23 Exceptional Ohio Hiking Trails You Must Explore Now

Old Man’s Cave

19852 OH-664, 740-385-6842
Old Man’s Cave is part of Hocking Hills, a Southern Ohio hiking attraction. This natural Ohio cave is cool and peaceful, a perfect escape from bustling city life. Stay a weekend at one of the available cabins, or take a day trip to enjoy the scenery.

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Mentor Marsh

5185 Corduroy Rd., 440-257-0777
This marsh is a mixed swamp forest, one of the last of its kind in the Lake Erie region. There is also a sugar-maple forest bordering the marsh, a beautiful scene during a fall hike. If you are taking a larger group or need a little guidance, family nature hikes are offered each week.

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Great Seal State Park

4908 Marietta Rd., 740-887-4818
Looking to climb some hills? Great Seal State Park has over 1,800 acres of hilly and challenging trails worth exploring. This park’s hills are depicted on the Great Seal of the State of Ohio, hence the name.

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Arc of Appalachia Preserve

7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge, 937-365-1935
This nature preserve is run by a non-profit working to preserve more than 5,000 acres of land east of Cincinnati. Hike around the snaking Serpent Mound for a look at the world's biggest prehistoric effigy mound.

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Blue Hen Falls

2001 Boston Mills Rd., 330-657-2752
Blue Hen Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It requires a short walk, less than a half mile, if you park at the trailhead, and the view is spectacular year-round.

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Burr Oak State Park

10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., 740-767-2112
This state park is more than 2,500 acres of forest hills and valley farms. If you wish for an extended stay to get the chance to explore everything, Burr Oak has several resorts and camping areas.

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Chapin Forest Reservation

9938 Chillicothe Rd., 440-639-7275
With six miles of trail, this reservation is open year-round for entertainment. Hike, run or ski through the thick forest, or check out Lucky Stone Loop trail for a spectacular view of Lake Erie.

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Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve

2340 Meister Rd., 614-265-6565
If you’re up for a longer hike, climb to the top of Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve and experience the picturesque view of the forest below. If you want to keep it short, stay on flat ground and seek out the several rare species that live in the nature preserve, including a dry chestnut oak.

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Conkles Hollow Rim Trail

24858 Big Pine Rd., 740-385-6842
Conkles Hollow is another Hocking Hills attraction, enjoyable for serious hikers looking to do some exploring. The rocky gorge is one of the deepest in Ohio, and the floor of this area is so thick with ferns and wildlife that sunlight does not reach certain spots.

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Glacier Ridge Metropark

9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City
With three easy trails, with fun names like Ironweed, Marsh Hawk and Red Oak, Glacier Ridge offers a family-friendly environment through forest, field and wetland for walkers of all levels.

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