Zaleski State Forest, with its sprawling forested terrain and rugged hills of southeastern Ohio, sharpens its edge come fall. Here, the leaves take center stage, shifting from summer’s green to fiery reds, golden yellows, and burnt orange. Hiking in Zaleski isn’t about easy strolls; the trails demand attention—feet gripping uneven surfaces, pulsing up elevation gains that range roughly between 300 to 600 feet. This land is fiercely itself, a wooded force pushing you deeper into thick hardwoods where maples and oaks flicker in autumn’s light like embers.

Start with the well-marked Hope Furnace Trail, a 6.5-mile loop weaving through dense forest and past the historic iron furnace ruins. The terrain mixes dirt and loose rock, with some short steep stretches where tree roots clutch the earth below. At about 500 feet of elevation gain, the trail challenges but doesn’t overpower—a good test for casual hikers ready to step up their game. Along the way, the forest breathes life: crisp rustling leaves underfoot, cool air nudging branches overhead, and a river nearby daring hikers to pause and take its persistent flow in.

For a shorter option, the Zaleski Fire Tower Trail packs a punch in just under 4 miles. The climb to the fire tower rewards with sweeping viewscapes of the forest’s autumn blaze. Expect a steady incline that builds calf strength and tests footing as rocks and gravel compete with the seasonal carpet of leaves. Timing this hike mid-morning or early afternoon helps you avoid dew-slick trails and lets the sun push through the canopy, highlighting every flickering leaf.

Planning these hikes means practical gear and hydration strategies. Waterproof hiking boots will guard against wet leaves and hidden puddles. Layered clothing preps you for sharp temperature shifts—from warm sunlit patches to shaded cool spots where the wind cuts through. Carry at least 2 liters of water; those ascents will work your legs and lungs, and the crisp fall air can dehydrate more quickly than expected.

Zaleski’s fall trails challenge hikers to engage with nature rather than conquer it. Each turn in the path reveals something fiercely autumn—an angled sunbeam slicing through fiery branches or a silent oak standing sentinel against the wind. The forest is not quiet; it whispers encouragement and issues subtle warnings. Respect its rhythms, mind the footing, keep your pace steady, and you’ll walk away with more than a glimpse—you’ll take with you the pulse of fall in one of Ohio’s most rugged forests.