Hiking through Ohio can be nothing short of magical. Whether you want to spend an afternoon picnicking and walking through a nature preserve, or you prefer a weekend camping trip at a state park, these 23 spots have got you covered.
Hiking through Ohio can be nothing short of magical. Whether you want to spend an afternoon picnicking and walking through a nature preserve, or you prefer a weekend camping trip at a state park, these 23 spots have got you covered.
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 _dez_/InstagramConkles 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 audrey_rose10/InstagramAugusta-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 ohiodnr/InstagramBlue 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 mikestalnaker1/InstagramQuail 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 the.adventures.of.melissa.sue/InstagramJohn 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 jbliggett/InstagramOld 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 kalight/InstagramMentor 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 blondie.216/InstagramFort 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 grethenfathauer/InstagramBlack River Reservation
1750 Ford Rd., 440-458-5121
Black River Reservation is a popular picnic spot and packed with great trails, the most popular being Bridgeway and Steel Mill Trail.
Photo via citytosummitexplorers/InstagramMohican 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 meagtaylor15/InstagramBurr 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 ryanrspeed/InstagramGorge 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 kelseyreinhart/InstagramLake 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 keelon_ellis/InstagramLake 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 mekline82/InstagramRhododendron 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 recyclemyhike/InstagramMiller 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 lsanzenbacher/InstagramGreat 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 audra_metzler/InstagramChapin 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 ericasotor/InstagramChristmas Rocks State 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 Facebook.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 dreyvein/InstagramGlacier Ridge Metro Park
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 inhisgripcr/InstagramWhipps 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 terraartistry/Instagram
