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Reviews for Zeleski State Forest
(click on name for more information)
Athens, OH

Overall TRAIL RATING with 9 votes:
Overall CAMP RATING with 9 votes:
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Individual Reviews

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Camp Rating: 

I have lived in Zaleski my whole life and I have worked at Uncle Bucks for the past 12 years. I know for a fact that some of these trails are for more experienced horses, as I have taken out more people than I can count on all of our trails. The blue trails, I believe are a little easier to ride on and there is a new 1 hour trail ride that they created this past winter for Uncle Bucks and anyone else interested. There are a couple steep hills but all of my horses at work do perfectly fine on it with 7 year olds that accompany me. I show and train horses all over Ohio, so I am fairly experienced with working along side horses and people, and I would absolutely recommend people to try out Zaleski and I know all my experiences out here have been absolutely amazing! :)
Reviewed by: weaverk on 5/27/2014 10:08:40 AM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 5/27/2014 Hometown: New Marshfield, OH

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This was our first trip to Zeleski horse camp. Not sure why it took so long to get there, but will definitely go back. Camping area was clean, well laid out and everyone in camp went out of their way to welcome us to the camp. The trails were all well maintained and well marked. A little bit of mud along the Ratcoon Creek trails, but nothing any worse than what we have incountered at other parks.Water in camp is a negative, but there was plenty of water out on trails to suppliment what we took with us. A great experience, highly recommend this horse camp to anyone, new or experienced.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 11/12/2012 1:38:06 PM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 11/10/2012 Hometown: Lancaster, OH

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We love this camp ground and the trails are not challenging to us. Water is a slight drawback .but if one can haul a few buckets from the pomd, it isn't a problem. I was sceptical on our first trip to Zaleski but it has become our favorite-- even above Hocking Hills-except for scenery-- there you can't beat Hocking
Reviewed by: Dixie's MoM on 12/2/2009 7:40:19 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 11/18/2009 Hometown: Minford , OH

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The trails were great. They were not muddy or rocky, were easy on our horses feet (no shoes), mainly cleaned off (not alot of debris in path). Scenic, up/down hills, cross water, etc. Campground is okay. Not alot of spots available, primitive, and no water for horses other than small little swamp thing. However, campground was clean and the people were friendly. Overall, very happy with experience, will go back!
Reviewed by: Tara on 6/2/2009 1:59:19 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 5/22/2009 Hometown: Miamisburg, OH

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The camp is nice. However if you are going in October you better git there on Thursday or earlyer. We got there on Friday morning and there was not 1 site empty. So we went to Stone Church.
Reviewed by: Charlie Whitt on 10/21/2007 6:12:27 PM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 10/21/2007 Hometown: Scottown, OH

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Not for large rigs, it can be done, But be experienced. Trails are muddy at times through large pines and hardwoods, fall colors are pretty here. Take water. Nice open campground. Most trails are easy, a few steep hills.
Reviewed by: Anna Fowler on 11/6/2006 11:28:12 PM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 11/6/2006 Hometown: Coolville, OH

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I will not ride my horse here ever. I took a bunch of kids down and rented horses one weekend - I felt bad for the rented horse. Lots of steep up and down.
Reviewed by: Jennifer on 6/14/2006 10:40:19 AM
More reviews by Jennifer 		Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 6/14/2006 Hometown: Pleasantville, OH

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Trails well maintained and marked, however horse should be in good shape/conditioned since trails are up and down. Advised not to ride without breast collar in hot weather, unless you like to re-adjust your saddle every other hill. Give camping 2 stars only because there is plenty of shade and pit toilets were not smelly. Your own water (human and horse) is a necessity. One of the nicest things is the people who frequent this camp (especially Clinton -sorry don't know your last name).
Reviewed by: Ellie & Ron Sand on 6/30/2005 11:50:53 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/24/2005 Hometown: Williamsburg, OH

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It's not my favorite, but pretty nice for a day ride.
Reviewed by: Jeff on 6/19/2002 5:32:22 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/15/2002 Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

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This is a nice ride with a good variety of conditions. Some people say Zeleski is their favorite. The campground is poor. If you are going to camp, it's a good idea to bring water for the horses. There is a stream about a half mile to a mile from camp, but at best, it's inconvenient. There are a limited number of spots that will accomodate large rigs. We have a 34' RV towing a two horse. We found a spot, but there was no one else there.
Reviewed by: Jo on 6/8/2002 5:14:41 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/8/2002 Hometown: Sunbury, OH

Trail Rating:  nbsp;Not Rated
Camp Rating:  nbsp;Not Rated

Zaleski State Forest has a few difficult hills but overall a very nice ride. Trails are well marked and in good overall shape. One trail will take you along Raccoon Creek, which is very scenic. There is some gravel road riding involved depending on which trail you select. Bugs such as deer flies, lady bugs and horse flies get rather bad in the warmer weather months. Day parking area is small, accommodating approximately 8 or less rigs, in my opinion. Bring your own water if camping as most horses will not drink from the pond at the parking area.
Reviewed by: Marianne Hartley on 5/21/2002 1:46:40 PM
 Experience: Ride Date: Hometown: Lancaster, OH