🌤 Weather at Zaleski State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–74 °F | 58–85 °F | 32–79 °F | 22–44 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Carpenter 2 S, 13 mi away, elevation 822 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Zaleski State Forest is located in Ohio near Zaleski and is managed by the Ohio DNR Division of Forestry, not by Ohio’s state park system. The forest offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Ohio |
| Nearest City | Zaleski |
Location & Getting There
Zaleski State Forest is located near Zaleski, Ohio. The park’s coordinates are 39.2833, -82.3833.
Things to Do
At 27,822 acres, Zaleski is the second-largest of Ohio’s state forests. The 28.8-mile Selinde Roosenburg Backpack Trail loops through it, with a 10-mile day loop and a connector to the Moonville Rail Trail, and the historic Moonville Tunnel lies within the forest. Riders have 30 miles of bridle trails and a 16-site horse camp. There is also a free paper-target shooting range on State Route 278, a fire tower, and grouse and turkey management areas that are open to hunting in season.
Best Time to Visit
The forest is open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily; registered campers, hunters and anglers may be present at other times. The Atkinson Ridge hunters camp opens only around the fall hunting seasons and the spring turkey season.
Visitor Tips
Zaleski is a state forest run by the Ohio DNR Division of Forestry, not an Ohio state park, so state park campground and lodge reservations do not apply. All campsites, on the backpack trail, at the horse camp and at the hunters camp, are first come, first served, and backpackers must register before starting on the trail. Carry your own water, because water caches may not be serviced in winter. Bikes are allowed only on public forest roads, and there are no APV trails.
Explore More Ohio State Parks
Looking for state parks in Ohio? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Lake Hope State Park (a short drive away) and Lake Alma State Park (a short drive away).
Park Location
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