Ohio has a surprising amount of exceptional nature worthy of exploration. And these 23 Ohio trails and parks offer something for the most avid trekker to those just looking for a nice stroll through the woods. Adventure is calling you now.

Old Man’s Cave 19852 OH-664, 740-385-6842 Old Man’s Cave is part of Hocking Hills, a Southern Ohio hiking attraction. This natural Ohio cave is cool and peaceful, a perfect escape from bustling city life. Stay a weekend at one of the available cabins, or take a day trip to enjoy the scenery. Photo via billris/Instagram Credit: Photo via billris/Instagram
Mentor Marsh 5185 Corduroy Rd., 440-257-0777 This marsh is a mixed swamp forest, one of the last of its kind in the Lake Erie region. There is also a sugar-maple forest bordering the marsh, a beautiful scene during a fall hike. If you are taking a larger group or need a little guidance, family nature hikes are offered each week. Photo via girlysound/Instagram
Great Seal State Park 4908 Marietta Rd., 740-887-4818 Looking to climb some hills? Great Seal State Park has over 1,800 acres of hilly and challenging trails worth exploring. This park’s hills are depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio, hence the name. Photo via xstearos/Instagram
Arc of Appalachia Preserve 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge, 937-365-1935 This nature preserve is run by a non-profit working to preserve more than 5,000 acres of land east of Cincinnati. Hike around the snaking Serpent Mound for a look at the world’s biggest prehistoric effigy mound. Photo via jen.hindy/Instagram
Blue Hen Falls 2001 Boston Mills Rd., 330-657-2752 Blue Hen Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It requires a short walk, less than a half mile, if you park at the trailhead, and the view is spectacular year-round. Photo via andeazy_/Instagram
Burr Oak State Park 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., 740-767-2112 This state park is more than 2,500 acres of forest hills and valley farms. If you wish for an extended stay to get the chance to explore everything, Burr Oak has several resorts and camping areas. Photo via chris_blain/Instagram
Chapin Forest Reservation 9938 Chillicothe Rd., 440-639-7275 With six miles of trail, this reservation is open year-round for entertainment. Hike, run or ski through the thick forest, or check out Lucky Stone Loop trail for a spectacular view of Lake Erie. Photo via bri_gavin13/Instagram
Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve 2340 Meister Rd., 614-265-6565 If you’re up for a longer hike, climb to the top of Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve and experience the picturesque view of the forest below. If you want to keep it short, stay on flat ground and seek out the several rare species that live in the nature preserve, including a dry chestnut oak. Photo via britanyinwanderland/Instagram
Conkles Hollow Rim Trail 24858 Big Pine Rd., 740-385-6842 Conkles Hollow is another Hocking Hills attraction, enjoyable for serious hikers looking to do some exploring. The rocky gorge is one of the deepest in Ohio, and the floor of this area is so thick with ferns and wildlife that sunlight does not reach certain spots. Photo via stellabarnes/Instagram
Glacier Ridge Metropark 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City With three easy trails, with fun names like Ironweed, Marsh Hawk and Red Oak, Glacier Ridge offers a family-friendly environment through forest, field and wetland for walkers of all levels. Photo via jcaron10/Instagram Credit: Scene Archives
Gorge Metropark 1160 Front St., 330-867-5511 The Gorge Metropark offers activities for every season, including boating, picnicking, ice-skating and hiking. Explore the miles of trails which include access to Mary Campbell Cave and a clear view of the Cuyahoga River. Photo via focusalpha/Instagram
John Bryan State Park 3790 OH-370, 937-767-1274 This Western Ohio park includes a limestone gorge and over 750 acres of trails for exploration. Photo via d2vikse/Instagram
Lake Erie Bluffs 2901 Clark Rd., 440-358-7275 Lake Erie Bluffs provides a combination of wetland hiking and dry trails. There is access to a natural lake and areas open for fishing. The park also has a 50-foot coastal observation tower, providing a view of the lake as well as the surrounding forest. Photo via sherrylabonne/Instagram
Lake Hope State Park 27331 State Route 278, McArthur, 740-596-4938 Lake Hope State Park, situated closer to West Virginia than Cleveland, offers 2,983 acres of pure, nature-filled bliss. Best of all, you can even swim in Lake Hope after a long day’s walk. Photo via insta_matt/Instagram
Miller Nature Sanctuary 2739 Center Rd., 440-937-0764 This Avon nature preserve is home of the Rocky Fork Gorge, and is known for its spring wildflower displays alongside the several hiking trails. Photo via brooks_photos457/Instagram
Mohican State Park 3116 OH-3, 419-994-4290 The Mohican State Park is adjacent to a 4,500 acre state forest, both of which provide endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Check out the Mohican River, Clear Fork Gorge and Pleasant Hill Lake to get started. Photo via Tom Whelan
Quail Hollow Park 13480 Congress Lake Ave NE, Hartville, 330-877-6652 Hartville offers more than fabulous pies, you can also visit one of the most beautiful parks around. Quail Hollow Park offers, count ’em, eight different trails that take journeyers through moss-covered arches, forest and marsh. You can even stay at a manor on the property for a weekend affair. Photo via randyrayfierce/Instagram
Walter Best Wildlife Preserve 11620 Ravenna Rd., 440-286-9516 This small preserve, part of the Geauga Park District, has areas for fishing, picnic tables and trails that run along Best Lake. Perfect for a quiet hike and an ideal spot to watch wildlife. Photo via adventuring_in_the_meowtains/Instagram
Whipps Ledges Hinckley Lake Loop Trail, 330-278-2160 You will find the famous Whipps Ledges at Hinckley Reservation. These rock formations are natural and breathtaking. Spend an afternoon hiking and end the day relaxing by Hinckley Lake. Photo via kellylewflynn/Instagram
Fort Hill Nature Preserve 13614 Fort Hill Rd., 800-283-8905 Fort Hill is a great spot for hiking, with plenty of opportunity to bird watch and look for rare mushroom species. The preserve has rich history, built by American Indians of the Hopewell Culture about 2,000 years ago. Learn about this Ohio tribe and walk the same trails they once cultivated Photo via da_vinci_of_sorts/Instagram Credit: @da_vinci_of_sorts/Instagram
Rhododendron Cove 2730 Pump Station Rd., 614-265-6565 This cove is a true gem, only recently open to the public, and a bit of a trek. It runs along a ridgeline trail and is spotted with different species of plants, like the Blossom of the Great Rhododendron, a delicate white flower with soft pink tips. Photo via sofiahelena_/Instagram
Augusta-Anne Olsen Nature Preserve 4934 W. River Rd., 614-265-6561 This small nature preserve is a hidden gem, with several trails running through the forest and out to Vermillion Lake. Enjoy a quiet hike alongside the wildflowers that grow beside the trail. Photo via Alana Whelan

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