Here in Ohio, you don’t have to be an advanced hiker to go on a real adventure.

All throughout the state, you’ll find gorgeous loop trails and short overlook trails that don’t take more than a couple of hours to complete. They’re even as stunning as the much longer hikes. Listed below are 12 scenic hiking trails near me that are less than three miles long. They’re also some of the best hikes in Ohio.

Have you hiked any of these trails before? Do you think they are some of the best hikes in Ohio? What other gorgeous hikes are there in Ohio that are less than three miles? Please share your experiences and suggestions with us in the comments below.

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best hikes in ohio

What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes around Ohio?

Ohio boasts numerous trails that anyone can hike, including kids. Listed below are three of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Ohio that you'll want to add to your hiking bucket list.

1. Ledges Trail

The Ledges Trail is located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It's a 2.3-mile loop trail with a moderate level of difficulty. It's also great for hiking no matter the time of year.

2. Brandywine Gorge Trail

Also located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio's Brandywine Gorge Trail. This 1.4-mile loop trail is popular for hiking and running. It has a moderate level of difficulty, and the best time of year to use it is from April through October.

3. Old Mans Cave Trail

Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park is home to the Old Mans Cave Trail, which is a 5.3-mile, out-and-back trail. In addition to hiking, this trail is also a popular area for fishing and running. It has an easy level of difficulty, and like the Brandywine Gorge Trail, it's also a great trail to use from April through October.

What are three easy hikes in Ohio that belong at the top of everyone's bucket list?

The trails located throughout Ohio are all different lengths and difficulty levels. Listed below are three trails in Ohio that have an easy difficulty rating, meaning they're great for all skill levels.

1. Plateau Trail

Ohio's Plateau Trail is located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It's a 4.4-mile loop trail that's great for using all year long. Besides hiking, the Plateau Trail is also heavily used for birding and cross-country skiing.

2. Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail

Located within the Conkles Hollow Recreation Area is the Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail. This 1.2-mile, out-and-back trail is a popular spot for birding and running, in addition to hiking. The best time to use the Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail is from April through November.

3. Nelson's Ledges Trail

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is home to the Nelson's Ledges Trail, which is a 1.4-mile loop trail. Other than hiking, additional activities people enjoy on this trail are mountain biking and birding. August through October is the best time of year to use the Nelson's Ledges Trail.

 

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