The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Ohio
Sarah McCosham
Author
Ohio really is the heart of it all. For starters, roughly 50% of the total US population lives within a 500-mile radius of Columbus, Ohio. Coincidentally, this puts Ohio within an easy drive of major metropolitan areas — Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Nashville, to name a few — but it also means the Buckeye State is close to stunning national parks and sites such as Shenandoah, Indiana Dunes, Mammoth Cave, Great Smoky Mountains, and New River Gorge.
And then, of course, there’s the Buckeye State herself.
Home to 75 glorious state parks and one absolutely magnificent national parks, one could easily fill a lifetime with epic outdoor adventures in Ohio. Our state has caves and waterfalls, rolling countryside and resplendent rivers. Beautiful bodies of water and even islands. The Buckeye State is a true natural beauty, and today we’re proving it with the ultimate weekend itinerary full of outdoor adventures in Ohio.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
Hike at Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills is one of the most resplendent regions of the Buckeye State and home to the greatest natural wonders in the US. The region offers some of the most sublime scenery and bucket-list-worthy outdoor recreation: the hiking here is second to none.
Check Out Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave
Caves and forests and waterfalls, oh my! Outdoor enthusiasts have a lot to explore in Hocking Hills State Park.
Sleep In A Tiny House
Hocking Hills is teeming with delightful places to stay, from cozy cabins to resorts to even treehouses and tiny houses. Our suggested accommodation for this adventure is of the tiny variety. Tiny house living in Ohio has never been more luxurious than The Hemlock.
While you can certainly bring along grill-able camping favorites like hot dogs and s'mores, we recommend grabbing a takeout taco feast from local favorite Maya Burrito Co.!
Explore Moonville Tunnel
There are all sorts of abandoned places in Ohio and even entire ghost towns. But none are as eerie nor fraught as Moonville. This Ohio ghost town is home to the abandoned Moonville Tunnel, making for a double dose of ghost-hunting thrills for brave Buckeye State ghost hunters. Moonville, Ohio’s long-forgotten ghost town, rise and fell as a result of the railroad industry.
Visit an Underrated Ohio State Forest
Encompassing more than a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills, Wayne National Forest stretches across 12 counties in southeast Ohio and is a true hidden treasure.
Enjoy Farm-To-Table Dining At Ohio’s Newest State Park Lodge
As our weekend adventure in the wondrous wilds of the Buckeye State draws to a close, we’re recommending a proper sit-down meal at one of the state’s newest and most amazing state park lodges. The area’s newest accommodation (Ohio’s first overnight park lodge in more than 30 years), Hocking Hills State Park Lodge opened in late 2022 and puts guests in the heart of this rugged and resplendent region. In addition to being located just minutes from top attractions like Old Man’s Cave and Conkle’s Hollow, the lodge offers resort-level accommodations and amenities, including Rock House Restaurant, our suggested dining spot for this trip.
So, tell us, will you be embarking on this incredible nature getaway in Ohio? What other outdoor adventures and activities in the Buckeye State would you recommend to our readers? Ohio is a wide and wonderful place and we hope this adventure fuels and fans the flames of your wanderlust to get out there and explore!
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