The state of Ohio is the home to some of the most incredible places to pack up your bags and go trailblazing. Its temperate climate, the plethora of small rugged terrains, woodlands and the presence of several clear streams meandering its landscapes make a strong case for every outdoor enthusiast to thirst for a more intimate encounter with nature. Going for a hike or a trek in one of the state’s many nature reserves or state parks is a guaranteed way to awaken your spirits, relax your weary soul and appreciate nature. Scroll down for an overview of some of the top hiking and trekking spots in Ohio, USA.
1. Arc of Appalachia
Great progress made at our Volunteer Day working on the trail at Rock Run. Thank you, friends, for helping out!! We...
Posted by Arc of Appalachia on Wednesday, 20 November 2019
The Arc of Appalachia is a preserve system comprising of a whopping 4,200 acres (1699ha) of land, distributed over 15 reserves, 6 of which are opened to the public. It is an expansive preserve with lots of trails going through plenty of attractions and features. You will have to get to the park first to make up your mind about the direction of your hike because you will have more than enough options to choose from. A hike through this preserve will lead you to lots of wonderful sceneries, and several historic sites, including Rocky Fork Gorge, Fort Hill, Junction Earthworks, Serpent Mound, and the beautiful wildflowers at Chaparral Prairie.
Arc of Appalachia
Address: 7660 Cave Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612, United States
Website: Arc of Appalachia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Hocking Hill State Park
Hocking Hill State Park is right next to Hocking Hill State Forest and it boasts two mountain biking trails and a total of nine hiking and trekking trails. The park is well known for its waterfalls and the breathtaking rock formations, all of which can be easily accessed through the hiking trails. The trails are ideal for hikers of every level, including trails dedicated to the handicapped. It is also a family-friendly park, with five picnic areas, and the trails are open every day of the week from dawn to dusk.
Hocking Hills State Park
Address: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, United States
Website: Hocking Hills State Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Indian Lake State Park
Indian Lake State Park sits pretty on the beautiful shores of Indian Lake – a popular destination for watersport lovers in the Buckeye State. The park has 800 acres (323ha) of preserve land which hosts several easy hiking and trekking trails. There is the 3-mile (4.8km) Cherokee Trail with moderate terrain that meanders through the under bush. There is also is a second 3-mile (4.8km) long trail that is paved and most suited for bikers. There is also the Pew Island Trail which is about a mile (1.6km) long where you will be guaranteed of the most mesmerizing views of the Indian Lake. With eight well-equipped picnic sites, it is an ideal place to consider for a family hike before wrapping the day with a picnic.
Indian Lake State Park
Address: 12774 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331, United States
Website: Indian Lake State Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; (closed Sat & Sun)
Price: 50 USD
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4. Burr Oak State Park
Posted by Burr Oak State Park on Friday, 28 July 2017
Burr Oak State Park is remotely located in southeast Ohio and it is centered around Burr Oak Lake. The park has seven hiking trails, with varying difficulty levels, ranging from easy to moderate. It has 28 miles (45km) of trails, with the longest one being 3.5 miles (5.6km) and the shortest one being 0.4 miles (0.6km). For those wishing to go horseback riding, the park has three dedicated trails for this adventure, and also those who wish to spend a night in the park will have access to a variety of accommodation options.
Burr Oak State Park
Address: 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, OH 45732, United States
Website: Burr Oak State Park
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
5. John Bryan State Park
We tent camped at John Bryan in late July. It is a beautiful state park with options to hike trails to the Clifton...
Posted by Jodi Vaske on Tuesday, 13 August 2019
John Bryan State Park sits on 752 acres (304ha) and it is regarded as one of the most scenic parks in Ohio. It is the home to the Clifton Gorge – a deep gorge carved out by the resilient power of Little Miami River. The park has a total of 11 hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, with the distances ranging from 75 yards (68m) to 2 miles (3.2km). Most of these trails are handicap accessible, and for visitors who would love to come with their mountain bikes, two of the trails will be available at their disposal.
John Bryan State Park
Address: 3790 Ohio 370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, United States
Website: John Bryan State Park
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
6. Caesar Creek State Park
Caesar Creek State Park has 74 miles (119km) of trails including 31 miles (49km) of horseback riding trails and 13 miles (20km) of mountain biking trails. Hikers are free to use all the trails, but mountain bikers and horseback riders must stick to their respective designated trails. The trails have varying difficulties, and access to them is possible through a variety of viewpoints on the lake, including the Swinging Bridge and the Horseshoe Falls. The park also has a marina, a pioneer village, and a nature center.
Caesar Creek State Park
Address: 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, United States
Website: Caesar Creek State Park
Opening hours: 6am - 6pm
Price: Free
7. Mill Creek Park
Mill Creek Park comprises of 2882 acres (1166ha) of land. It contains 15 miles (24km) of hiking and walking trails, with the most popular of them all being Gorge Trail – an award-winning trail with a path that runs through a boardwalk along the sandstone wall just next to the stream. Other than the trails, the park is also home to a golf course, a 12-acre (4.8ha) flower garden, three man-made lakes, and an educational nature center.
Mill Creek Park
Address: Youngstown, OH 44509, United States
Website: Mill Creek Park
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Clear Creek Metro Park
Clear Creek Metro Park has 9 hiking trails covering a total distance of 7 miles (11.2km) with varying levels of difficulties ranging from easy to difficult. The trails feature all manner of terrains including sandstone outcrops, hemlock groves, and several ravines. The shortest trail is a mere 0.3 miles (0.48km) while the longest trail is about 2.5 miles (4.02km), all of which loops around the prairie. The park is also blessed with a plethora of picnic sites, and overnight stays are also allowed with prior and proper arrangements.
Clear Creek Metro Park
Address: Clear Creek Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, United States
Opening hours: 5am - 8pm (daily)
9. Mohican State Park
Mohican State Park is a sprawling 1110 acres (449ha) of parkland sitting right in the middle of the Mohican-Memorial State Forest. The park has thirteen hiking trails with varying difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging. However, the Lyons Fall Trail - a 2-mile (3.2km) trail of moderate difficulty - is the most popular one. It winds through the gorgeous Clear Fork Gorge, offering hikers with the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the park’s two waterfalls.
Mohican State Park
Address: 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, United States
Website: Mohican State Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Great Seal State Park
Project Badass is helping at Great Seal State park. First Sunday Nov. 5th at Lick Run Rd. Parking Area 10am. This is new Trail and we are excited to be a part of the process. Picture credit @trekohio
Posted by Project Badass on Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Great Seal State Park sits on the Appalachian Escarpment and it has 11 trails with a combined length of 23 miles (9.3km). Two of the trails are exclusively for hikers, while the rest can be used by mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians. The trails have varying terrains, ranging from easy to difficult, with some being so steep that hikers are advised to be reasonably well-conditioned before they attempt a hike. For those interested in picnics, the park offers two picnic shelters that can always be booked in advance.
Great Seal State Park
Address: 4908 Marietta Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, United States
Website: Great Seal State Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Enjoy Ohio outdoors through thrilling hikes
Going for a hike will always be a fulfilling way to get fit and to enjoy the outdoors. If you are in a state like Ohio, then you know you are in for a good treat because of the beautiful outdoors. Read through our recommendations of the top hiking and trekking spots in Ohio, USA to help you have a good starting point for your adventures.
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