Zaleski Backpack Trail Southern Loop

Hike Name: Zaleski Backpack Trail Southern Loop Location: southeast OH Length: 10 Submitted by: Rick Purcell Date Submitted: 6/1/09 Rating:	more Ohio trail reviews Ohio national parks Ohio state parks
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Description
It has been 18 years since I last hiked this trail, and the first item that struck me was the forest canopy is much lighter in places and posion ivy was in great supply.

The first part of the trail to the first campsite takes about an hour and is pretty easy and is a nice section of forest.

The next section to the cliff overlook of the Hewitt Run Valley has been opened up by a control burn at some point. This use to be a very deep, dark section of trail, but now is very light and many briars, not overgrown in May, but July-August may be and issue. The overlook 18 years ago had a much better view, as the trees now block 98 percent of the view. Still, it is a nice place for lunch before desending towards the old beaver pond.

This next section down to Ingham Station and the beaver pond is my favorite part of the southern loop. The beaver pond was more beautiful then I ever saw it. Water lilies have taken over and cleared much of the water!

At Ingham Station we use to cut out to the tracks and wait for a train. This use to be the main line of the B&O with a train often passing each hour. Twice we were on the tressel jump off when a train passed...talk about noise and wind! But now the tracks and tressels are gone. Worse, the railroad path is so overgrown with saplings and scrub growth, that we gave up going the 10 minute walk to the beaver pond damn (the original beaver built it in a "S" shape, and it has proven to be an enduring design). Hewitt Run on one side of the track and the beaver pond on the other use to be a great place to cool off on a hot day. We use to see many copperheads on the tracks in the heat of the day back then.

I see "Backbreaker Hill" has been rerouted making it a bit easier had it not been for the deadfalls over the trail. A nice resting place is at the top!

From here to the second camp is pretty much rolling hills and uneventful forest except for a doughnut ceremonial indian mound at one point.

At campsite 2 only one other couple were spending time in camp that night (Tuesday night) so it was very peaceful. Sky was very clear and I was able to lay at night looking up at the stars through the mesh of my tent without the rain fly. A Whipor Will just would not shut up all night long...it was great. Owls were pretty active also and a Coyote made a cry around 3:30AM. It was a great night. Water was available from the pump at both campsites.

The hike out is an easy day, once you cross Kings Hollow Road and climb Back Breaker 2! This section of trail follows a great ridge and is fairly flat and fast.

At the Turkey management area you can cut over to Kings Hollow Road and hike it out if the weather is bad (just make sure you are on the gravel road going east, since the gravel road going north is a turkey management road and goes deep into the forest for miles! If you continue on the trail, you will cut across the turkey management road (not Kings Hollow Road) and enter what most say is the most interesting part of the trail with areas that resemble the hocking hills rock formations.

Once back to your car, drive down to the the town of Zaleski and buy a soda and some treats at the old store. Its a great timeless little store and the lady that runs it is a jewel.

This is likely the best overnight backpacking trail in the state and is great for beginners and pros wanting a one to three night easy trail. Best hiked in the Spring and Fall...as Summer is hot,humid and overgrown. I just miss the railroad!! Cell phone service is available along the entire trail (Verizon) if you don't feel comfortable without a life line!

Directions to Hike
Opposite the Lake Hope old Furnance on SR 278 just south of Route 56

Contact Information
ODNR Website, or the Zaleski Ranger at 740-596-5781.

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