Ohio isn't known for awe-inspiring mountains, but that doesn't mean we don't have breathtaking high points. 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.)
Although it's not the highest peak in the state, (Campbell Hill, which is approximately 1,550 feet high, is Ohio's highest point), it features a scenic view that higher points in Ohio just don't have---a view that locals have come to love and photograph year-round.
In addition to the rolling hills of Pleasant Valley, visitors can view the beloved Malabar Farm from Mount Jeez. It's a heartwarming sight to see, especially in the autumn months. Malabar Farm was once owned by author Louis Bromfield, and the surrounding Pleasant Valley served as inspiration for several of Bromfield's books.
A ski vacation in Ohio? Absolutely. Alpine Valley Ski Area is a ski resort located in Geauga County, a naturally beautiful region outside Cleveland nestled in the heart of the Ohio Snow Belt. Alpine Valley boasts some of the most beginner-friendly terrain in the Midwest that, when combined with its impressive slopes and robust menu of recreation, makes it the perfect winter travel destination in Ohio.
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Is this the kind of scene that makes your heart swoon? Same. While I am by no means a skilled skier, I love getting out in the fresh snow and making a happy fool of myself while soaring down a hill on skis (or a snow tube... I'm not picky!).
As for the "mountains," the highest elevation at Snow Valley is 1,500 feet, so these slopes aren't too shabby even for advanced skiers! In fact, more than 75% of the terrain at Alpine Valley is rated intermediate or advanced.
What Alpine Valley is best-known for, though, is its beginner-centric experience. Whether you're a skiing newbie, coming with kids, or keen to learn how to snowboard, this Midwest ski resort is the perfect place to hone your winter sport skills.
When you need to warm up, enjoy a cozy apres ski experience at the Alpine Valley Café or 21-and-up Last Run Bar. Hearty classics like burgers, chicken, soups, chili, hot dogs, and pizza are sure to warm you from the inside out and fuel further adventures on the slopes!
Winter in Ohio is such an invigorating season that's, in my opinion, best-spent outdoors. As long as you're bundled up, the sky's the limit when it comes to cold weather fun in the Buckeye State! Especially when a visit to Alpine Valley is on the itinerary.
Have you gone skiing at this epic ski resort in Ohio before? Alpine Valley is such a delightful surprise that's quite possibly the perfect winter winter destination in Ohio.
I have a kid who, I swear, is part Spider-Man. He climbs trees and playground equipment with a vengeance, and scales stop signs and fences with unbelievable ease. He loves climbing, and while there are certainly some amazing rock climbing gyms in Ohio, I want my kiddo to be able to climb mountains, if he wants. But mountain climbing in Ohio? Is that even possible? It is -- and not where you'd expect. In the midst of our capital city, there is a place with "mountains" just waiting to be conquered. The only urban via ferrata in the world, Columbus' Quarry Trails Metro Park is proof that you don't need to travel to Boulder to, well, boulder... you can climb mountains right here in Ohio.
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There's something beautiful and even poetic about an old rock quarry. The slate and granite juxtaposed with verdant foliage and blue pools makes for a scene that's far greater than the sum of its parts.
You transform it into a public park for outdoor recreation, that's what. Nestled just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Columbus, Ohio, Quarry Trails Metro Park is a place that promises epic recreation of all kinds.
The 180-acre park is unique in so many ways -- it's home to amazing kayaking and water recreation, as well as a 0.75-mile mountain biking trail that's as thrilling as it is scenic.
True to its name, Quarry Trails Metro Park is also flush with, well, quarry trails, offering a robust array of treks that includes dog-friendly paths and ADA-accessible trails, too.
The park's centerpiece is Ohio's very own El Capitan: a commanding limestone cliff that's now home to a horizontal traverse designed for a mountaineering style of climbing called a via ferrata -- the very first of its kind in the country, in fact.
Climbers will traverse across 1,040 feet from fixed metal rungs and cables, the majority of which features horizontal climbing with one larger vertical section. There's also a 90-foot-long suspension bridge situated 105 feet above a pond, too, making this one action-packed experience!
Here at OnlyInYourState, we're big proponents of travel and bucket-list-worthy adventures and while we love cross-country travel and encourage wanderlust, sometimes, the best adventures are found in your own backyard... or, in this case, hometown.
Did you know that Ohio was home to the only urban via ferrata in the entire world? Pardon the pun, but Quarry Trails Metro Park just plain rocks. Load up the car, grab your climbing shoes, and channel those Spidey-skills for this only-in-Ohio adventure! For more information on this amazing attraction in Ohio, visit the Columbus MetroParks website and if you have questions, this FAQ is super helpful.
