Trail News and Alerts

The source of this information originates from trail administrators and hikers alike. If you have a snippet of news or a trail alert you feel is worthy to pass along to others trail users, then please email us at youroldmanoutdoors@gmail.com and we’ll post it.

Trails Remain Closed (Updated June 21, 2022): Mohican-Memorial State Forest hiking, biking, and bridle trails are closed, and the park-and-pack campsites are closed until further notice due to storm damage. All trails in the State Park also remain closed.

6/24/22 Zaleski Backpack Trail Renamed to
Honor Selinde Roosenburg
Trail renamed to honor ODNR Division of Forestry staff member
tragically lost on the job.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – One of Ohio’s most popular backpack trails has a new name. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) dedicated the backpack trail at Zaleski State Forest as the Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trail today.

“Selinde Roosenburg had such a significant impact on our team at Zaleski State Forest,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “It is our hope that others can appreciate the beauty of Ohio’s outdoors, the way she did, while exploring the trail that bears her name.”

Selinde Roosenburg worked as a forest technician with the Division of Forestry and trained as a wildland firefighter. She tragically died in a UTV rollover during a prescribed burn at Richland State Forest in March of 2021. ODNR dedicated the trail in her memory and as a reminder to forestry crews to ensure everyone goes home safely.

The new trail provides backpacking adventures that introduce the educational, scenic, and historic aspects Zaleski State Forest has to offer. Several improvements have been made to the trail to accompany the renaming. The trail now has two new foot bridges that take hikers over wetlands, as well as updated waypoint letters (points of reference that can be used for location and navigation) related to points of interest, including how to get to the Moonville Rail Trail Tunnels from the backpack trail. Hikers are encouraged to use the new map found posted on ODNR’s website to plan their trip and navigate the updates.

“Ohio trails are a gateway to some of the best sights and recreation this great state has to offer,” Director Mertz said. “We’re excited to give people a new and improved space to explore and enjoy the outdoors.”

Standing at the head of the trail is a new kiosk with several informative panels, including one highlighting Selinde and her contributions to the Division of Forestry.

The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit Forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook @odnrforestry and on Instagram @odnrforestry (instagram.com/odnrforestry).

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

12/30/21 ODNR Announces Ohio State Parks Winter Hike Challenge

Ohio is a beautiful place to explore, especially in the winter. From the rare birds wintering along the Lake Erie shores to the snow-covered bridge at Mohican State Park- you can see it all with the Ohio State Parks 2022 Winter Hike Challenge hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“The state of Ohio has unmatched scenery, especially in winter,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “From the frozen falls at Old Man’s Cave to the scenic tales being told on our Storybook Trails, there are majestic winter sights all across our beautiful state. So, bundle up, grab a friend, and join us for a few hikes this winter!”

To complete the challenge, visit the state’s Winter Hike Challenge web page.