ MORE> AUDIO SEGMENTS AUDIO: Zaleski State Forest AUDIO: Firewood Alert VIDEO and MORE AUDIO>

Zaleski State Forest Notes
The Zaleski State Forest is the second largest forest in the system. The Zaleski State Forest Backpack Trail was established on the forest to provide backpacking opportunities as well as to introduce some scenic and historic aspects of the forest. The main trail is a loop of 23.5 miles. There is also a 10-mile day loop trail

 General Forest Rules

• Zaleski State Forest is open to visitors between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Legal campers, hunters and anglers may be present during other hours.

• Operation of motor vehicles is restricted to roads provided for such travel. The speed limit on state forest roads is 30 mph unless otherwise posted. Vehicles may not be parked where traffic or access to division service roads or trails will be obstructed.

• Horses may be ridden only along forest roads or on designated bridle trails. Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)

• Fires are not permitted except in grills or fire rings provided or in portable stoves. Fires must be attended at all times.

• Litter must be disposed of in receptacles provided.

• Camping is permitted only in areas provided and designated for such use.

• Public display or consumption of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited.

• Disturbance, defacement or destruction of any property, material, natural feature or vegetation is prohibited. Berries, nuts and mushrooms may be gathered and removed except from tree seed orchards or posted areas.

• General visitation guideline