Escape To These 16 Hidden Oases In Ohio To Find Peace And Quiet
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April Dray
Author
Sometimes, you just need to connect with nature and clear your mind. Fortunately, Ohio is full of all kinds of hidden gems, nature preserves and lesser-known parks that are perfect for doing just that. Escape to these 16 little-known, quiet oases to relax and find some peace of mind. The next time you need a break, know these nature preserves in Ohio are waiting for you!
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
You'll find the small town of Yellow Springs' official "Yellow Spring" (which actually looks more orange than yellow) at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. The nature preserve covers 1,000 acres and features a 25-mile network of footpaths that allows visitors to observe 400-year-old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs and more. It is located at 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH, 45387.
Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612, USA
Once a sacred spot to the Shawnee and Iroquois tribes, Highlands Nature Sanctuary is a 2,200-acre tract in Ross County is one of only a few privately owned state nature preserves in Ohio. You can find it at 7660 Cave Rd, Bainbridge, OH, 45612.
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Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA
This rugged, rocky gorge is often considered one of the deepest in Ohio with 200-ft. cliffs, according to the state park's website. You can hike the Gorge Trail or Rim Trail here. The Rim Trail features breathtaking views you have to see, but the Gorge Trail is just as beautiful. Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is located at 24858 Big Pine Rd., Rockbridge, OH, 43149.
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Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, OH-2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, USA
Arguably the state's top bird-wathcing spot—featuring more than 300 species of birds—you can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton. Magee Marsh Wildlife Refuge is located at 13229 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH, 43449.
Lake Hope Lodge, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA
The serene Lake Hope in Vinton County is the perfect place to relax when all you really need is the tranquility that only a quiet lake can bring. You'll find it at 27331 State Route 278, McArthur, OH, 45651.
Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA
This metro park in the Dayton area is home to some really, really old trees. Be sure to check out the 550-year-old Three Sisters and the Osage Orange Tunnel (pictured), which is made up of trees that were purposefully planted in rows in the late 1800s to serve as a farm fence. Sugarcreek Metro Park is located at 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH, 45305.
Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693, USA
Edge Of Appalachia Preserve - Eulett Center, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693, USA
The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail; a 2 1/2-mile loop that's perfect for a one-day hike. It's located at 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union, OH 45693.
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
While most people are familiar with the beauty of Ohio’s beloved Old Man’s Cave hiking trails and the Hocking Hills State Park, less people are aware of the similar breathtaking, adventurous nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails and diverse plant life. You'll find it at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH, 44231.
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Mineral Springs Lake Resort, Bluegill Road, Peebles, OH, USA
Tucked away in Adams County, you’ll find the hidden gem of Mineral Springs Lake, a picturesque lake fed by natural spring water that’s loaded with nature’s healthy minerals. The lake covers more than 100 aces with five and a half miles of peaceful shoreline. It is surrounded by approximately 500 acres of serene nature. Mineral Springs Lake is located at 160 Bluegill Rd., Peebles, OH, 45660.
Mt. Airy Forest, 5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223, USA
This little-known park features approximately 14 miles of hiking trails and 16 miles of bridle trails, as well as a pretty epic treehouse. "Everybody’s Tree House" (pictured) is the only public tree house in the tristate area. (It's also wheelchair accessible.) Mt. Airy Forest is located at 5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45223.
Beach City Wildlife Area, Dundee, OH 44624, USA
This Tuscarawas County waterfall is part of the Beach City Wildlife Area. It's best seen after heavy rainfall, but it's a gorgeous hiking area year-round. You'll find it at 96 Dundee Wilmot Road Northwest, Beach City, OH, 44608.
Scioto Grove Metro Park, 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123, USA
Part of the Central Ohio Park System, Scioto Grove Metro Park is a 620-acre park along the Scioto River featuring stunning forests and scenic bluffs overlooking the river. It is located at 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH, 43123.
Mill Creek Park - South End, Boardman, OH 44512, USA
Covering approximately 4,400 acres, Mill Creek Park is a true gem amid the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the last thing you’d expect to stumble upon in Youngstown, but if (or when) you do, you won’t want to leave. You'll find it at 2303 McCollum Rd., Youngstown, OH, 44509.
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Dysart Woods Park, 61961 Dysart Woods Rd, Belmont, OH 43718, USA
Near the village of Belmont within the Dysart Woods, you will find some of Ohio's oldest and largest trees. Though the woods stretches for 455 acres, only about 50 of the 140 ft. tall, 4 ft. in diameter and 300-400 year-old trees are still there.
Mount Jeez Overlook, 3381 Pleasant Valley Rd, Lucas, OH 44843, USA
Within the Mohican Hills in Monroe Township, you’ll find one of Ohio’s most stunning summits. At 1,310 ft. tall, Mount Jeez offers a wide open, beautiful view of Ohio’s countryside. (You can find the path for Mount Jeez Overlook off of Pleasant Valley Road.)
Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
Charleston Falls Preserve is the perfect place to explore when you want a short hike to a beautiful destination. With more than 216 acres of prairie and forests, this park is a great place to hike and see wildlife. The preserve is home to more than 3 miles of trails, and the trek to the falls is a fairly easy hike. Charleston Falls Preserve is located at 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH, 45371.
Have you ever been to any of these places? Where is your favorite place in Ohio to escape in nature? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
And for more beautiful photos of Ohio nature, check out these 14 Insanely Beautiful Photos Of Ohio’s Hocking Hills That Will Make You Want To Visit.
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More to Explore
Ohio Nature Preserves
What are some other hidden gem Ohio nature preserves?
Looking for more hidden gems to explore in the Buckeye State? Here are a few Ohio nature preserves perfect for exploring:
- Cincinnati Nature Center. An unexpected treasure hiding in southwest Ohio, the Cincinnati Nature Center's Rowe Woods is home to one of the only old-growth forests in the state. Hiking opportunities abound here, too, offering something for hikers young and old, beginner and advanced.
- Johnson Nature Preserve. A hidden gem even long-time Ohioans don't know about, Johnson Nature Preserve is a beautiful natural oasis teeming with flora and fauna -- and life. The preserve, while serene and peaceful today, is a lesson in resilience. If you were an Ohio resident in 1999, you’ll remember the devastating tornado that hit Cincinnati. Montgomery was one of the areas most affected and the nature preserve stands as a testament to the tornado’s damage. Some 90 percent of the trees at the Johnson Nature Preserve were destroyed. Animal habitats were wiped out. Native plants were violently uprooted. In the 20 years since, the preserve has flourished, with new trees and foliage sprouting through. The wind from the tornado actually dispersed seeds across the preserve, resulting in the abundance of plant life you’ll see today.
- John Bryan State Park. While many of the hikes within John Bryan State Park are a bit more challenging, the park's newest addition, a storybook trail, is incredibly accessible and perfect for families!