Zaleski State Forest is located in southeastern Ohio and is known for its scenic beauty and extensive trail system. At 27,822-acres, Zaleski State Forest is the second largest forest in Ohio's system of state forests.
Historic Moonville Tunnel is located within Zaleski State Forest on the Moonville Rail Trail right-of-way.
Zaleski State Forest borders Lake Hope State Park. The entire 2,983-acre park lies within the Zaleski State Forest in the valley of Big Sandy Run. The park's heavily forested region is marked by steep gorges and narrow ridges with remnants of abandoned mining and iron-producing industries.
The park surrounds the lake and boasts a wooded family campground and a variety of year-round cabins for families and gatherings of all sizes, including the roomy Laurel Lodge.
There is also horseback riding at Uncle Buck's.
History
Zaleski State Forest was established in 1937 and named after the nearby village of Zaleski, which was named by Polish immigrants. The area was once heavily logged and later reforested, leading to the lush woodland that visitors enjoy today. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing the park’s infrastructure during the Great Depression.
Horseback Riding
Uncle Buck's Riding Stable & Dance Barn provides scenic, guided horseback rides through Zaleski State Forest near Lake Hope State Park. Enjoy our Coal Bucket Trail (1 hour), the Moonville Tunnel Trail (2 hours) and the King Hollow Tunnel Ride (3 hours).
Slow cooked barbeque, craft beer, wine are served in The Lady Buck Saloon. We also host family BBQs with live entertainment. Event and banquet facilities are available for weddings, parties, or anything you have in mind.
We have used Uncle Buck's many times for horseback riding adventures and highly recommend them.
Hope School House
The Zaleski School House, located within Zaleski State Forest in southeastern Ohio, is a historical site that offers a glimpse into the region's past. We took a two day hike a couple of summers ago and we parked at there and started the Zaleski State Forest Backpack Trailhead.
Here are some details about the Zaleski School House:
Historical Background
- Establishment and Purpose:
- The Zaleski School House was established in the late 19th or early 20th century to serve the educational needs of the local community in Zaleski, a village named by Polish immigrants.
- It functioned as a rural schoolhouse, providing education to children in the area during a time when many small communities had their own local schools.
- Architectural Style:
- The schoolhouse is representative of typical one-room school buildings of its era. These structures were designed to be simple and functional, often featuring a single room where students of varying ages and grades were taught together.
- Educational Significance:
- The Zaleski School House reflects the educational practices of the time, where one teacher would manage all grades in a single classroom. It served as a center for learning and community gatherings.
Restoration and Preservation
- Current Status:
- The schoolhouse is preserved as part of the Zaleski State Forest’s historical and cultural heritage. It stands as a reminder of the region's educational history and rural life.
- It is maintained to provide visitors with an educational experience about early 20th-century schooling and rural community life.
- Visitor Information:
- The Zaleski School House may be open to the public for tours or special events. It’s best to check with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) or the Zaleski State Forest office for current visiting hours, tour availability, and any special events related to the schoolhouse.
- Educational Programs:
- The site may host educational programs or events that focus on historical education, offering insights into how education was conducted in rural Ohio communities during the early 20th century.
- Location: It is situated within Zaleski State Forest.
- Activities: When visiting, you can explore the historic building, learn about its history, and enjoy the surrounding natural environment of the state forest.
- Contact: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contacting the Zaleski State Forest office or visiting the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website would be beneficial.
MOONVILLE TUNNEL
Moonville Tunnel near Zaleski State Forest is one of few reminders of the ghost town of Moonville. In 1856, Samuel Coe gave the Marietta and Cincinnati (M&C) Railroad permission to construct a railroad line across his property. Coe hoped that the line would then provide him an easy means to ship coal and clay on his property. The railroad accepted the offer for two reasons. First, Coe offered the land for free, and second, Coe's land would provide a better route for the track from Marietta to Cincinnati.
The community of Moonville soon sprung up on Coe's land around the railroad. Moonville principally housed miners and a few railroad workers. The town had approximately one hundred residents at its peak in the 1800s. Yet, the community declined, especially during the early 1900s as coal mines started closing. The last family abandoned Moonville in 1947. Today, only the old schoolhouse's foundation, a train tunnel, and the community cemetery remain.
Despite being a ghost town, Moonville remains well known due to its reputation of being haunted. Believers say that ghosts of railroad workers struck down by a train in the Moonville Tunnel still wave their lanterns in the abandoned tunnel.
Today, visitors can hike portions of this abandoned railroad line, which are being converted into walking and biking trails.
Hope Furnace
The Hope Furnace is a historic blast furnace in the southeastern part of the State of Ohio. Located along State Route 278 approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) northeast of the village of Zaleski. It is one of two extant iron furnaces in Vinton County. Between 1854 and 1874, the furnace was used to smelt iron ore, using coal or charcoal for fuel. It is a rectangular structure, built of sandstone and shaped like a truncated pyramid.
Hiking Trails
Here's a brief overview of its history, hiking trails, and their lengths:
Zaleski State Forest offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. Here are some of the main trails and their lengths:
- Zaleski Backpack Trail
- Length: Approximately 25 miles
- Description: This is the primary backpacking trail in the forest, offering a multi-day hiking experience through diverse landscapes including forests, ridges, and valleys. It is a loop trail and is known for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain.
- Big Pine Trail
- Length: About 3.5 miles
- Description: This trail is popular for its picturesque views and the opportunity to see some of the largest and oldest pine trees in the area.
- North Loop Trail
- Length: Around 7 miles
- Description: This trail provides a shorter hike with diverse terrain and beautiful views of the forested landscape.
- South Loop Trail
- Length: Approximately 5 miles
- Description: A great option for a half-day hike, this trail offers a mix of easy and moderate hiking through the southern part of the forest.
- Vinton Furnace Trail
- Length: Varies; generally around 2-3 miles
- Description: This trail explores the historical remnants of the old iron furnace operations that were once prominent in the area.
Tips for Hikers
- Preparation: Always bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear, especially if you’re planning a longer hike or overnight stay.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly.
- Address: 29681 St. Rt. 278, Zaleski, OH 45698
- Maps and Navigation: Although trails are generally well-marked, carrying a map and compass or GPS device is a good idea.
Zaleski State Forest is known for its tranquility and natural beauty, making it a fantastic destination for hikers looking to explore the scenic landscapes of southeastern Ohio. It is one of our favorite places to hike.
If you would like to contact us or have additional information for the blog, please let us know.
