Discover The Hidden Gems Of Ohio: 10 Best State Parks For Hiking Adventures

Discover the Hidden Gems of Ohio: 10 Best State Parks for Hiking Adventures

Ohio, often regarded as the heart of the American Midwest, boasts a diverse range of landscapes that cater to the most adventurous souls. From the shores of Lake Erie to the Appalachian foothills, the Buckeye State is a hiker’s paradise, with numerous state parks that offer unforgettable experiences. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and get ready to explore the 10 best Ohio state parks for hiking adventures!

1. John Bryan State Park: A Hiker’s Heaven in Western Ohio

Located in western Ohio, John Bryan State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 12 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Little Miami River and the surrounding landscape. The trails are well-marked and range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Dayton International Airport (DAY), which is approximately 30 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Xenia, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at John Bryan State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and boating.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Yellow Springs, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"John Bryan State Park is a hidden gem! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is breathtaking. I saw a deer and a turkey on my hike, which was amazing. I will definitely be back!" – Emily, a satisfied hiker

Map from Dayton International Airport (DAY):

• From the airport, take I-675 South towards Xenia
• Continue on I-675 for approximately 20 miles



• Take exit 13 for US-35 East towards Xenia
• Continue on US-35 for approximately 5 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 343 North towards Yellow Springs
• Continue on State Route 343 for approximately 3 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 444 North



• The park entrance will be on your right

2. Hocking Hills State Park: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The park features towering cliffs, waterfalls, and caves, making it a paradise for nature lovers. With over 25 miles of hiking trails, this park is a must-visit destination for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), which is approximately 120 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Lancaster, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Hocking Hills State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Logan, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Hocking Hills State Park is a real gem! The scenery is breathtaking and the trails are well-marked. I loved exploring the caves and waterfalls. I will definitely be back!" – Mark, a satisfied hiker

Map from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH):

• From the airport, take I-71 South towards Columbus
• Continue on I-71 for approximately 60 miles
• Take exit 131 for US-33 East towards Lancaster
• Continue on US-33 for approximately 30 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 664 South towards Logan
• Continue on State Route 664 for approximately 10 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 374 East
• The park entrance will be on your right

3. Shawnee State Park: A Hiker’s Delight in Southern Ohio

Located in southern Ohio, Shawnee State Park is a hiker’s delight. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Scioto River and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which is approximately 60 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Portsmouth, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Shawnee State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Portsmouth, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Shawnee State Park is a real treat for hikers! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is stunning. I loved exploring the woods and the river. I will definitely be back!" – Rachel, a satisfied hiker

Map from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG):

• From the airport, take I-71 North towards Cincinnati
• Continue on I-71 for approximately 30 miles
• Take exit 131 for US-23 North towards Portsmouth
• Continue on US-23 for approximately 20 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 139 North towards Portsmouth
• Continue on State Route 139 for approximately 5 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 385 East
• The park entrance will be on your right

4. Salt Fork State Park: A Hikder’s Paradise in Eastern Ohio

Located in eastern Ohio, Salt Fork State Park is a hiker’s paradise. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Salt Fork Lake and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), which is approximately 120 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Cambridge, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Salt Fork State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Cambridge, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Salt Fork State Park is a real gem! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is breathtaking. I loved exploring the woods and the lake. I will definitely be back!" – James, a satisfied hiker

Map from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT):

• From the airport, take I-76 East towards Pittsburgh
• Continue on I-76 for approximately 60 miles
• Take exit 147 for I-70 East towards Wheeling
• Continue on I-70 for approximately 30 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 285 North towards Cambridge
• Continue on State Route 285 for approximately 10 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 376 East
• The park entrance will be on your right

5. Kelleys Island State Park: A Hiker’s Retreat on the Shores of Lake Erie

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Kelleys Island State Park is a hiker’s retreat. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), which is approximately 60 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Sandusky, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Kelleys Island State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Kelleys Island, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Kelleys Island State Park is a real gem! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is breathtaking. I loved exploring the woods and the lake. I will definitely be back!" – Sarah, a satisfied hiker

Map from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE):

• From the airport, take I-90 East towards Cleveland
• Continue on I-90 for approximately 30 miles
• Take exit 125 for US-20 East towards Sandusky
• Continue on US-20 for approximately 30 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 63 North towards Kelleys Island
• Continue on State Route 63 for approximately 10 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 135 East
• The park entrance will be on your right

6. Tar Hollow State Park: A Hiker’s Delight in Southern Ohio

Located in southern Ohio, Tar Hollow State Park is a hiker’s delight. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Tar Hollow Lake and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which is approximately 60 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Chillicothe, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Tar Hollow State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Chillicothe, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Tar Hollow State Park is a real treat for hikers! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is stunning. I loved exploring the woods and the lake. I will definitely be back!" – Michael, a satisfied hiker

Map from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG):

• From the airport, take I-71 North towards Cincinnati
• Continue on I-71 for approximately 30 miles
• Take exit 131 for US-35 East towards Chillicothe
• Continue on US-35 for approximately 20 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 772 North towards Tar Hollow
• Continue on State Route 772 for approximately 5 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 771 East
• The park entrance will be on your right

7. Caesar Creek State Park: A Hiker’s Paradise in Southwestern Ohio

Located in southwestern Ohio, Caesar Creek State Park is a hiker’s paradise. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Caesar Creek Lake and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which is approximately 30 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Wilmington, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Caesar Creek State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Wilmington, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Caesar Creek State Park is a real gem! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is breathtaking. I loved exploring the woods and the lake. I will definitely be back!" – Emily, a satisfied hiker

Map from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG):

• From the airport, take I-71 North towards Cincinnati
• Continue on I-71 for approximately 20 miles
• Take exit 32 for US-48 West towards Lebanon
• Continue on US-48 for approximately 10 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 72 South towards Caesar Creek
• Continue on State Route 72 for approximately 5 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 73 West
• The park entrance will be on your right

8. Highbanks Metro Park: A Hiker’s Retreat in Central Ohio

Located in central Ohio, Highbanks Metro Park is a hiker’s retreat. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Olentangy River and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), which is approximately 20 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Columbus, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Highbanks Metro Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the city of Columbus, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Highbanks Metro Park is a real treat for hikers! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is stunning. I loved exploring the woods and the river. I will definitely be back!" – David, a satisfied hiker

Map from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH):

• From the airport, take I-71 North towards Columbus
• Continue on I-71 for approximately 10 miles
• Take exit 117 for US-33 West towards Worthington
• Continue on US-33 for approximately 5 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 315 North towards Powell
• Continue on State Route 315 for approximately 5 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 745 East
• The park entrance will be on your right

9. Malabar Farm State Park: A Hiker’s Paradise in Northern Ohio

Located in northern Ohio, Malabar Farm State Park is a hiker’s paradise. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Golden Creek and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), which is approximately 60 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Mansfield, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Malabar Farm State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Mansfield, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Malabar Farm State Park is a real gem! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is breathtaking. I loved exploring the woods and the creek. I will definitely be back!" – Karen, a satisfied hiker

Map from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE):

• From the airport, take I-71 South towards Cleveland
• Continue on I-71 for approximately 30 miles
• Take exit 160 for US-30 East towards Mansfield
• Continue on US-30 for approximately 20 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 13 North towards Mansfield
• Continue on State Route 13 for approximately 10 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 519 East
• The park entrance will be on your right

10. Mohican State Park: A Hiker’s Retreat in Central Ohio

Located in central Ohio, Mohican State Park is a hiker’s retreat. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, this park offers stunning views of the Mohican River and the surrounding landscape. The trails range from easy to challenging, making it an ideal spot for hikers of all skill levels.

• Getting There: The nearest airport is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), which is approximately 80 miles from the park. You can also take the Greyhound bus or the Amtrak train to Mansfield, Ohio, and then take a taxi or rental car to the park.
• Facilities: The park offers picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking water. There are also campsites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars.
• Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding are just a few of the activities you can enjoy at Mohican State Park.
• Price: Admission is free, but there is a fee for camping and horseback riding.
• Public Facilities: The park is located near the town of Mansfield, which has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.

"Mohican State Park is a real treat for hikers! The trails are well-marked and the scenery is stunning. I loved exploring the woods and the river. I will definitely be back!" – Tom, a satisfied hiker

Map from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH):

• From the airport, take I-71 North towards Columbus
• Continue on I-71 for approximately 60 miles
• Take exit 153 for US-30 East towards Mansfield
• Continue on US-30 for approximately 20 miles
• Take the exit for State Route 13 North towards Mantua
• Continue on State Route 13 for approximately 10 miles
• Turn left onto State Route 3 South
• The park entrance will be on your right

Conclusion:

Ohio state parks offer a diverse range of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. From the shores of Lake Erie to the Appalachian foothills, the Buckeye State has something for every hiker. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, these 10 best Ohio state parks for hiking adventures are a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

FAQ:

1. What is the best time to visit Ohio state parks?
   The best time to visit Ohio state parks is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful.
2. Are pets allowed in Ohio state parks?
   Yes, pets are allowed in most Ohio state parks, but they must be on a leash and under the owner’s control.
3. Can I camp in Ohio state parks?
   Yes, camping is available in most Ohio state parks, and reservations can be made through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website.
4. Are there any entrance fees for Ohio state parks?
   No, there are no entrance fees for Ohio state parks, but some parks may have fees for camping, horseback riding, and other activities.
5. Are there any restaurants or shops near Ohio state parks?
   Yes, most Ohio state parks are located near towns or cities that have a variety of restaurants and shops.