Zaleski State Forest, OH

Travel Guide

Hope Lake State Park has a surprising amount of fantastic single track mountain biking! Multiple trails that go for miles through the deep woods, across streams, up and down hills.
Hope Lake State Park has a surprising amount of fantastic single track mountain biking! Multiple trails that go for miles through the deep woods, across streams, up and down hills.
The beautiful view overlooking Lake Hope, the namesake of the 2,983-acre Lake Hope State Park. The park lies entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest. The park provides opportunities for #hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, photography, dining, and general R&R. The park even has a really cool summer program where you can feed hummingbirds from your hand! You hold a vial of sugar water at arm's length and from out of nowhere the hummingbirds start appearing! If you're steady and patient, they'll begin to feed right in front of you!
Great backpacking spot
The Pride of the Pit from the dining lodge inside Lake Hope State Park! Hickory smoked beef brisket, pulled pork and maple glazed smoked Ohio turkey rounded out with a vegetable medley (cabbage, squash, carrots and zucchini) and three cheese au gratin potatoes. Great view of Lake Hope and the surrounding forest and #delicious food!
Swap the urban jungle for stunning scenery at Zaleski State Forest. Whether you'd love to work up a sweat on the walking trails or simply laze around with a picnic, this is the place to fill up on nature.

You won't have to pull out your wallet to visit this protected natural landscape in Athens. Admission is free, which is great news if you're on a strict budget. Once you've finished exploring Zaleski State Forest, head for nearby attractions like Lake Hope State Park.

The Lodge at Hocking College

The Lodge at Hocking College

2.5 out of 5
15770 OH-691 Nelsonville OH
$54 nightly
The price is $62 total per night from Jan 26 to Jan 27
$62 total
Jan 26 - Jan 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nelsonville. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (868 reviews)
The lodge sitting area was nice with the fireplace and music. The beds were very comfortable. Quiet rooms.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

The Lodge at Hocking College
Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
331 Richland Ave Athens OH
$109 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Jan 28 to Jan 29
$123 total
Jan 28 - Jan 29
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
Quiet and clean room, well prepared and great location

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills

The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills

South Bloomingville Ohio
$355 nightly
The price is $396 total per night from Feb 12 to Feb 13
$396 total
Feb 12 - Feb 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this cabin in South Bloomingville. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Hocking Hills State Park and Blue ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Amazing vibe! Fantastic amenities with the hot tub and fire pit and many seating areas! Great cleaning crew - it was spic and span inside! Highly recommend a stay at any of their treehouses!

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills
See all 1,686 properties in Zaleski State Forest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Toasted Marshmallow (w/fast internet) & baby goats! Farm 20 min to Hocking Hills

Toasted Marshmallow (w/fast internet) & baby goats! Farm 20 min to Hocking Hills

McArthur OH
Stay at this cottage in McArthur. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Hooper Park and Lake Hope State Park are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (95 reviews)
Cozy and sweet!. The farm life was amazing! The dogs and cats on the property were more than welcoming. Will most definitely stay again! The little cabin was everything as described! The fireplace kept us more than warm!

Reviewed on Jan 2, 2026

Toasted Marshmallow (w/fast internet) & baby goats! Farm 20 min to Hocking Hills
Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy

2 out of 5
38490 Todd Rd Nelsonville OH
Stay at this cabin in Nelsonville. Enjoy free parking, a picnic area, and patios. Popular attractions Nelsonville Brick Park and Robbins Crossing Historical ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (103 reviews)
This little cabin was exceptional!!!! Super cozy! The high was only in the 20’s and we stayed nice and warm! Absolutely loved the large windows to lay in bed and look out! Our French Bulldog had a blast, they had him water dishes, and he loved the windows also!!!! They think of everything, we had ...

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026

Postcard Cabins Hocking Hills, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills

The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills

South Bloomingville Ohio
Stay at this cabin in South Bloomingville. Enjoy patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Hocking Hills State Park and Blue ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Amazing vibe! Fantastic amenities with the hot tub and fire pit and many seating areas! Great cleaning crew - it was spic and span inside! Highly recommend a stay at any of their treehouses!

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

The Hemlock Treehouse | Hocking Hills
See all properties in Zaleski State Forest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Waterloo State Wildlife Management Area

You can take time to visit Waterloo State Wildlife Management Area during your travels to New Marshfield. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Waterloo State Wildlife Management Area

Hooper Park

Explore the great outdoors at Hooper Park, a lovely green space in McArthur. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Hooper Park

Cities near Zaleski State Forest

The beautiful view overlooking Lake Hope, the namesake of the 2,983-acre Lake Hope State Park. The park lies entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest. The park provides opportunities for #hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, photography, dining, and general R&R. The park even has a really cool summer program where you can feed hummingbirds from your hand! You hold a vial of sugar water at arm's length and from out of nowhere the hummingbirds start appearing! If you're steady and patient, they'll begin to feed right in front of you!

New Plymouth

The beautiful view overlooking Lake Hope, the namesake of the 2,983-acre Lake Hope State Park. The park lies entirely within the 26,824-acre Zaleski State Forest. The park provides opportunities for #hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, photography, dining, and general R&R. The park even has a really cool summer program where you can feed hummingbirds from your hand! You hold a vial of sugar water at arm's length and from out of nowhere the hummingbirds start appearing! If you're steady and patient, they'll begin to feed right in front of you!

McArthur