With more than 70 state parks in Ohio, we’ve got plenty of beautiful places to visit and explore here in the Buckeye State. From mossy gorges and state forests to hidden waterfalls and stunning lakeshores, there’s always something photo-worthy you’ll find in an Ohio state park. The following are 11 of our favorite state parks (listed in no particular order) that we think just don’t get enough attention.

1. Salt Fork State Park (Lore City)
Salt Fork State Park, Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH, USA
Salt Fork State Park/Facebook
A popular place to camp, this stunning state park features 14 hiking trails, fishing, swimming, miniature golf and more. There's so much to do here. Salt Fork State Park is located at 14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City, OH, 43755.
2. Indian Lake State Park (Lakeview)
Indian Lake State Park Campground, Ohio 235, Lakeview, OH, USA
Mwietro/Trip Advisor
In addition to lake access for boating, swimming, and fishing, several picnic spots, hiking trails, and playgrounds abound at this 800-acre state park. You'll find it at 12774 OH-235, Lakeview, OH, 43331.
3. Alum Creek State Park (Delaware)
Alum Creek State Park Campground, 2911 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
Edward Raybould/Flickr
Alum Creek Reservoir holds 3,387 acres of water and is open to fishing, boating, ice fishing, ice boating, and swimming. Alum Creek Lake was constructed in the 70s as part of the Flood Control Act of 1962. This state park in Ohio is located at 3305 South Old State Rd., Delaware, OH, 43015.
4. Mohican State Park (Loudonville)
Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
Todd Petrie/Flickr
Surrounded by the 4,525-acre Mohican-Memorial State Forest, this beautiful state park sits just outside of the quiet, small town of Loudonville near Columbus. You'll find it at 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH, 44842.
5. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park (Garrettsville)
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook
Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails, and diverse plant life. There are three miles of trails that take hikers along the rim of the ledges and into the gorge. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is located at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH, 44231.

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6. Kelleys Island State Park (Kelleys Island)
Kelleys Island State Park, 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
Virginia Hill/Flickr
With stunning views of Lake Erie and ancient ruins to explore, this beautiful campground almost makes you forget you’re in Ohio. It's a particularly beautiful place to camp. Kelleys Island State Park is located at 920 Division St., Kelleys Island, OH, 43438.
7. Lake Hope State Park (McArthur)
Lake Hope State Park, 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651, USA
Erica Cherup/Flickr
Surrounded by the Zaleski State Forest and centered on Lake Hope is this gorgeous 2,983-acre Ohio state park. (Legend has it, its historic Hope Furnace is haunted.) You'll find this serene state park at 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH, 45651.
8. Paint Creek State Park (Bainbridge)
Paint Creek State Park, 280 Taylor Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612, USA
Eonika Georgiadi/Google Local
In addition to the usual outdoor activities, this 5,652-acre park in Ohio features an amphitheater and even mini golf. Paint Creek State Park is located at 280 Taylor Rd., Bainbridge, OH, 45612.
9. John Bryan State Park (Yellow Springs)
John Bryan State Park, 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Sandra F./Yelp
This gorgeous 752-acre park surrounds Clifton Gorge. You'll get great views of the gorge and the Little Miami River here. John Bryan State Park is a truly special state park, located at 3790 Ohio 370, Yellow Springs, OH, 45387.
10. Quail Hollow State Park (Hartville)
Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave NE, Hartville, OH 44632, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
In addition to multiple hiking trails, this beautiful state park features herb gardens and the Carriage House Nature Preserve. Quail Hollow State Park is located at 13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville, OH, 44632.
11. Deer Creek State Park (Mt. Sterling)
Deer Creek State Park, 20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143, USA
Deer Creek State Park/Facebook
In addition to an impressive lodge and conference center, you'll find gorgeous scenery and boating opportunities at Deer Creek State Park . It's located at 22300 State Park RD., 20, Mt Sterling, OH, 43143.

Have you paid a visit to any of these state parks in Ohio before? What is your favorite state park to visit in Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

Ohio just isn’t home to numerous superlative state parks… we also have one of the most beautiful, underrated national parks in the country, and it’s one you’ll definitely want to visit!

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state parks to visit in Ohio

Sarah M. | January 23, 2022

What's the oldest state park in Ohio?

Are you wanting to visit the oldest state park in Ohio? If so, you'll want to venture over to Buckeye Lake State Park. This Buckeye Lake, constructed as a canal feeder lake in 1826, is Ohio's oldest state park, and it has long been a popular vacation spot and outdoor recreation destination. Once upon a time, this spot near Columbus was covered in glacial waters; today, this lake-covered oasis offers endless water-related recreational opportunities including swimming, skiing, boating, and fishing. While Buckeye Lake does not have its own campground, you can reserve a shelter house to serve as your base while you enjoy a day on the water.  Buckeye Lake State Park is located at 2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH, 43046.

What's Ohio's national park like?

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio's one and only national park, is a stunner; it's 33,000 acres of pristine beauty that rivals any of its big-name national park brethren. Lauded for its amazing trails, waterfalls, and fall foliage, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a lush landscape offering near-endless opportunities for year-round recreation in the Midwest. The park lies along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, and it's a wildly popular destination. Cuyahoga Valley was originally designated as a National Recreation Area in 1974, only to be redesignated as a national park 26 years later in 2000. In fact, this national park encompasses an entire town, too! Whatever outdoor recreation you enjoy -- amazing hiking, wildlife watching, waterfall chasing, nature photography -- you'll find it at Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

What state parks in Ohio have the best hiking trails?

While all of Ohio's state parks offer excellent hiking, Hocking Hills State Park certainly stands out. A trip to Hocking Hills State Park is all about exploring fascinating rock formations and waterfalls, caverns and knobs, you'll discover a world of wonder when you hike in this beautiful Ohio state park! And the Cedar Falls, Buckeye, and Gorge Overlook Trail features a little bit of everything. Measuring just 0.5 miles, this out-and-back trail is a real crowd-pleaser. Despite being on the shorter side, the trail packs in an impressive amount of scenery at every turn!

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