Zaleski State Forest Backwoods Loop
Mining roads through reclaimed strip mine country
Zaleski State Forest’s backwoods roads follow old mining haul routes and logging tracks through 26,000 acres of reclaimed strip mine country. The loop connects multiple fire roads and primitive camping areas via rocky creek crossings and steep grades carved into hillsides scarred by decades of coal extraction. Rock Run Road tests your suspension with loose shale climbs, while Hope Furnace Road dead-ends at Civil War-era iron furnace ruins hidden in the timber.
This is easy to moderate terrain perfect for stock SUVs with decent ground clearance. The real challenges come from washouts after heavy rains and a few rocky creek beds that’ll rattle your teeth. Best traveled March through November when the roads aren’t muddy slop. No permits required for day use. You’ll find solid dispersed camping spots and a lesson in how nature reclaims industrial scars, plus decent fishing in the restored ponds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1100 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV high-clearance |
| Nearest town | McArthur, OH |
| Land manager | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ohiodnr.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance SUV like a 4Runner, Jeep Cherokee, or similar handles this fine. The mining roads are rough dirt with some rocky sections, but nothing that demands a lift or lockers — just don't bring a Camry.
When does the trail close, and is it worth doing in early spring?
The trail is generally accessible March through November. Early spring can mean soft, muddy ground from snowmelt — passable but expect to get dirty. Avoid it during or right after heavy rain when the creek crossings can run higher than usual.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to run this trail?
No permit or fee is required to drive the Zaleski State Forest backwoods roads. Dispersed camping in the forest is free but you're operating under Ohio ODNR rules — pack it in, pack it out, no permanent structures.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
It's an easy trail, so nothing should catch you off guard. The roughest moments are the creek crossings and some rutted mining road sections with loose rock. At 18 miles and 800 feet of gain, budget a half day and you'll cruise it.
Is there any cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout the route — download your maps offline before you leave. McArthur, OH is the nearest town with gas and is roughly 10 miles from the forest, so top off before you head in.
Trail track
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