With summer just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to plan some truly amazing adventures here in Ohio. Luckily, there are so many incredible opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Whether it’s a delightful outdoor music festival, a mesmerizing waterfall hike, or perhaps something else altogether, the possibilities are seemingly endless. Today, we’ll introduce you to 9 breathtaking outdoor attractions that you won’t find anywhere outside of Ohio. Ready to get started?
1. The Duck Creek Log Jam in Hocking Hills
Duck Creek Log Jam is an annual event that brings together the best of summer: fantastic live music, friends, family, and the stunning surroundings of Ohio's Hocking Hills. Part music festival, part camping trip, this event promises to start your summer in the most memorable way. Music ranges from bluegrass to folk, rock, and a little bit of everything in between. Duck Creek offers a variety of camping options including a more quiet, family-friendly area. The 2019 Duck Creek Log Jam is scheduled for June 14th and 15th. Ready to book your tickets?
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2. The elusive Corkscrew Falls
While you're in the general vicinity of Hocking Hills, you may want to see the famed "Corkscrew Falls." Originally, this waterfall was situated on private property. Today, explorers who visit Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve and have obtained a special permit can enjoy this rare ecosystem and the treasures it holds. The waterfall is only ten feet tall but flows in a rare corkscrew fashion. For more information on this rare attraction and important information about how you can visit and obtain a permit,
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3. The Ledges Overlook Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, though just a short distance from Cleveland, offers the feeling of being completely immersed in nature. The park features over 125 miles of meandering hiking trails, but perhaps none are quite as enchanting as the Ledges Overlook Trail. The loop measures just over two miles and allows hikers the opportunity to explore the Ritchie Ledges, the most iconic sandstone ledges in Ohio. Hike to the top of the cliffs around sunset and prepare to be amazed by the view!
4. The beautiful grounds of the Cleveland Botanical Garden
The Cleveland Botanical Garden offers the perfect escape into nature without having to travel far from the city. This breathtaking landmark features over ten acres of outdoor gardens and all sorts of whimsical displays that everyone in your family will love. Even on a rainy day, you'll love stepping inside the famed Glasshouse, which features plant species all the way from Costa Rica and Madagascar.
5. The unique tree canopies of Oak Openings Preserve
Located in Toledo, Oak Openings Preserve is considered the rarest ecosystem in all of Ohio. Visitors can look forward to exploring savannas, tall-grass prairies, swamp forests, and oak forests in the same beautiful area. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful walking trail, this beloved natural attraction promises to impress.
6. The view from the iconic Marblehead Lighthouse
Located on Marblehead Peninsula on the shores of Lake Eerie, Marblehead Lighthouse has been in continuous operation since 1822. In fact, it's the oldest lighthouse on the U.S. side of the Great Lakes. Today, the lighthouse is the prominent feature of its namesake state park, which is a 9-acre natural area featuring picnic areas and unparalleled views of Lake Eerie. During the summer, visitors can take a tour of the lighthouse for just $2.
7. The amazing boardwalk trails at Wildwood Preserve
Wildwood Preserve Metropark is a massive, 493-acre park that used to belong to Toledo’s Stranahan family. In addition to the stately manor house on site, visitors will find a magical system of trails that meander through the varied terrain of northwestern Ohio. If you're a true nature enthusiast, you'll marvel at the number of bird species that make this natural area their home. You'll also find the abundance of prairie wildflowers in the summer to be positively delightful.
8. The otherworldly landscape of Ohio Caverns
Located in West Liberty, Ohio is a hidden gem of an attraction that promises to expand your horizons. The Ohio Caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river pushed through the limestone and eventually carved out the caverns. This underground world is particularly well-suited for a hot summer day, when you can escape the heat and sunshine and enjoy a much cooler climate.
9. The historic covered bridges of Ashtabula County
Did you know that Ashtabula County, Ohio is home to 18 unique covered bridges? These incredibly picturesque landmarks will make you feel a deep sense of pride for the Buckeye State. It's here that you'll be able to see the world's shortest and longest covered bridges. Fall is understandably one of the most popular times to explore these sites, but they're stunning in any season.
How many of these amazing Ohio attractions have you experienced? We’d love to hear all about your adventures. And don’t forget to grab your tickets to the 2019 Duck Creek Log Jam by clicking here !