11 Short And Sweet Summer Hikes In Ohio With Amazing Views
Summertime in Ohio is adventure time for Ohio explorers and nature lovers. (Be sure to check out our ultimate summer hiking guide.) Sometimes, you don’t get to explore for as long as you like, however. Busy schedules and eventful days can keep us from an all-day adventure — but that doesn’t mean you can’t reserve time for a short, sweet hike in nature. The following trails in Ohio are all less than three miles in length, (and many are less than a mile long), making them the best hikes for a spontaneous afternoon adventure.
Here’s why you’ll want to add these 11 short-and-sweet Buckeye State hikes to your summer bucket list:
Worden's Ledges Loop Trail in Hinckley Reservation is a true hidden gem to Ohio explorers and hiking enthusiasts. It's a 0.7-mile loop trail that features one-of-a-kind carvings from the 1940s. Stumbling upon this in the middle of the woods feels like you've uncovered a secret. Address: 908-856 County Highway 135, Hinckley, OH, 44233
2. Overlook Trail (Beaver Creek State Park)
Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA
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. Address: 12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH, 43920
3. Schumacher Trail (Cascade Valley Metro Park)
Cascade Valley Metro Park-Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St, Akron, OH 44313, USA
This short-but-fun trail in Cascade Valley Metro Park features multiple overlooks along the way, foot bridges and even a wildflower field. It's a 1.3-mile loop trail that's pet friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Address: 1475 Sand Run Road, Akron, OH, 44313
Clocking in at just under one mile, this short and sweet trail is scenic and kid-friendly. The park features a playground and even a stocked fishing area. Address: 11231 Spear Road, Painesville, OH, 44077
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. Address: 19852 OH 664, Logan, OH, 43138
6. Orange Trail (Sugarcreek Metro Park)
Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA
Along the 1.3-mile Orange Trail, you'll see the Osage Orange Tunnel. It's a breathtaking natural wonder you'll absolutely love, and provides so much natural shade on a hot summer's day! Address: 4178 Conference Road, Bellbrook, OH, 45305
7. Cascade Falls (Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park)
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
The 0.5-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. Address: 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH, 44231
8. Beach Boardwalk (Headlands Beach State Park)
Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
The 0.15-mile boardwalk trail along this waterfront park is short, sweet, and stunning. Here, you can observe a variety of vegetation that's typically only found on the Atlantic Coast, which makes this trail extra special. Address: 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, OH, 44060
9. Piatt Park Gorge Trail (Woodsfield)
Piatt Park, 100 Garfield Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
This small county park is hiding a nature lover's secret. The hiking trail at Piatt Park features a stunning natural gorge, rock shelter and several small waterfalls. This little-known park in Ohio is worth seeking out! Address: 105 West Court Street, Woodsfield, OH, 43793
10. Cattail Trail (Garfield Park Reservation)
Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USA
Along this short and sweet, 0.2-mile Cleveland Metroparks trail, you'll observe beautiful stonework from the 1930s, gorgeous flowers and wildlife. The trail is located near the Metroparks' maintenance center on Garfield Parkway. This really is one of the best parks in Cleveland! Address: 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125
11. Charleston Falls Preserve Loop (Tipp City)
Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
This nature preserve in Ohio is home to more than three miles of trails, and the trek to the falls is a fairly easy hike. (There's also a small cave that's fun to find.) Because Charleston Falls' rock strata is the same as Niagara Falls, it's often called a "Miniature Niagara." Like any waterfall, it's best viewed after heavy rainfall. Address: 2535 Ross Road, Tipp City, OH, 45371
Have you ever hiked any of these trails before? What others would you add to this list? What are your picks for the best summer hikes in Ohio? Share your thoughts, photos and recommendations with us in the comments section below!
Address: Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
Address: Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
Address: Cascade Valley Metro Park-Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St, Akron, OH 44313, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Ohio
April 24, 2022
Sarah M.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Ohio?
When the summer heat and haze descend upon the Buckeye State, the best course of action is to hit the trails, many of which provide lush tree canopies that will help cool you off. Even better? Hitting a waterfall trail during the summer in Ohio! Luckily, the Buckeye State is home to some truly wondrous waterfalls, and by extension, wondrous waterfall hikes.
One of our favorite places for waterfall chasing in Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park, which really is a dream of a destination for waterfall enthusiasts! With numerous falls located within the park, you could easily spend days exploring its many natural wonders, and that’s a challenge we’d happily take on! Old Man’s Cave and Ash Falls are two stellar waterfall hikes, and they are both short and straightforward enough that hikers of all ages and abilities can enjoy them.
Another waterfall hike we adore in Ohio is the trek to Charleston Falls. It’s perfect for a day hike when you need a little adventure in your life, but not too much. The 1.8-mile loop to the falls is a fairly easy hike, and there’s also a small cave that’s fun to find. And over in the gorgeous Glen Helen Nature Preserve, the Inman Trail takes you to both Glen Helen Falls and the official “Yellow Spring,” the natural wonder for which the town of Yellow Springs is named. It’s a loop trail that’s categorized as “moderate,” and it really is quite a beautiful hike in the summer!
Address: Beaver Creek State Park, 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920, USA
Address: Ash Cave, OH-56, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Address: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
Address: Concord Woods Nature Park, 11211 Spear Rd, Painesville, OH 44077, USA
Address: Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USA
Address: Piatt Park, 100 Garfield Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Address: Sugarcreek MetroPark, 4178 Conference Rd, Bellbrook, OH 45305, USA
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.
