7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Ohio To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
There’s nothing like a quiet walk in the beautiful Buckeye State to help you clear your mind and recharge for the busy demands of everyday life. So the next time you’re feeling stressed, head to the wilds of Ohio to recharge your batteries, reflect on the present, and set intentions for the future. (Of course, these beautiful trails will also undoubtedly make you appreciate the beauty of nature in our wonderful state). There’s no better way to refresh both your mind and body. Here are seven of the best hikes in Ohio, and we hope you’ll explore them all!
Surrounding the beautiful Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, this southwest Ohio state park features several trails that are great for year-round hiking. The 1.3-mile John L. Rich Trail is one of our favorites, and it's perfect for when you want to take a short but scenic hike. (As an added bonus, It's also close to Clifton Mill, which is the perfect place for a hot meal after a brisk hike, too!)
John Bryan State Park, 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
You'll follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal along this one-of-a-kind trail. Keep your eye out for canal locks and be sure to stop at the Canal and Boston Store visitor centers. You'll wind your way through forests, fields, and wetlands. There's a little something for everyone along this special trail — especially for Ohio history buffs.
Fallen Timbers Battlefield & Ft. Miamis features a 1.5-mile loop trail that takes hikers and bikers to the place where the 1794 Battle of Fallen Timbers occurred. Along the way, you'll encounter written information about the battle and history of the area. There's also a visitors center to explore.
This hiking trail is stunning no matter what season, offering hikers an immersive experience in the wondrous wilds of Ohio. You'll marvel at the beautiful caves and waterfalls along this trail, which features dozens of both along the way! Learn more about the hiking at Hocking Hills in this feature article.
Old Man's Cave Campground, 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Hills & Dales MetroPark features an excellent 1.4-mile boardwalk trail that's handicap accessible. You'll take in beautiful forest views that look like a real-life fantasy any time of the year. Stop at Dogwood Pond for a rest and enjoy the scenery before continuing on. View a map of this beautiful Ohio park here.
Five Rivers MetroParks, 8300 S Brown School Rd, Vandalia, OH 45377, USA
If you're feeling adventurous and up for a challenge, South Chagrin Reservation features stunning views of the Chagrin River along this loop trail. It clocks in at a little over a half-mile in distance, but you'll want to take it slow as the area is difficult to traverse.
Squaw Rock, Henry Church Rock Parking, Bridle Trail and Loops, Bentleyville, OH 44022, USA
7. Horseshoe Falls Trail (Ceasar Creek State Park)
The trek to Horseshoe Falls follows the park's 11.5-mile Perimeter Loop Trail. You can hike the whole loop trail to see the falls, or just park your vehicle at Flat Fork Ridge and follow the yellow markings. (After you've crossed the swinging bridge, it won't be long until you reach the falls and approach the observation area.) Part of a larger trail, the 2.4-mile out-and-back trek to Horseshoe Falls from Flat Fork Ridge is a fairly easy, eventful journey that’s perfect for a short hike. Learn more about this hike on AllTrails.
Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA
Have you ever taken any of these hikes? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Ohio
March 16, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some of the best hikes in Ohio?
There's no shortage of natural beauty in the Buckeye State, with the wondrous wilds of Ohio making for some truly perfect hiking. In terms of the best hikes in Ohio, we're going to head up to the state's one-and-only national parks. Some hiking trails can make you feel a million miles away from it all; the Ledges Trail is one such trail. Located within the Virginia Kendall Unit of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you'll find this gorgeous trail, where, more than 300 million years ago, it was actually covered by an ancient sea. Melting glaciers helped to form what are now captivating ledges you can hike through. It’s easily one of the most scenic trails in Ohio; a place to really bask in the state's natural beauty.
What are some scenic places to explore in Ohio?
For the ultimate outdoor adventure in the Buckeye State, Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio, features seven hiking areas, as well as mountain biking trails and a plethora of other amusements and amenities. It's perhaps best-known, however, for its sprawling cave system. Old Man's Cave is most popular and can be explored via the eponymous six-mile hike. Along the way, hikers will get an up-close look at the magnificent gorge, which cuts through the entire 150-foot thickness of the Blackhand sandstone. Carved by the creek, the gorge serves as an avenue for visitors to peer into the earth's subsurface. Of course, if you're looking for more wondrous places to explore in Ohio, our Nature Lovers Definitive Guide is a great place to start!
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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.
