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 are all less than 3 miles in length, (and many are less than 1 mile), making them perfect for a spontaneous afternoon adventure.
Here’s why you’ll want to add these 11 short and sweet 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
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
This short but fun trail 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 1 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
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. Address: 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH, 44231
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
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. Address: 105 West Court Street, Woodsfield, OH, 43793
Along this short and sweet, .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. Address: 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125
The preserve is home to more than 3 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? Share your thoughts, photos and recommendations with us!
