The Most Romantic Valentine’s Day Hike You’ll Find in Ohio

Ohio is a state made of magic. It's easy to see why: everywhere we turn, we're sure to run into incredible sights and experiences we won't find elsewhere, no matter the season. Personally, I adore winter, and one of the reasons for this is that there are fewer people around just about, well, everywhere. While most folks prefer to stay indoors and warm, some of us need to get out and enjoy the cold. In fact, the single most romantic holiday in the world is in the middle of winter - and I've found the perfect romantic hiking trail in Ohio to enjoy with your person for Valentine's Day.

Have you ever been to the Hocking Hills? Ohio is an incredible state, and the Hocking Hills truly illustrate this in the best ways. Enter the East and West Rim Trail, an incredible two-mile adventure perfect for snuggling up to your love for every incredible view (and there are plenty) found within the Conkles Hollow Recreation Area.

I find this particular hike to be quite romantic for an amalgamation of reasons; the views, for one, are to die for. I'm not sure what it is about a snow-covered landscape that's so incredibly calming to my spirit, but my goodness, is it ever! Now think of enjoying it with your beloved. It suddenly gets that much more magical.

Waterfalls are often considered romantic, and this incredible hike features several frozen ones. Truly, if waterfalls roaring during the warmer months weren't awesome enough, they get quiet and calm in the coldest months once they freeze, and it's absolutely breathtaking. It's like something out of a painting.

The trail is just two miles long, and it's rated as moderately difficult. There are a few climbs and rocks to scramble, so be sure to wear footwear that's up for the job. It's also imperative to dress warmly, as temperatures can be below freezing in February. I recommend socks from Bombas; I adore mine and they keep my feet perfectly warm without being stifling. REI is excellent for additional gear like coats and hats.

Even though it's winter and quite cold, it's also incredibly important to stay hydrated, so ensure you bring enough water for yourself and your person. But I digress; this is one hiking trail in Ohio you'll never want to end, and preparedness is the biggest secret to success of all when it comes to the outdoors. Come prepared, and you'll be unstoppable - no matter how cold.

The trail is a loop hike, so you'll end up back where you started should you complete the entire thing. I find the hike beautiful enough that if I were planning to propose to my love this Valentine's Day, I'd consider the frozen waterfalls and incredible views the perfect backdrop.

For more information about this absolutely incredible romantic hiking trail in Ohio, check out the official East and West Rim Trail Alltrails listing. Feel free to get lost in the photos; it took me forever to get through them all because their beauty entranced me. Now, imagine how much more incredible it is in real life. It's pure magic.

Craving even more of the great outdoors? Check out some of my favorite things about the surrounding Hocking Hills in Ohio. And then use our new Travel Planner to make your next favorite Ohio discovery!