The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Ohio

Ohio really is the heart of it all. For starters, roughly 50% of the total US population lives within a 500-mile radius of Columbus, Ohio. Coincidentally, this puts Ohio within an easy drive of major metropolitan areas -- Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Nashville, to name a few -- but it also means the Buckeye State is close to stunning national parks and sites such as Shenandoah, Indiana Dunes, Mammoth Cave, Great Smoky Mountains, and New River Gorge.

And then, of course, there's the Buckeye State herself.

Home to 75 glorious state parks and one absolutely magnificent national parks, one could easily fill a lifetime with epic outdoor adventures in Ohio. Our state has caves and waterfalls, rolling countryside and resplendent rivers. Beautiful bodies of water and even islands. The Buckeye State is a true natural beauty, and today we're proving it with the ultimate weekend itinerary full of outdoor adventures in Ohio.

From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.

With just under 2.5 hours of drive time, this weekend adventure visits some of the most beautiful places in Eastern Ohio Appalachia, uncovering hidden gems and natural wonders along the way.

Hike at Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills is one of the most resplendent regions of the Buckeye State and home to the greatest natural wonders in the US. The region offers some of the most sublime scenery and bucket-list-worthy outdoor recreation: the hiking here is second to none.

A veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts in Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is the crown jewel of the Buckeye State.

Hocking Hills is also, as it were, a treasure trove of trails. These hikes within this 2,356-acre Ohio State Park feature incredible natural wonders like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and rock formations, making this site a "choose your own adventure" for Ohioans. Whether you're traveling with kids in tow, a seasoned hiker, or in need of ADA-accessible trails, you'll find your perfect adventure in this glorious expanse.

Check Out Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave

Caves and forests and waterfalls, oh my! Outdoor enthusiasts have a lot to explore in Hocking Hills State Park.

The two headlining natural wonders within Hocking Hills State Park are its waterfalls and caves.

In terms of falls, nothing quite compares to the commanding cascade at Ash Cave. A family-friendly half-mile path leads to the waterfall at Ash Cave, one of the best-known and beloved in Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park.

Old Man’s Cave is, of course, another must-do hike. It's only about a mile long, and ventures to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio.

Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You'll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the eponymous Old Man’s Cave.

See more of the trails within Hocking Hills

Sleep In A Tiny House

Hocking Hills is teeming with delightful places to stay, from cozy cabins to resorts to even treehouses and tiny houses. Our suggested accommodation for this adventure is of the tiny variety. Tiny house living in Ohio has never been more luxurious than The Hemlock.

After a day of waterfall chasing and caving, it's time to break for the night.

Located in the heart of Hocking County, The Hemlock is a tiny house rental in Ohio whose diminutive size belies its luxury. Tiny but mighty, this rental has everything you could possibly want in a getaway, from a fire pit and grill to a lux interior with cedar construction and remote-operated lights. Even better? Tiny dogs are allowed at this tiny house, as long as they're under 20 lbs!

While you can certainly bring along grill-able camping favorites like hot dogs and s'mores, we recommend grabbing a takeout taco feast from local favorite Maya Burrito Co.!

Explore Moonville Tunnel

There are all sorts of abandoned places in Ohio and even entire ghost towns. But none are as eerie nor fraught as Moonville. This Ohio ghost town is home to the abandoned Moonville Tunnel, making for a double dose of ghost-hunting thrills for brave Buckeye State ghost hunters. Moonville, Ohio's long-forgotten ghost town, rise and fell as a result of the railroad industry.

After the previous day's adventures in literal caves, we're heading to another cavernous site in Southeastern Ohio: Moonville.

Ohio's very own ghost town and relic from the infamous rail boom (and bust), Moonville is a hauntingly beautiful place to explore. Once a thriving railroad town, today, the only remnants of Moonville are the old schoolhouse, a cemetery, and an abandoned train tunnel. Today, visitors can hike portions of this abandoned railroad line, which has been converted into walking and biking trails. How fun!

Visit an Underrated Ohio State Forest

Encompassing more than a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills, Wayne National Forest stretches across 12 counties in southeast Ohio and is a true hidden treasure.

After a morning of ghost hunting, we're heading to the oft-overlooked Wayne National Forest.

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.

The lakes within Wayne National Forest are especially serene -- we're partial to lovely Lake Vesuvius, located in the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area on the Wayne National Forest Ironton Ranger District.

Take your time as you stroll through this glorious expanse -- and be on the lookout for Ohio wildlife such as white-tailed deer, gray fox, woodchuck, opossum, ruffed grouse, pileated woodpecker, and wood duck!

Enjoy Farm-To-Table Dining At Ohio's Newest State Park Lodge

As our weekend adventure in the wondrous wilds of the Buckeye State draws to a close, we're recommending a proper sit-down meal at one of the state's newest and most amazing state park lodges. The area's newest accommodation (Ohio's first overnight park lodge in more than 30 years), Hocking Hills State Park Lodge opened in late 2022 and puts guests in the heart of this rugged and resplendent region. In addition to being located just minutes from top attractions like Old Man's Cave and Conkle's Hollow, the lodge offers resort-level accommodations and amenities, including Rock House Restaurant, our suggested dining spot for this trip.

Reservations are required for dinner, and we highly recommend enjoying a leisurely meal at this farm-to-table restaurant.

Rock House Restaurant offers patrons an incredible dining experience that highlights the bounty of the Buckeye State, with dishes featuring Ohio-grown proteins and produce, all in an impossible cozy setting. We can't think of a better way to wrap up your adventure than with a meal at this delightful eatery!

So, tell us, will you be embarking on this incredible nature getaway in Ohio? What other outdoor adventures and activities in the Buckeye State would you recommend to our readers? Ohio is a wide and wonderful place and we hope this adventure fuels and fans the flames of your wanderlust to get out there and explore!