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.

1. Ash Cave Trails (Hocking Hills State Park)
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH, USA
J. Todd Poling/Flickr
The Ash Cave Trails within Hocking Hills State Park feature a 0.25-mile-long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a 0.5-mile-long Rim Trail.
2. The Valley Trail (Ault Park)
3600 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA
Brad B./Yelp
There’s something magical about stumbling upon a railroad from years past in the middle of a forest, and that’s exactly what you can experience along one beautiful hiking trail in Ohio. The Valley Trail at Ault Park in Cincinnati features an abandoned railroad bridge from the late 1800s. The trail is a little more than half a mile, so getting there doesn’t take long at all.
3. Stone House Loop Trail (Salt Fork State Park)
Salt Fork State Park, Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH, USA
J. Stehen Conn/Flickr
This 1.8-mile-long moderate trail takes you to the Kennedy Stone House, which is a hidden gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
4. Ghost Hedge Nature Trail (Sycamore State Park)
4675 Diamond Mill Rd, Trotwood, OH 45426, USA
Ohio State Parks/Facebook
With nearly three miles of gorgeous scenery and wildlife along this southwest Ohio trail, you'll have a picture-perfect day in nature.
5. Indian Mound Reserve Trails (Cedarville)
Cedarville, OH 45314, USA
Keith Robinson/Flickr
The 166-acre Indian Mound Reserve in Cedarville features several hiking trails that are less than a mile, managed by the Greene County Park District. We recommend taking the 0.6-mile Upper Rim Trail to Cedar Cliff Falls (pictured).
6. The Rock House Trail (Hocking Hills State Park)
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH, USA
See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr
Also located in Hocking Hills State Park, the 0.5-mile Rock House Trail is a fairly strenuous hike that takes you to an incredible cave with a 25-foot-tall ceiling and window-like openings.
7. Wetland Trails (East Harbor State Park)
1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440, USA
Holly M./Yelp
With gorgeous beaches nearby and two miles of easy, cleared trails to explore, you'll love exploring the Wetland Trails at this gem of a state park.
8. Overlook Trail (Highbanks Metro Park)
Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USA
Jared Cherup/Flickr
This 2.3-mile trail features a moderately strenuous hike that takes you to an observation deck 100 feet above the Olentangy River. It's a great day hike to experience with a group of friends.
9. Hemlock Loop Trail (Bedford Reservation)
Bedford Reservation, 18753 Egbert Rd, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
tde1973/Flickr
The Hemlock Loop Trail at Bedford Reservation within Cleveland Metroparks is a short, easy hike that's particularly beautiful. The 0.8-mile trail features a flat, woodland area along the Tinker's Creek floodplain.
10. Brandywine Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
Walk down the wooden pathways and stairs to see the beautiful, easily accessible Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park at 8176 Brandywine Road in Sagamore Hills Township. Near the falls, the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail allows you to explore beyond the waterfall and see other views of the creek.
11. Overlook Trail (Beaver Creek State Park)
12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA
Beaver Creek State Park/Facebook
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 0.3 miles long and it's a fairly easy hike to the Dustin Huffman Memorial Overlook.
12. Cantwell Cliffs Loop Trail (Rockbridge)
Cantwell Cliffs, 13540 OH-374, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA
alltrails/Doug Myers
Cantwell Cliffs in Rockbridge, Ohio features a deep valley, steep cliffs, and even a rock shelter that visitors can explore. Although the trail is only a 1-mile loop, it isn't for the faint of heart. However, the scenery you'll encounter along the way makes the journey more than worthwhile.

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

Jennifer Young | April 22, 2022

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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