It’s no secret that Ohio’s nature scene is beautifully impressive; but what might be a secret to you are the following serene outdoor spots. While many of these might be known to locals, these nature getaways are not nearly as popular as, say, Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, or Franklin Botanical Gardens in Columbus. In no particular order, here are some of the most scenic places in Ohio where nature will completely relax you:

  1. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

E Photos/Flickr Pictured: Dwarf’s Pass

E Photos/Flickr

  1. The Edge of Appalachia

Keith Robinson/Flickr The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail; a 2.5-mile loop that’s perfect for a one-day hike.

  1. Highland’s Nature Sanctuary

Arc of Appalachia/Facebook Once a sacred spot to the Shawnee and Iroquois tribes, this 2,200-acre preserve in Highland County is one of only a few privately owned state nature preserves in Ohio. It’s a stunning wilderness tract that was literally saved from development in 1995 by a passionate husband and wife duo.

  1. Dysart Woods

Christopher Sessums In Belmont County within the Dysart Woods, you will find some of Ohio’s oldest and largest trees. Though the woods stretches for 455 acres, only about 50 of the 140 ft. tall, 4 ft. in diameter and 300-400 year-old trees are still there.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details on this stunning old-growth forest in Ohio.

  1. Fort Hill State Memorial

Aesopposea/Wikimedia Commons Also in Highland County, you will find one of the best-preserved Indian hilltop enclosures in North America—but the only way to get to the earthworks is to hike the red-blazed Fort Trail.

  1. Charleston Falls

Stephen/Flickr Best seen after a good rain, this secluded lesser known waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details!

  1. Magee Marsh Wildlife Refuge

Benny Mazur/Flickr Arguably the state’s top bird-wathcing spot—featuring more than 300 species of birds—you can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details!

  1. Lake Hope

Jared Cherup/Flickr This serene lake in Vinton County is the perfect place to relax when all you really need is the tranquility that only a quiet lake can bring.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details about this magical place.

  1. Oak Openings

Benny Muzar/Flickr Close to Toledo you’ll find what’s considered to be Ohio’s rarest ecosystem where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony. The Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is located in Swanton and operated by Metroparks of the Toledo Area.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details on this Toledo gem.

  1. Sunfish Creek

Don O’Brien/Flickr Looking for a small, quiet nature getaway that’s private enough for a swim? You can find this serene swimming spot just off of Wynn Road in Pike County.

Have you been to any of these places? What other lesser-known or secret spots in nature do you think should have made the list?

E Photos/Flickr

Pictured: Dwarf’s Pass

Keith Robinson/Flickr

The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail; a 2.5-mile loop that’s perfect for a one-day hike.

Arc of Appalachia/Facebook

Once a sacred spot to the Shawnee and Iroquois tribes, this 2,200-acre preserve in Highland County is one of only a few privately owned state nature preserves in Ohio. It’s a stunning wilderness tract that was literally saved from development in 1995 by a passionate husband and wife duo.

Christopher Sessums

In Belmont County within the Dysart Woods, you will find some of Ohio’s oldest and largest trees. Though the woods stretches for 455 acres, only about 50 of the 140 ft. tall, 4 ft. in diameter and 300-400 year-old trees are still there.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details on this stunning old-growth forest in Ohio.

Aesopposea/Wikimedia Commons

Also in Highland County, you will find one of the best-preserved Indian hilltop enclosures in North America—but the only way to get to the earthworks is to hike the red-blazed Fort Trail.

Stephen/Flickr

Best seen after a good rain, this secluded lesser known waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details!

Benny Mazur/Flickr

Arguably the state’s top bird-wathcing spot—featuring more than 300 species of birds—you can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details!

Jared Cherup/Flickr

This serene lake in Vinton County is the perfect place to relax when all you really need is the tranquility that only a quiet lake can bring.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details about this magical place.

Benny Muzar/Flickr

Close to Toledo you’ll find what’s considered to be Ohio’s rarest ecosystem where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony. The Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is located in Swanton and operated by Metroparks of the Toledo Area.

Want to learn more? Our previous article has all the details on this Toledo gem.

Don O’Brien/Flickr

Looking for a small, quiet nature getaway that’s private enough for a swim? You can find this serene swimming spot just off of Wynn Road in Pike County.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USAAddress: Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693, USAAddress: Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd, Bainbridge, OH 45612, USAAddress: Dysart Woods Rd, Ohio 43718, USAAddress: Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve, 13614 Fort Hill Rd, Hillsboro, OH 45133, USAAddress: Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USAAddress: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, OH-2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, USAAddress: Lake Hope, Brown Township, OH 45651, USAAddress: Oak Openings Hiking Trail, Swanton, OH, USAAddress: Sunfish Creek, Ohio, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

most scenic places in Ohio March 12, 2021 Jackie Ann Which state parks should I visit in Ohio? With 83 distinctly beautiful state parks within our borders, Ohio nature lovers have an abundance of natural destinations to explore. The popular Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a sanctuary nestled between Cleveland and Akron along the Cuyahoga River. The northern region of the park is home to the Canal Exploration Center where visitors can learn about the unique history of this 19th-century waterway. Just east of Toledo, the Maumee Bay State Park boasts 1,336-acres of recreation areas on the shimmering shores of Lake Erie. Home to over 300 species of birds, this park is the perfect place to take in the scenery and spot native wildlife as you traverse boardwalk trails through tranquil meadows and marshes. Does Ohio have any natural wonders? If you are in the mood for an unforgettable getaway, venture out to explore the many hidden gems across the Buckeye State’s diverse landscapes. On South Bass Island, the remarkably beautiful Crystal Cave is the home of the world’s largest known geode. Visitors can journey 35 feet underground to explore the sights of this 15,000-year-old natural wonder which is now home to a charming winery. In Marshallville, the Johnson Woods sprawls over 200-acres of some of Ohio’s oldest woodlands with trees towering over 120 feet tall. The Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs is a beloved spot covering 1,000-acres with 25 miles of trails winding through 400-year-old trees, rugged limestone cliffs and stunning waterfalls, and of course the famous “Yellow Spring”. Where should I go to take photos of Ohio? Ohio is an ideal setting for nature photographers and our landscapes offer breathtaking backdrops of stunning waterfalls, lush woodlands, rugged gorges, and pristine lakes. At Hocking Hills State Park, unique rock formations and rushing waterfalls make for an idyllic area to capture our state’s beauty. Tucked between Cincinnati and Columbus, the Clifton Gorge State Natural Preserve is home to an astoundingly gorgeous dolomite and limestone gorge with easily accessible overlooks along short foot trails. About 40 miles south of Clifton Gorge, discover the peaceful ponds and meandering meadows of the Fallsville Wildlife Area. Here visitors can snap a shot of the placid waters of Clear Creek or venture out to catch a glimpse of the park’s waterfalls.

The OIYS Visitor Center

most scenic places in Ohio

March 12, 2021

Jackie Ann

Which state parks should I visit in Ohio? With 83 distinctly beautiful state parks within our borders, Ohio nature lovers have an abundance of natural destinations to explore. The popular Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a sanctuary nestled between Cleveland and Akron along the Cuyahoga River. The northern region of the park is home to the Canal Exploration Center where visitors can learn about the unique history of this 19th-century waterway. Just east of Toledo, the Maumee Bay State Park boasts 1,336-acres of recreation areas on the shimmering shores of Lake Erie. Home to over 300 species of birds, this park is the perfect place to take in the scenery and spot native wildlife as you traverse boardwalk trails through tranquil meadows and marshes. Does Ohio have any natural wonders? If you are in the mood for an unforgettable getaway, venture out to explore the many hidden gems across the Buckeye State’s diverse landscapes. On South Bass Island, the remarkably beautiful Crystal Cave is the home of the world’s largest known geode. Visitors can journey 35 feet underground to explore the sights of this 15,000-year-old natural wonder which is now home to a charming winery. In Marshallville, the Johnson Woods sprawls over 200-acres of some of Ohio’s oldest woodlands with trees towering over 120 feet tall. The Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs is a beloved spot covering 1,000-acres with 25 miles of trails winding through 400-year-old trees, rugged limestone cliffs and stunning waterfalls, and of course the famous “Yellow Spring”. Where should I go to take photos of Ohio? Ohio is an ideal setting for nature photographers and our landscapes offer breathtaking backdrops of stunning waterfalls, lush woodlands, rugged gorges, and pristine lakes. At Hocking Hills State Park, unique rock formations and rushing waterfalls make for an idyllic area to capture our state’s beauty. Tucked between Cincinnati and Columbus, the Clifton Gorge State Natural Preserve is home to an astoundingly gorgeous dolomite and limestone gorge with easily accessible overlooks along short foot trails. About 40 miles south of Clifton Gorge, discover the peaceful ponds and meandering meadows of the Fallsville Wildlife Area. Here visitors can snap a shot of the placid waters of Clear Creek or venture out to catch a glimpse of the park’s waterfalls.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

With 83 distinctly beautiful state parks within our borders, Ohio nature lovers have an abundance of natural destinations to explore. The popular Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a sanctuary nestled between Cleveland and Akron along the Cuyahoga River. The northern region of the park is home to the Canal Exploration Center where visitors can learn about the unique history of this 19th-century waterway. Just east of Toledo, the Maumee Bay State Park boasts 1,336-acres of recreation areas on the shimmering shores of Lake Erie. Home to over 300 species of birds, this park is the perfect place to take in the scenery and spot native wildlife as you traverse boardwalk trails through tranquil meadows and marshes.

Does Ohio have any natural wonders?

If you are in the mood for an unforgettable getaway, venture out to explore the many hidden gems across the Buckeye State’s diverse landscapes. On South Bass Island, the remarkably beautiful Crystal Cave is the home of the world’s largest known geode. Visitors can journey 35 feet underground to explore the sights of this 15,000-year-old natural wonder which is now home to a charming winery. In Marshallville, the Johnson Woods sprawls over 200-acres of some of Ohio’s oldest woodlands with trees towering over 120 feet tall. The Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs is a beloved spot covering 1,000-acres with 25 miles of trails winding through 400-year-old trees, rugged limestone cliffs and stunning waterfalls, and of course the famous “Yellow Spring”.

Where should I go to take photos of Ohio?

Ohio is an ideal setting for nature photographers and our landscapes offer breathtaking backdrops of stunning waterfalls, lush woodlands, rugged gorges, and pristine lakes. At Hocking Hills State Park, unique rock formations and rushing waterfalls make for an idyllic area to capture our state’s beauty. Tucked between Cincinnati and Columbus, the Clifton Gorge State Natural Preserve is home to an astoundingly gorgeous dolomite and limestone gorge with easily accessible overlooks along short foot trails. About 40 miles south of Clifton Gorge, discover the peaceful ponds and meandering meadows of the Fallsville Wildlife Area. Here visitors can snap a shot of the placid waters of Clear Creek or venture out to catch a glimpse of the park’s waterfalls.