Zaleski State Forest Backpack Trailhead Parking: Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trail — Attraction in Brown Township

I went backpacking with my brother for four days here last fall and had an awesome time! The trails are blazed well and easy to follow. The campsites had plenty of room, fire rings, water and restrooms making our stops each night that much easier.

The trails themselves are quite enjoyable to hike. There are rolling hills, overlooks, and interesting rock formations everywhere. I found myself constantly stopping to take pictures and explore around the trails.

I can also recommend going off the trail for a bit on the southern tip of the south loop to go explore the Moonville Tunnel. There is a small connector trail that meets up with an old rail line that takes you directly to the old tunnel. You can still see the old telegraph lines! It was, by far, one of the best parts of our trip.

I definitely plan to return to Zaleski to do more backpacking in the...

A few Saturdays ago, I embarked on what became the most challenging hiking adventure I’ve encountered yet in my newfound hobby….the South and West Loops that make up 2 of the 3 primary paths of the Zaleski State Forest Backpack Trails.

A total of 18 miles covered by day’s end, these trails offer some serious hill climbing (you gain 1500+ feet on the South Loop alone), absolutely gorgeous forest scenery, truly “wild” paths, and a definite day of exercise!

Bring the water, food, and enjoy the beauty of nature while taking on a more than worthy day hike (or overnight if you might aim to do all 3 trails totaling 28+ miles) in one of Ohio’s true...

The trails were fun and great for a beginner backpacking experience. The water from the wells at the campsites was clean, clear and cool, and the campsites were decently laid out. It can be hard to find firewood since everything close to the trail is picked clean by other campers, but not impossible to find. Recommendations: bring toilet paper for the outhouses, a folding saw/hand chainsaw to get firewood easier, and bags to carry your trash out (no garbage cans anywhere along the trails). Also, try to arrive early in the day, since the better campsite spots go quick in...