These 9 Little-Known Natural Wonders In Ohio Belong On Your Bucket List

Few people are aware that Ohio is home to the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world. You can find them on Kelleys Island, and they’re a must-see if you get a chance to travel to the Lake Erie Islands. Measuring 400 feet long, 35 feet wide and 15 feet deep, the Glacial Grooves State Memorial attracts visitors from around the world. Today, you can explore the grooves from different perspectives via a winding series of steps and footbridges that loop around the upper rim of them.

This 1,348-foot-long and three-foot-high prehistoric effigy mound along Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County continues to marvel locals and visitors alike. It is one of the most impressive earthworks in North America, constructed in the shape of a snake. It was built around 1000 A.D. by the Fort Ancient culture and likely used as a place of ceremony.

The Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge features a natural bridge that stretches more than 100 ft. long – and it’s truly incredible. Millions of years ago, this incredible bridge of Black Hand Sandstone was formed from great pressure and steady erosional processes.

The Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula, Ohio is one of those enchanting trails — and it’s a must-do. More than 300 million years ago, this trail’s 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.

A trip to Olentangy Indian Caverns in Delaware, Ohio is an adventure the whole family will love. Mine for gems, explore ancient caverns and more at this little-known destination. Formed by an underground river cutting through solid limestone rock, these caverns were formed millions of years ago, making them an exciting natural wonder to explore.

Most people are surprised to find out that Ohio also has a tunnel of trees you can hike through—and it’s simply stunning. Sugarcreek MetroPark in Bellbrook, Ohio features the Osage Orange Tunnel. It’s a magical place you need to experience for yourself.

Many people are familiar with popular caves in Ohio such as Old Man’s Cave and the Rock House―but few people know about "Chapel Cave" (also known as "21 Horses Cave") hiding in the Hocking Hills. It’s a hidden gem in the Hocking State Forest that you won’t find on any park or nature preserve maps, but you can find the trailhead less than 5 minutes away from the Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve entrance in Rockbridge, Ohio.