Sometimes, you want just the right amount of adventure—but not too much. Fortunately, Ohio is home to a variety of hiking trails and parks that feature beautiful views, waterfalls, caves, wildflowers and other aspects of nature that will inspire you. The easiest, best hikes in Ohio prove that you don’t have to hike very far (or very strenuously) to get to an amazing view or destination. See how many you’ve conquered before:

1. 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 overlook view. The Overlook Trail at Beaver Creek State Park is just .3 miles long and it's a fairly easy hike to the Dustin Huffman Memorial Overlook. Be sure to check out the rest of the park, as it's one of the best state parks in Ohio.
2. 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. Near the falls, the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail allows you to explore beyond the waterfall and see other views of the creek. This is one incredible waterfall hike in Ohio you can't miss.
3. Mount Jeez (Monroe Township)
Mount Jeez, llc, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA
arlenesenser/Flickr
Within the Mohican Hills in Monroe Township, you’ll find one of Ohio’s most stunning summits. At 1,310 ft. tall, Mount Jeez offers a wide open, beautiful view of Ohio’s countryside. You can find the path for Mount Jeez Overlook off of Pleasant Valley Road. This is an awe-inspiring view in Ohio you won't find anywhere else in the state.
4. Ash Cave Trails (Hocking Hills State Park)
19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, 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. Take this short waterfall hike in Ohio next time you're feeling adventurous.
5. Jane Coates Wildflower Trail (Put-In-Bay)
1962 Put-In-Bay Rd, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA
Lake Erie Islands Conservancy/Facebook
The Jane Coates Wildflower Trail on South Bass Island in Put-In-Bay, Ohio is a hidden gem most people don’t know about. This half-mile loop trail features a gorgeous variety of wildflowers and even some migratory songbirds. If you're craving a good wildflower trail in Ohio, this is the place to be.
6. Cascade Falls (Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park)
12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
The .5-mile trek to Cascade Falls in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is one of those short, sweet and special trails. The next time you’re in the northeast Ohio area and you need a quick break in nature, this quaint trail is one you’ll want to check out. Take this short and sweet hike in Ohio for some of the best views our state has to offer.
7. The Blackhand Gorge Trail (Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve)
2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Heath, OH 43056, USA
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
The Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve features a 4-mile-long sandstone formation that the Licking River flows through. It's truly incredible to see. The trail is the only paved bike path in the Ohio nature preserve system, making it an easy hike for those who prefer to walk and explore. This adventure trail in Ohio is a true gem.
8. Rowe Woods Edge Trail (Cincinnati Nature Center)
Cincinnati Nature Center, Union Township, OH 45150, USA
Facebook/Cincinnati Nature Center
With just .66 miles to explore, this easy trail features gorgeous views of Powel Crosley Lake. It makes the day hike when you don't have a lot of time to explore, but you need to get out and take in some nature. This doubles as one of the best fall hikes in Ohio.

Have you hiked any of these trails before? What others would you add to this list? Share your experiences (and photos) with us!

For more incredible hikes in Ohio, check out our previous article: 14 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Ohio Should Take.

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Best Hikes in Ohio

Tori Jane | April 05, 2022

What are some of the best scenic hikes in Ohio?  

With more than 1,900 epic hikes to choose from, Ohio seems to be the ultimate destination for a hiking trip. There are SO MANY amazing trails that honestly, you’ll be happy with just about any of them, but some do tend to stick out in terms of sheer scenic wonder; some of the best scenic hikes in Ohio include the Two Mile Loop at Mill Creek Park. Of the 14 trails in the park, that one’s definitely our favorite. It’s just two miles long and features lovely creekside views. Head to Hocking Hills State Park and hit the Ash Cave via, well, any of the trails that lead to it (there’s an upper trail and a lower trail). The low trail is easier and is also ADA-accessible. The Monroe Overlook Trail is another good one and can be found within the Wayne National Forest, and it’s also great for wildlife spotting!  

What are the most amazing easy hikes in Ohio? 

Ohio is a wonderful place to be if you’re an outdoorsy person. It’s beautiful, green, and filled with adventure just waiting to be had; thankfully, you don’t even need to be an expert hiker to enjoy a good hiking trail in Ohio. There are plenty of hikes that are not only incredibly scenic but also immensely beautiful, making them some of the most popular choices among newer hikers. Some of our favorite easy hikes in Ohio include the four-mile trail looping around the Charleston Falls Preserve in Tipp City. This trek includes a waterfall that’s best seen after a good, solid rainstorm, so plan accordingly! Another excellent example of the best easy hikes in Ohio is the Brandywine Gorge Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park; it’s just a mile and a half long, but it’s easily one of our state’s best. If you’re a fan of the waterfalls already mentioned here, then also be sure to do the Cascade Falls Trail at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. That one’s just a half-mile long, and it’s amazing for hikers of all skill levels.  

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