Ohio is one of the most underrated states in the USA. While Ohio is probably most famously known for its bustling metropolitan cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, there is so much natural beauty to be found in the Buckeye State.
Inside Ohio’s state lines, you’ll find incredible natural features like tumbling waterfalls, damp caves, towering cliffs, deep gorges, Great Lake bluffs, and so much more.
To see all of the outdoor beauty that the state has to offer, I’d encourage you to take an Ohio road trip! And I’ve got plenty of Ohio road trip ideas for you!
In this Ohio road trip guide, I’m sharing the eight best stops for outdoor adventure in the Buckeye state. These eight parks all have loads of recreational opportunities including hiking, climbing, paddling, zip-lining, fishing, camping, and more. And these Ohio parks all have beautiful natural features like waterfalls, caves, cliffs, rock formations, gorges, etc.
You won’t want to miss these eight Ohio parks on your Ohio road trip!
Ohio Road Trip: 8 Stops for Outdoor Adventure
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Ohio Road Trip: Mapped Stops
1. Hocking Hills State Park
The Hocking Hills region of southeast Ohio is one of the most scenic places in the Midwest. As you explore all of Hocking Hills’ state parks, forests, and preserves, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped out of Ohio and into some diverse public land out west.
With its lofty cliffs, plunging waterfalls, noteworthy rock formations, deep gorges with picturesque teal-colored water, and explorable recessed caves, it’s easy to see why this slice of Ohio is one of the most beloved places in the state.
While Hocking Hills isn’t exactly a secret among locals and Midwesterners, there are plenty of hidden gems tucked inside the boundaries that are just waiting to be explored.
If you need help deciding which scenic hiking trail(s) to hike in Hocking Hills, read my guide!
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: Dawn to Dusk.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
- Accommodations Nearby: Hocking Hills Campground or Hocking Hills Inn
→ READ NEXT: Complete Guide to Hocking Hills State Park
2. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets. While the secret is out on Hocking Hills, at least amongst Midwesterners, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges still manages to remain camouflaged from tourists.
As a 24-year Indiana resident, I frequented the Ohio State Parks. While Hocking Hills was overall more impressive, Nelson-Kennedy was my favorite place in Ohio to escape the crowds and hike jaw-dropping trails.
While you’re at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges, hike the four short trails that wind through impressive rock formations such as Devil’s Icebox, Indian Pass, and Old Maid’s Kitchen. Along the way, you’ll pass by Cascade Falls, a spectacular waterfall cascading off one of the giant cliffs. AKA: my favorite spot in this park.
Read my first-timer’s guide to Nelson-Kennedy Ledges here!
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: Dawn to Dusk.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
- Accommodations Nearby: Nelson Ledges Quarry Park or Comfort Inn and Suites – Kent
READ NEXT: 17 Best Hikes in the Midwest
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley is one of our park system’s most underrated National Parks. Though the trails, ski area, and river get plenty of traffic, the park receives underwhelming reviews simply because of its location.
But, if I’ve taught you anything in this blog post already, it’s that Ohio harbors some surprising secrets. Cuyahoga Valley is bursting with hidden gems that you just have to see for yourself.
In Cuyahoga Valley, you’ll find yourself wandering amongst waterfalls, caves, cliffs, and mossy ledges reminiscent of those in Nelson-Kennedy.
While you’re in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can bike the Towpath Trail, board a train on the scenic railroad, paddle the river, and hike to a waterfall.
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: All areas of the park are open 24 hours a day with the following exceptions: Brandywine Falls, Virginia Kendall Ledges, Octagon, and Lake close from dusk until morning opening.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
- Accommodations Nearby: Valley Overlook or Holiday Inn Express
READ NEXT: Complete Guide to Exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park
4. Viaduct Park
Viaduct Park is a must-see near Cuyahoga Valley National Park on your Ohio road trip!
Viaduct Park is one of the many metropolitan parks located outside of Cleveland. While Cleveland is a bustling city teeming with manmade architecture, there are plenty of natural features to be found in its surrounding metro parks.
What’s so special about this park, you might ask? Easy! It’s the Great Falls at Tinker Creek, one of Ohio’s widest waterfalls.
To access the waterfall, take the easy 0.6-mile out & back trail right off the parking area. There is a viewing platform perched above the falls, but I’d encourage you to scramble the boulders by the falls below to get the best views of the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek.
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
- Accommodations Nearby: Valley Overlook or Hampton Inn and Suites
5. Cascade Park
Cascade Park is another metro park. This one is located outside of the city of Elyria, west of Cleveland.
Cascade Park is most attractive thanks to its two tumbling waterfalls that flow into the Black River. But aside from those falls, the park’s hikes are very scenic. The river twisting through the park and the rocky ledges sprinkled across the landscape are striking.
The ledges trail with West Falls spur is my favorite trail; it’s about a 0.6-mile loop. There is a separate parking area for East Falls. The West Falls of the Black River is the more impressive of the two waterfalls, but East Falls is still certainly worth seeing!
Directions to the West Falls parking area here.
Directions to the East Falls parking area here.
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: 8 AM – Sunset.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
- Accommodations Nearby: Timber Ridge Campground or Fairfield Inn and Suites
6. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
This stunning nature preserve 50 miles east of Columbus spotlights a deep gorge cut by the Licking River through remarkable sandstone formations.
10 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through rock formations and run alongside waterfalls, quarries, cliffs, and a river.
The main trail, Blackhand Trail, is 4.2 miles long, flat, paved, and suitable for hikers, bikers, and dogs.
If you want to step off the paved path, take the two trails that stem from the Blackhand Trail: Quarry Rim and Chesnut. There are two other trails in the park as well. Access the Oak Knob Trail from the North Parking lot and the Canal Trail from the main parking lot. Note that these four trails are not dog-friendly.
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: 1/2 before sunrise – 1/2 after sunset.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed on the Blackhand Trail ONLY.
- Accommodations Nearby: La-Z Acres Campground or Doubletree by Hilton Newark
7. John Bryan State Park
John Bryan State Park is an incredible park in western Ohio featuring a limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River. (FUN FACT: The Little Miami River is a National Scenic River!)
The Little Miami River is a major highlight of the park! Watch as it flows gently over pebble-sized rocks in some sections and tumbles angrily through narrow canyons and around boulder-strewn islands in other sections.
In John Bryan State Park, there are endless recreational possibilities. You can paddle, swim, camp, hike, rock climb, fish, mountain bike, ski, and so much more.
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: 1/2 before sunrise – 1/2 after sunset.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Leashed pets are allowed.
- Accommodations Nearby: John Bryan State Park Campground or Comfort Inn and Suites
8. Clifton Gorge State Preserve
Just outside of John Bryan State Park, Clifton Gorge State Preserve provides more recreation opportunities. In fact, the two parks are connected. You can hike from one park to another without moving your vehicle. But you’ll have to leave your dog at home for this one: pets are not allowed.
Clifton Gorge is truly a geological marvel. The park protects a spectacular dolomite and limestone gorge cut by – you guessed it – the Little Miami River! In some parts, the gorge is narrow, and the water runs wildly through the channel. In other parts of the gorge, cliff overhangs have broken off and formed massive rock debris, which is scattered all along the valley floor.
There are 3 miles of hiking trails at Clifton Gorge. If you have time, I’d hike them all – the Rim, the Gorge, the Narrows, and the Orton. They are all spectacular!
VISITOR INFO
- Hours: 1/2 before sunrise – 1/2 after sunset.
- Entrance Fee: FREE.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed.
- Accommodations Nearby: John Bryan State Park Campground or Comfort Inn and Suites
READ NEXT: 10 Best Summer Hikes in the Midwest
Discover Your Next Adventure
Where to next? I’ve got some suggestions!
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Red River Gorge
- New River Gorge National Park
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