10 Perfect Places In Ohio For People Who Hate Crowds
Sometimes, you want to get out and about but you don’t necessarily want to face the crowds you might encounter on a weekend at a popular park or well-known attraction…you know what, that’s perfectly OK. There are quite a fewthings to do away from crowds in Ohio that will still give you an experience you’ll never forget. Take some time to yourself and enjoy these 10 perfect, peaceful places in Ohio for people who hate crowds.
Tucked away in Adams County, you’ll find the hidden gem of Mineral Springs Lake, a picturesque lake fed by natural spring water that’s loaded with nature’s healthy minerals. The lake covers more than 100 aces with five and a half miles of peaceful shoreline. It is surrounded by approximately 500 acres of serene nature. Mineral Springs Lake is located at 160 Bluegill Rd., Peebles, OH 45660.
Many people are familiar with popular caves in Ohio such as Old Man’s Cave and the Rock House―but few people know about "Chapel Cave" (also known as "21 Horses Cave") hiding in the Hocking Hills. It’s a hidden gem in the Hocking State Forest that you won’t find on any park or nature preserve maps, but you can find the trailhead less than five minutes away from the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve entrance in Rockbridge, Ohio.
Tucked away in a small town in southwest Ohio, you'll find this peaceful oasis. It's a great destination for a unique day trip in the late spring and mid-summer months. During late spring, summer and fall, u-pick is available for visitors for a small fee. It's a lovely, refreshing way to spend the day. Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm is located at 2387 Martinsville Rd., Martinsville, OH 45146.
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.)
Once a sacred spot to the Shawnee and Iroquois tribes, this 2,200-acre tract in Ross County is one of only a few privately owned state nature preserves in Ohio. You can find it at 7660 Cave Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612.
The Golden Bear Lodge in West Salem, Ohio is quietly tucked away in a 65-acre forest. It’s a truly spectacular lodge that can sleep up to 20 people. Outside, you'll find multiple hiking trails to explore and a large pond stocked with fish. It is located at County Road 175 West Salem, OH 44287.
You'll find the small town of Yellow Springs' official "Yellow Spring" (which actually looks more orange than yellow) at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. The nature preserve covers 1,000 acres and features a 25-mile network of footpaths that allows visitors to observe 400-year-old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs and more. It is located at 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387.
8. Edge of Appalachia Nature Preserve (West Union)
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. It's located at 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union, OH 45693.
Encompassing more than a quarter-million acres of Appalachian foothills, this national forest stretches across 12 counties in southeast Ohio. (Many acres are under private ownership.) At Wayne National Forest, you can explore the diverse landscape, plants, wildlife, rivers, lakes and hiking trails. Fishing, primitive camping and geocaching are popular activities here.
10. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park (Garrettsville)
While most people are familiar with the beauty of Ohio’s beloved Old Man’s Cave hiking trails and the Hocking Hills State Park, less people are aware of the similar breathtaking, adventurous nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails and diverse plant life. You'll find it at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231.
Have you ever been to any of these places? What are some other things to do away from crowds in Ohio? Make sure to share with us in the comments section what you think!
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Address: 160 Blue Gill Rd, Peebles, OH 45660, USA
Address: Peaceful Acres Lavender Farm, 2387 Co Rd 80, Martinsville, OH 45146, USA
Address: Hocking State Forest, Ohio, USA
Address: Mount Jeez, llc, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA
Address: The Golden Bear Lodge, West Salem, OH 44287, USA
Address: Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Address: Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693, USA
Address: Wayne National Forest - Athens Ranger District - Athens Unit, Coal Township, OH 43766, USA
Address: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things To Do Away From Crowds In Ohio
March 10, 2020
Marisa Roman
What are the best outdoor destinations in Ohio?
There are so many wonderful hidden gem places in Ohio that focus on outdoor adventures, you’ll have your weekends occupied for the entire year. Between exploring Lake Erie with a variety of exciting water activities, or ice fishing when the weather gets cold, you’ll have your fill of outdoor fun. Even the Cleveland Botanical Garden has 10-acres of outdoor gardens that are worth checking out. Click here for 17 of the best sights you can see outdoors in Ohio.
Are there any free things to do in Ohio?
Sometimes the best things to do in Ohio are the least expensive things to do in Ohio. Don’t worry—there are plenty of inexpensive activities throughout the state that you likely didn’t even realize were free! Visiting the local lake, for instance, can yield tons of fun and not cost a dime. Or perhaps planning a camping trip in a local Ohio campground! Click here to learn more about the best free outdoor activities in Ohio.
Are there any other remote or isolated places in Ohio to visit?
If the above-mentioned list of isolated places in Ohio just didn’t cut it for you, then let's just focus on one remote spot that is guaranteed to give you some solitude—Wayne National Forest. Clocking in at over a quarter-million acres of Appalachian foothills, this national forest is one of the most isolated yet beautiful places you can visit. Explore the diverse landscape, various plants and wildlife, and hike the stunning trails. You can even find primitive camping throughout the forest, too! Click here to learn more about Wayne National Forest in Ohio.
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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.
