Few things in life are as beautiful and inspiring as Ohio’s state forests. Whether you’re seeking serenity or adventure, Ohio’s state forests provide the perfect nature getaway for you and your family and friends. The following are 10 of what we consider to be the best state forests Ohio has to offer.

1. Zaleski State Forest (Vinton and Athens counties)
GabeD/Flickr
Ohio's second largest state forest covers 26,827 acres. For the advanced hiker who can backpack through the woods overnight, Zaleski State Forest trails are a must-do. Along the way, the trails feature vacant farms, abandoned mines, beautiful views, Indian ceremonial grounds and an old mining town. (The North Loop is approximately 18.4 miles, and the South Loop is approximately 11.7 miles.)
2. Hocking State Forest (Hocking County)
Mathieu Thouvenin/Flickr
Approximately 99 acres of this 9,696-acre forest is set aside for rock climbing and rappelling. The forest features 59 miles of hiking along three trails.
3. Mohican-Memorial State Forest (Ashland County)
Tom Hart/Flickr
This beautiful 4,525-acre forest features several hiking trails that lead to attractions such as Pine Run Creek, the Fire Tower and Clearfork Gorge. (Pictured: Big Lyons Falls, a 300-foot deep sandstone gorge with two beautiful waterfalls.)
4. Beaver Creek State Forest (Columbiana County)
Anne Bennett/Flickr
Ohio’s 20th state forest covers 1,122 acres. Fishing is a popular activity here, and the forest features several impressive natural waterways.
5. Maumee State Forest (Fulton, Henry and Lucas counties)
Wikimedia Commons
Within this forest's 3,194 acres are several hiking trails, bridle trails, APV trails, a windbreak arboretum, a tree improvement area, a wet-sedge meadow and the Oak Openings Metropark. Oak Openings is considered Ohio's rarest ecosystem, where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony.
6. Brush Creek State Forest (Adams, Pike and Scioto counties)
ODNR Divison of Forestry
Mushroom hunting is a popular activity at this 13,502-acre state forest, which features three miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of bridle trails.
7. Sunfish Creek State Forest (Monroe County)
Thomas/Flickr
For a truly quiet nature getaway, check out this 637-acre forest, which is easily reached from State Route 7 on the east.
8. Shawnee State Forest (Scioto and Adams counties)
Wikimedia Commons
Ohio's largest state forest is known as "The Little Smokies of Ohio," and covers 63,747 acres. It features 60 miles of bridle and hiking trails, 60 miles of backpacking trails, 58 horse camp sites and an 8,000-acre wilderness.
9. Scioto Trail State Forest (Ross and Pike counties)
Don O'Brien/Flickr
This 9,600-acre state forest features 25 miles of hiking trails (including the Buckeye Trail) and 26 miles of bridle trails. The Scioto Trail State Forest Loop within this forest traces an old Shawnee trail along an 11.2 mile loop of wooded hollows, quiet foothills and peaceful streams.
10. Blue Rock State Forest (Muskingum County)
Wikimedia Commons
Blue Rock State Forest covers 4,578 acres. A popular destination within this serene state forest is Cutler Lake beach at Blue Rock State Park (pictured).

What is your favorite state forest to explore in Ohio? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!

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