Zaleski State Forest Backwoods Loop

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.