The Can’t-Miss Ohio Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

When you think about beautiful places in Ohio, where does your mind go first? Amazing landscapes like the Hocking Hills are sure to amaze folks who've lived their entire lives in the desert Southwest or elsewhere; for example, many parts of Ohio look more like something from a fantasy novel than the American Midwest, and you'd be surprised at how often folks don't quite get that.

However, we here in the Secret Club of Ohio Lovers (which I've just made up) know better. We know that Ohio is an absolutely amazing place to live, visit, and enjoy, and our hiking trails are an excellent way of enjoying it all from a cozy front-row seat. Let's check out one of my favorite hiking trails in Ohio, which can be found at Wolf Run State Park: the Wolf Run Lakeview Trail is a treat and a half for all who rock it.

Located near the town of Caldwell, Ohio, the Wolf Run Lakeview Trail is two-and-a-half miles long and rated moderately difficult. It's nestled within Wolf Run State Park and is part of a network of gorgeous hikes that course like veins through the park - and lively they are, with plenty of visitors each and every year to keep things interesting (but not too interesting, as the crowds are never bad here).

The trail is rated as moderately challenging because it includes some hills to scramble, a bit of mud during snowmelt and/or following a solid rainfall, and some folks may find the signage vague (in which case, download a map from AllTrails Plus and be lost no more). Be wary of dropoffs along parts of the trail, and be sure to wear good footwear - the challenges of this hike are only worth it if you make it through uninjured, and this trail is great for accidentally twisting an ankle (if you're into that).

Each season brings with it an excellent reason to return: In spring and summer, the wildflowers abound; and come fall, the foliage is absurdly brilliant. Lovers of winter wonderlands will enjoy visiting at the coldest time of year; at least to me, there's something really cool about frozen lakes in Ohio... and elsewhere.

Other than hiking, trail highlights include excellent birding and wildlife-watching opportunities, and many folks find it relaxing to spend at least a little time beside the water. I can't get enough of dipping my toes in clean, fresh water, and I think you'll fall in love with this hike exactly the way I did.

For more information about the awesomeness of this particular state park in Ohio, visit the official Wolf Run State Park page on the Department of Natural Resources site. If you find you can't get enough of all the awesome things to do in the Buckeye State, check out all the coolest places to visit in Ohio. What are your all-time favorite things to do in Ohio? Let me know!