Discover the Hidden Gems of Ohio: 15 State Parks with Breathtaking Scenic Trails
If you’re looking for a dose of nature’s medicine, look no further than Ohio’s incredible state parks. With over 70 parks to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 15 that’ll leave you jaw-dropped and yearning for more. From towering waterfalls to serene lakes and rolling hills, these Ohio state parks are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Before we dive into the awesomeness that awaits, let’s get you situated. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is likely to be the John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), depending on which part of the state you’re planning to explore. If you’re traveling by train, Amtrak offers routes that’ll get you to various stations throughout Ohio. And for all you sea-faring folks, the Port of Cleveland is the place to dock your boat.
Now that we’ve got you here, it’s time to explore the great outdoors. Here’s a rundown of our top 15 Ohio state parks with breathtaking scenic trails, starting from the north and working our way south.
1. Headlands Beach State Park
- Location: 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060
- Nearest Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 35 miles, 45-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Cleveland Station – 30 miles, 40-minute drive
- Facilities: Beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, boating (non-motorized)
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, hiking, bird-watching, fishing
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Mentor – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore. Sounds like a dream, right? At Headlands Beach State Park, it’s a reality. Located in Mentor, Ohio, this stunning park is situated on the shores of Lake Erie. Take a scenic hike through the woods, go bird-watching, or simply sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake.
Review: "Love, love, LOVE this park! The beach is pristine, and the sunsets are truly magical. A must-visit in Ohio!" – Rachel M.
2. Geneva State Park
- Location: 4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva, OH 44041
- Nearest Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 55 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Ashtabula Station – 35 miles, 45-minute drive
- Facilities: Marina, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, boating (motorized)
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, boating
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Hampton Inn Ashtabula/Harbor – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
Geneva State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With over 680 acres of wooded bliss, this park is perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and even fishing. Take a stroll along the lake’s shoreline, visit the marina, or rent a boat and explore the waters of Lake Erie.
Review: "A hidden gem! The park is beautiful, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Will definitely return!" – Mark K.
3. Kelleys Island State Park
- Location: 917 E Lakeshore Dr, Kelleys Island, OH 43438
- Nearest Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive + ferry ride
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Sandusky Station – 45 miles, 1-hour drive + ferry ride
- Facilities: Beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, boating (non-motorized)
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Kelleys Island Venture Resort – 5 miles, 10-minute drive
Kelleys Island State Park is a tranquil retreat located on the shores of Lake Erie. This picturesque park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful beach. Take a ferry ride to the island, and experience the perfect blend of nature and relaxation.
Review: "A beautiful park with breathtaking views of the lake! The staff is helpful, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained." – Sarah K.
4. East Harbor State Park
- Location: 1615 E Northshore Blvd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
- Nearest Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 50 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Sandusky Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Marina, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, boating (motorized)
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, boating
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Baymont by Wyndham Sandusky – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
East Harbor State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, this beautiful park offers a marina, hiking trails, and stunning views of the lake. Take a boat ride, go fishing, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Review: "Love this park! The marina is convenient, and the hiking trails are well-marked. Can’t wait to return!" – Emily T.
5. Marblehead State Park
- Location: 301 E Main St, Marblehead, OH 43440
- Nearest Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 55 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Sandusky Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Lighthouse, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing
- Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, fishing
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Baymont by Wyndham Sandusky – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
Marblehead State Park is a charming park located in Marblehead, Ohio. The park is home to the historic Marblehead Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the lake. Take a hike through the woods, go bird-watching, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Review: "A must-visit lighthouse in Ohio! The park is beautiful, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!" – David L.
6. Mohican State Park
- Location: 3116 State Route 3 S, Loudonville, OH 44842
- Nearest Airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 70 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Mansfield Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Lodge, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Admission fee applies for some activities
- Nearby Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Loudonville – 5 miles, 10-minute drive
Mohican State Park is a nature lover’s paradise located in Loudonville, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the Mohican River, hiking trails, and a beautiful lodge. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A beautiful park with plenty of activities! The lodge is cozy, and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend!" – Rachel T.
7. John Bryan State Park
- Location: 3790 State Route 370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
- Nearest Airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 45 miles, 1-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Springfield Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Springfield – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
John Bryan State Park is a beautiful park located in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the Little Miami River, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A serene park with beautiful scenery! The hiking trails are well-marked, and the staff is friendly. Highly recommend!" – Mark S.
8. O’Malley’s Inn at Glenford State Park
- Location: 365 Main St, Glenford, OH 43739
- Nearest Airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Newark Station – 40 miles, 50-minute drive
- Facilities: Lodge, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing
- Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, fishing
- Price: Admission fee applies for some activities
- Nearby Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Newark – 40 miles, 50-minute drive
O’Malley’s Inn at Glenford State Park is a charming park located in Glenford, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, hiking trails, and a beautiful lodge. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Review: "A cozy lodge with a relaxing atmosphere! The staff is friendly, and the hiking trails are well-marked. Highly recommend!" – Emily G.
9. Delaware State Park
- Location: 5202 State Route 4, Delaware, OH 43015
- Nearest Airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 30 miles, 45-minute drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Columbus Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Delaware – 5 miles, 10-minute drive
Delaware State Park is a beautiful park located in Delaware, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A serene park with plenty of activities! The staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained." – David L.
10. Forked Run State Park
- Location: 70441 Resort Ln, Reedsville, OH 45772
- Nearest Airport: Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (HTS) – 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Athens Station – 40 miles, 50-minute drive
- Facilities: Lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Athens – 40 miles, 50-minute drive
Forked Run State Park is a scenic park located in Reedsville, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A beautiful park with plenty of activities! The staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend!" -Rachel M.
11. Jackson Lake State Park
- Location: 3138 Beaver Pike, Oak Hill, OH 45656
- Nearest Airport: Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (HTS) – 65 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s West Portsmouth Station – 55 miles, 1-hour drive
- Facilities: Lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Jackson – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
Jackson Lake State Park is a serene park located in Oak Hill, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A peaceful park with plenty of activities! The staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained." – Mark K.
12. Paint Creek State Park
- Location: 280 Taylor Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612
- Nearest Airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Wilmington Station – 30 miles, 40-minute drive
- Facilities: Lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington – 30 miles, 40-minute drive
Paint Creek State Park is a scenic park located in Bainbridge, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A serene park with plenty of activities! The staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend!" – Emily G.
13. Tar Hollow State Park
- Location: 16396 State Forest Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601
- Nearest Airport: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 70 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Chillicothe Station – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
- Facilities: Lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Chillicothe – 20 miles, 30-minute drive
Tar Hollow State Park is a peaceful park located in Chillicothe, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A beautiful park with plenty of activities! The staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend!" – David L.
14. Shawnee State Park
- Location: 4404 State Route 125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
- Nearest Airport: Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (HTS) – 60 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s West Portsmouth Station – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
- Facilities: Lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Holiday Inn Express West Portsmouth – 10 miles, 20-minute drive
Shawnee State Park is a scenic park located in West Portsmouth, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A peaceful park with plenty of activities! The staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend!" – Mark S.
15. Lake Alma State Park
- Location: 422 Lake Alma Rd, Wellston, OH 45692
- Nearest Airport: Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport (HTS) – 55 miles, 1.5-hour drive
- Nearest Train Station: Amtrak’s Athens Station – 30 miles, 40-minute drive
- Facilities: Lake, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Activities: Swimming, hiking, bird-watching, fishing, camping
- Price: Free admission
- Nearby Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Athens – 30 miles, 40-minute drive
Lake Alma State Park is a serene park located in Wellston, Ohio. The park offers stunning views of the lake, hiking trails, and a beautiful campground. Take a dip in the pool, go hiking, or rent a campsite and spend the night under the stars.
Review: "A beautiful park with plenty of activities! The staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend!" – Emily G.
Conclusion:
Ohio’s state parks are a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. From the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of southern Ohio, these 15 parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill-seeker, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Ohio’s state parks are the perfect destination.
FAQs:
Q: What are the admission fees for Ohio state parks?
A: Admission fees vary by park, but most parks offer free admission.
Q: Are there any hiking trails in Ohio state parks?
A: Yes, many of Ohio’s state parks have hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging.
Q: Can I camp in Ohio state parks?
A: Yes, many Ohio state parks offer campsites, including some with electric hookups.
Q: Are there any restaurants or dining options within Ohio state parks?
A: Some Ohio state parks have dining options, such as lodges or restaurants, but it’s best to check ahead of time.
Q: Can I fish in Ohio state parks?
A: Yes, many Ohio state parks have lakes or streams where you can fish, but be sure to check the park’s fishing regulations.
Q: Are Ohio state parks pet-friendly?
A: Some Ohio state parks allow pets, but be sure to check the park’s pet policy before visiting.
