10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Ohio
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience Ohio, hands-down. If you’re in search of easy hikes in Ohio, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by our eclectic landscape. From hidden waterfalls to mossy gorges, there’s always something new to surprise you along a local trail. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to be an advanced hiker to experience some of the best natural beauty in the Buckeye State—you just have to have a sense of adventure. Here are 10 easy, totally doable hikes to add to your outdoor bucket list in Ohio:
1. The Blackhand Gorge Trail (Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve)
The Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve features a 4-mile-long sandstone formation that the Licking River flows through. It's truly incredible to see. The trail is the only paved bike path in the Ohio nature preserve system, making it an easy hike for those who prefer to walk and explore. With nearly 1,000 acres, there is much to love about and discover in this incredible landscape. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is located at 2200 Gratiot Rd. SE, Heath, OH 43056.
This small county park is hiding a nature lover's secret. The hiking trail at Piatt Park features a stunning natural gorge, rock shelter and several small waterfalls. Locals can't get enough of this naturally-carved labyrinth of a landscape! You'll find this hidden gem of a park near Court St., Woodsfield, Ohio 43793.
Explore the tops of the cliffs at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park along an easy, 1-mile trail. It's a small yet stunning state park you're sure to love. It's no wonder locals have loved this gem of a park for generations! You can find it at 12440 Nelson Ledge Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231.
As one of the longer and moderately strenuous trails on our list, this 6-mile hike in Muskingum County takes you through some of southeast Ohio's most serene woods. There is much to discover in this magnificent 2,285 park, including a massive and welcoming lake. You'll find Dillion State Park at 5265 Dillon Hills Dr., Nashport, OH 43830.
With gorgeous beaches nearby and 2 miles of easy, cleared trails to explore, you'll love exploring the Wetland Trails at this gem of a state park. The sound of Lake Erie's shoreline will take you miles away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. East Harbor State Park is located at 1169 N Buck Rd., Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440.
Along the 1.3-mile Orange Trail, you'll see the Osage Orange Tunnel. It's a breathtaking natural wonder you'll absolutely love. Picnic sites and a play area ensure the entire family will have a great time during your visit. Sugarcreek Metro Park is located at 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook, OH 45305
Within the Cincinnati Nature Center, you can find this easy to hike loop trail in Rowe Woods, which features an abundance of wildlife and beautiful plants along the way. It is approximately 1.8 miles long. You'll feel at peace as you explore this park's 1,700 acres of forests, streams, fields, and more. The Cincinnati Nature Center is located at 4949 Tealtown Road in Milford, Ohio 45150.
You don't always have to hike very far (or very strenuously) to get to a gorgeous view. The Overlook Trail at Beaver Creek State Park is just .3 miles long and it's a fairly easy hike to the Dustin Huffman Memorial Overlook. With an incredible 2,722 acres to explore, however, you just might find a way to spend all day admiring this park's beauty. You'll find this state park at 12021 Echo Dell Rd., East Liverpool, OH 43920.
This recreational trail in Licking County is located on the old Penn Central Railroad right-of-way, just south of the village of Hebron. It is approximately 2.7 miles long, and features farmland scenery and a charming covered bridge along the way. You can find it near Canal Rd. in Hebron, OH, 43025.
With nearly 3 miles of gorgeous scenery and wildlife along this southwest Ohio trail, you'll have a picture perfect day in nature. With an impressive 2,384 acres, this park beckons to nature lovers and families alike. You could spend all day here! Sycamore State Park is located at 4675 N. Diamond Mill Rd., Trotwood, OH 45426.
Have you hiked any of these trails before? Which ones? What other easy hikes in Ohio do you recommend? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments! If you have any photos of your adventures, we’d love to see those as well.
Address: Dillon State Park, 5265 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA
Address: East Harbor State Park, 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Address: Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA
Address: Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150, USA
Address: Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA
Address: Ohio Canal Greenway, Unnamed Road, Hebron, OH 43025, USA
Address: 4675 Diamond Mill Rd, Dayton, OH 45426, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Easy Hikes In Ohio
May 03, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Are there any other easy hiking trails in Ohio?
If you’re in search of the easiest and best hiking trails in Ohio, let me offer a bit of advice: try not to get overwhelmed! This incredible state is overflowing with incredible places to hike, from Cleveland to Cincinnati and everywhere in between.
What are the best kid-friendly hikes in Ohio?
When it comes to kid-friendly hikes in Ohio, you truly don’t have to look far. Oftentimes, state parks and metro park systems are vast, though they feature the occasional short and sweet hiking trail. The best parks to visit for families with young children will be small community parks.
What are the best short hikes in Ohio?
There are so many incredible short hikes in Ohio that it will make your head spin! If you’re up for an adventure, try checking off places on one of our hiking bucket lists for incredible views without a crazy trek.
Address: 2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Heath, OH 43056, USA
Address: Woodsfield, OH 43793, USA
Address: Dillon State Park, 5265 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830, USA
Address: East Harbor State Park, 1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Address: Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA
Address: Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150, USA
Address: Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA
Address: Ohio Canal Greenway, Unnamed Road, Hebron, OH 43025, USA
Address: 4675 Diamond Mill Rd, Dayton, OH 45426, USA
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April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
