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Zaleski Backpack Trail South Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (59)
  1. Areas
  2. OH
  3. …Southeast Ohio
  4. …McArthur
  5. Lake Hope State Park
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“Escape the Hocking Hills crowds and explore this rare gem in southern Ohio. ”

Ryan P
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Map Key

10.3

Miles

16.6

KM

Loop

1,014' 309 m

High

715' 218 m

Low

955' 291 m

Up

956' 291 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

The Zaleski Trail is a great hike or short overnight trip. You'll spend your time navigating the forests of southern Ohio. It can get humid in the summer and water can be found along the route - but pack accordingly! Traffic is low to medium, depending on the time of year.

Need to Know

Water is available at hydrants at the campsites. Most of the surface water is considered contaminated by old mine runoff.

Description

The south loop of the Zaleski Backpacking trail is the shorter of the two loops. It can easily be knocked out in a day or extended to an overnight trip... especially great for families with young backpackers!

Parking for the South Loop of the Zaleski Trail is roughly 50 yards from the trailhead, across from Hope Furnace. If you're spending the night on the trail, parking is now at the Hope Schoolhouse on Wheelabout Road. This adds about one and half miles of out-and-back to the trail each way. Entering the trail, you'll turn left and head into the woods. The Zaleski trail winds through the forest and you'll be under the canopy for a majority of your trip. The trail itself is packed dirt and rock - generally very easy with little to no technical ability required. There are some steeper sections - but they're short and quickly level out. A number of historical markers or areas of geological interest can be found by using the accompanying Zaleski Backpacking Brochure.

Flora & Fauna

"Be aware of poisonous snakes in the area."

Poisonous snakes are not an issue unless you plan on eating them.

Venomous snakes on the other hand are something of which to be cautious.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Wayne National Forest Office

Shared By:

Ryan P with improvements by James Dicks, Jr.
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 59 votes

#1

in Lake Hope State Park

#196

Overall
  4.3 from 59 votes
5 Star
37%
4 Star
53%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lake Hope State Park

#3

in Ohio

#196

Overall
29 Views Last Month
15,519 Since May 20, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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55%
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Photos

South Loop scenery
Mar 31, 2020 near Athens, OH
A rock outcrop stands alongside the Zaleski Backpacking Trail.
Feb 2, 2017 near Athens, OH
Zaleski Backpacking Trail
May 20, 2015 near Athens, OH
Looking across the lake.
Aug 14, 2017 near Athens, OH
A nice overlook along the trail.
Aug 14, 2017 near Athens, OH

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 3, 2022
Greg Earle
Oct 18, 2021
Beth DeLong
Sep 28, 2021
Paul Heyde
Sep 14, 2021
Ben Hamilton
May 22, 2021
Dasu Gedela
Oct 10, 2020
Sean Bartholic
Hiked in from the school house to the first camp site (Backpack Camp 1). On the way back we went toward Point Y and the Hope Furnace parking area. 3mi — 1h 45m
Sep 26, 2020
Justina Roberts
6mi
Jul 18, 2020
Cameron Titus
Linked the south and middle loops with Sara. Camped at camp 2.

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