Here in Ohio, we have several trails that take you to some really beautiful places. There’s simply so much more to see in the Buckeye State than most people realize. From adventurous, rugged hikes to gorgeous waterfront trails, here are 15 of the best hiking trails in Ohio that we think you should take before you die.

  1. Old Man’s Cave Loop, Hocking Hills State Park

April Dray/Only In Your State What is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Ohio, its scenic hiking trail is approximately one mile long and can be completed in about one hour. In addition to Old Man’s Cave, you’ll encounter the Devil’s Bathtub, Sphinx Head, A-Frame Bridge, and the Upper and Lower Falls. Learn more about the Old Man’s Cave Loop on the webpage.

  1. The Ledges Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Benjamin Lehman/Flickr The Ledges Trail at this national park is a must-do. More than 400 million years ago, this area of the park was actually covered by an ancient sea. Melting glaciers helped to form what are now captivating ledges you can hike through. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in Ohio.

  1. Rockbridge State Nature Preserve Loop, Rockbridge

April Dray/Only In Your State The Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge features a looped trail that takes you to a natural bridge that stretches more than 100 ft. long – and it’s truly incredible. (After steady rainfall, the water trickling down into the ravine increases and forms what locals call “Rockbridge Falls” beneath the bridge.)

  1. Charleston Falls Preserve Trails, Tipp City

Stephen/Flickr Best seen after a good rain, this waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County. The trail system within the park loops around and consists of about four miles total.

  1. Towpath Trail, Metroparks Toledo

metroparkstoledo.com Part of the Buckeye Trail System, this trail is 8.3-mile one way and follows the remains of the Miami and Erie Canal. Bikes are allowed on this trail. The Bend View Overlook to Providence Trailhead section of the trail is especially beautiful. Visit the Metroparks Toledo website for more information.

  1. Cascade Falls Trail, Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

Jennifer S./Yelp This short 0.5-mile trail leads to an impressive waterfall, complete with a short boardwalk and observation deck below the falls. Visit our previous coverage to learn more.

  1. Wilderness Trail, The Edge of Appalachia Preserve

Keith Robinson/Flickr The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail, and has a 2 1/2-mile loop that’s perfect for a one-day hike. Visit the website to learn more.

  1. Stone House Loop Trail, Salt Fork State Park

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr This 1.7-mile long moderate trail takes you to the Kennedy Stone House, which is a hidden gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the AllTrails webpage to learn more.

  1. Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail, Hocking Hills State Park

Raymond Wald/Flickr This rugged, rocky gorge is often considered one of the deepest in Ohio, according to the state park’s website. The Rim Trail at the top of the 200 ft. cliffs features breathtaking views.

  1. Brandywine Falls and Stanford Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Jasperrdo/Flickr Start this 3.9-mile hike at Stanford House toward the breathtaking falls (from either direction) and loop back around the other way to the Stanford House. Visit the AllTrails webpage to learn more.

  1. Scioto Trail State Forest Loop, Scioto Trail State Forest

Don O’Brien/Flickr Trace an old Shawnee trail along this 11.2 mile loop of wooded hollows, quiet foothills, and peaceful streams. Visit the state forest’s webpage for more information.

  1. Hemlock Gorge to Lyons Falls, Mohican State Park

Tom Hart/Flickr Go chasing waterfalls along this 9.3-mile out-and-back trail, which features a 300-foot deep sandstone gorge and two beautiful waterfalls. Visit the AllTrails webpage to learn more.

  1. North and South Zaleski Loop, Zaleski State Forest

Gabe D./Flickr For the advanced hiker who can backpack through the woods overnight, Zaleski State Forest trails are a must-do. Along the way, the trails feature some must-see places in Ohio like vacant farms, abandoned mines, beautiful views, Indian ceremonial grounds, and an old mining town. The Zaleski North Loop Trail is approximately 19.5 miles, and the Zaleski South Loop Trail is approximately 11.3 miles.

  1. The Rock House Trail, Hocking Hills State Park

See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr Also located in the Hocking Hills State Park, the 0.9-mile Rock House Trail is a moderate hike that takes you to an incredible cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.

  1. Clifton Gorge Trail, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr Last but not least on our best hiking trails in Ohio list and coming in at just about five miles, this local favorite day-hike features the calm waters of the Little Miami River and a deep limestone chasm. Visit the webpage for more information.

Have you taken any of these best hiking trails in Ohio before? What is your favorite trail to hike in the Buckeye State? Let us know, and be sure to check out our previous articles, 13 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Ohio Before You Die and The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Ohio Who Loves The Outdoors.

April Dray/Only In Your State

What is arguably one of the most beautiful places in Ohio, its scenic hiking trail is approximately one mile long and can be completed in about one hour. In addition to Old Man’s Cave, you’ll encounter the Devil’s Bathtub, Sphinx Head, A-Frame Bridge, and the Upper and Lower Falls. Learn more about the Old Man’s Cave Loop on the webpage.

Benjamin Lehman/Flickr

The Ledges Trail at this national park is a must-do. More than 400 million years ago, this area of the park was actually covered by an ancient sea. Melting glaciers helped to form what are now captivating ledges you can hike through. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in Ohio.

April Dray/Only In Your State

The Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge features a looped trail that takes you to a natural bridge that stretches more than 100 ft. long – and it’s truly incredible. (After steady rainfall, the water trickling down into the ravine increases and forms what locals call “Rockbridge Falls” beneath the bridge.)

Stephen/Flickr

Best seen after a good rain, this waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County. The trail system within the park loops around and consists of about four miles total.

metroparkstoledo.com

Part of the Buckeye Trail System, this trail is 8.3-mile one way and follows the remains of the Miami and Erie Canal. Bikes are allowed on this trail. The Bend View Overlook to Providence Trailhead section of the trail is especially beautiful. Visit the Metroparks Toledo website for more information.

Jennifer S./Yelp

This short 0.5-mile trail leads to an impressive waterfall, complete with a short boardwalk and observation deck below the falls. Visit our previous coverage to learn more.

Keith Robinson/Flickr

The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail, and has a 2 1/2-mile loop that’s perfect for a one-day hike. Visit the website to learn more.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

This 1.7-mile long moderate trail takes you to the Kennedy Stone House, which is a hidden gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the AllTrails webpage to learn more.

Raymond Wald/Flickr

This rugged, rocky gorge is often considered one of the deepest in Ohio, according to the state park’s website. The Rim Trail at the top of the 200 ft. cliffs features breathtaking views.

Jasperrdo/Flickr

Start this 3.9-mile hike at Stanford House toward the breathtaking falls (from either direction) and loop back around the other way to the Stanford House. Visit the AllTrails webpage to learn more.

Don O’Brien/Flickr

Trace an old Shawnee trail along this 11.2 mile loop of wooded hollows, quiet foothills, and peaceful streams. Visit the state forest’s webpage for more information.

Tom Hart/Flickr

Go chasing waterfalls along this 9.3-mile out-and-back trail, which features a 300-foot deep sandstone gorge and two beautiful waterfalls. Visit the AllTrails webpage to learn more.

Gabe D./Flickr

For the advanced hiker who can backpack through the woods overnight, Zaleski State Forest trails are a must-do. Along the way, the trails feature some must-see places in Ohio like vacant farms, abandoned mines, beautiful views, Indian ceremonial grounds, and an old mining town. The Zaleski North Loop Trail is approximately 19.5 miles, and the Zaleski South Loop Trail is approximately 11.3 miles.

See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr

Also located in the Hocking Hills State Park, the 0.9-mile Rock House Trail is a moderate hike that takes you to an incredible cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Visit the AllTrails webpage for more information.

Last but not least on our best hiking trails in Ohio list and coming in at just about five miles, this local favorite day-hike features the calm waters of the Little Miami River and a deep limestone chasm. Visit the webpage for more information.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USAAddress: 11475 Dalton Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USAAddress: 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USAAddress: Toledo, OH, USAAddress: 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USAAddress: 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693, USAAddress: 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755, USAAddress: 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USAAddress: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USAAddress: 2731 Stoney Creek Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USAAddress: Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USAAddress: OH-278, Zaleski, OH, USAAddress: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USAAddress: Logan, OH 43138, USAAddress: 2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking Trails In Ohio May 19, 2021 Melissa M What are some bucket list things to do in Ohio? Some of the best bucket list destinations in the Buckeye State are of the natural kind. With countless must-visit preserves, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and more, your bucket list could get pretty lengthy! Nomad Ridge at The Wilds is quite the hidden gem located in Cumberland. Here you will find an extraordinary yurt campground where you’ll be surrounded by nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Shawnee State Forest is the largest in the state covering almost 64,000 acres. Hike, backpack, or go horseback riding along the vast trail system, go camping, or hang out at one of the beautiful lakeside beaches. You can find more bucket list ideas in this post. What are some must-see places in Ohio? Ohio is filled with incredible places that must be seen to be believed. From the Ohio Caverns in West Liberty to the SunWatch Village and Archaeological Park in Dayton, the Chateau Laroche in Loveland, and Seneca Caverns in Bellevue, you will be amazed at what fascinating attractions are found throughout the state.  What road trips can I take in Ohio? Ohio is arguably one of the best states in the country to take a road trip. Why is that, you may be asking? Well, there’s just so much to see from our scenic byways, natural wonders, historic sites, and more, you can drive endlessly around the state discovering something new in every corner. Read our coverage on 10 of the best road trips you can take in Ohio for some ideas. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking Trails In Ohio

May 19, 2021

Melissa M

What are some bucket list things to do in Ohio? Some of the best bucket list destinations in the Buckeye State are of the natural kind. With countless must-visit preserves, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and more, your bucket list could get pretty lengthy! Nomad Ridge at The Wilds is quite the hidden gem located in Cumberland. Here you will find an extraordinary yurt campground where you’ll be surrounded by nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Shawnee State Forest is the largest in the state covering almost 64,000 acres. Hike, backpack, or go horseback riding along the vast trail system, go camping, or hang out at one of the beautiful lakeside beaches. You can find more bucket list ideas in this post. What are some must-see places in Ohio? Ohio is filled with incredible places that must be seen to be believed. From the Ohio Caverns in West Liberty to the SunWatch Village and Archaeological Park in Dayton, the Chateau Laroche in Loveland, and Seneca Caverns in Bellevue, you will be amazed at what fascinating attractions are found throughout the state.  What road trips can I take in Ohio? Ohio is arguably one of the best states in the country to take a road trip. Why is that, you may be asking? Well, there’s just so much to see from our scenic byways, natural wonders, historic sites, and more, you can drive endlessly around the state discovering something new in every corner. Read our coverage on 10 of the best road trips you can take in Ohio for some ideas. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Some of the best bucket list destinations in the Buckeye State are of the natural kind. With countless must-visit preserves, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and more, your bucket list could get pretty lengthy! Nomad Ridge at The Wilds is quite the hidden gem located in Cumberland. Here you will find an extraordinary yurt campground where you’ll be surrounded by nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Shawnee State Forest is the largest in the state covering almost 64,000 acres. Hike, backpack, or go horseback riding along the vast trail system, go camping, or hang out at one of the beautiful lakeside beaches. You can find more bucket list ideas in this post.

What are some must-see places in Ohio?

Ohio is filled with incredible places that must be seen to be believed. From the Ohio Caverns in West Liberty to the SunWatch Village and Archaeological Park in Dayton, the Chateau Laroche in Loveland, and Seneca Caverns in Bellevue, you will be amazed at what fascinating attractions are found throughout the state. 

What road trips can I take in Ohio?

Ohio is arguably one of the best states in the country to take a road trip. Why is that, you may be asking? Well, there’s just so much to see from our scenic byways, natural wonders, historic sites, and more, you can drive endlessly around the state discovering something new in every corner. Read our coverage on 10 of the best road trips you can take in Ohio for some ideas.