14 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Ohio Should Take

With so many incredible hikes in Ohio, there’s ample opportunity to embrace the local landscape Hiking is one great way to explore some of Ohio’s most beautiful scenery… but you don’t have to be an experienced backpacker who’s always ready to take on the unpredictable elements of nature to do so. All throughout the state of Ohio, there are several hiking trails that take you to incredible sights. And the best part? Many of them are less than five miles. Take a look at the following 14 hiking trails in Ohio, which are less than (or just at) five miles:

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The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail; a 2 1/2-mile loop that's perfect for a one-day hike. However, if you wander off the trail and decide to explore the preserve's more than 20,000 acres, we don't blame you one bit! Take a hike at 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693.

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Salt Fork State Park is a beautiful landscape that enchants visitors (and, according to the local news, also brings some visitors face-to-face with bigfoot). 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. Start exploring the state park at 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755.

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Best seen after a good rain, this waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County. The trail system within the park loops around and consists of about 4 miles total. You'll find yourself mesmerized by the beauty of the park's 216 acres. Find it at 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371.

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Next up is a visit to Highbanks Metro Park! This 2.3 mile trail features a moderately strenuous hike that takes you to an observation deck 100 feet above Olentangy River. During your visit to Highbanks, be sure to look for the park's signature burial mounds. Seriously! Embrace adventure at 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

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Enjoy 5 miles of rugged cliffs, peaceful creeks and beautiful wildlife along this trail at Clear Creek Metro Park. All in all, this lovely park encompasses more than 5,300 acres of landscape. Find it on Clear Creek Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149.

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Start this 4.5 mile hike at Stanford House toward the breathtaking falls (from either direction) and loop back around the other way to the Stanford House. Brandywine Falls is arguably the most stunning waterfall in Ohio's only national park. Spot its majestic 65 foot tall cascade at 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067.

Yi-Liang (Lucas) Liu/Flickr

This 4.1 mile figure-eight trail features breathtaking views along the way that you simply have to see to believe. You can start your trek at the incredibly picturesque Kendall Lake, a man-made lake that dates back to 1935. Find it off of Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264.

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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. Find it at 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150.

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See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr

Coming in at just about 5 miles, this local favorite day-hike features the calm waters of the Little Miami River and a deep limestone chasm. You can find the 752-acre John Bryan State Park at 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387.

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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. Look for it off of Township Hwy 171, Hebron, OH 43025.

April Dray/Only in Your State

What is arguably Ohio's most scenic hiking trail is approximately 1 mile long and can be completed in about one hour. In addition to Old Man's Cave, you'll encounter the Devil's Bathtub, Sphinx Head, A-Frame Bridge and the Upper and Lower Falls. Immerse yourself in nature at 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138.

See1, Do1, Teach1/Flickr

Also located in the Hocking Hills State Park, the .5 mile Rock House Trail is a fairly strenuous hike that takes you to an incredible cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Find it at 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135.

Benny Mazur/Flickr

Arguably the state's top bird-watching spot — featuring more than 300 species of birds — you can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton. The Ottawa-Magee Partnership Trail is approximately 1 mile long. Find it at 13229 St. Rt. 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449.

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Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park has delighted visitors for generations with its diverse landscape. This short .5 mile trail leads to an impressive waterfall, complete with a short boardwalk and observation deck below the falls. Visit this pretty state park at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231.

Have you visited any of these incredible hikes in Ohio before? What other trails would you recommend in Ohio that are less than 5 miles? Share your suggestions, experiences and photos with us via our Facebook page!

Longing for other incredible hikes in Ohio? Visit some local waterfalls for more visual splendor.