9 Staggeringly Beautiful Places In Ohio That Will Always Be Waiting For You

Ohio was meant to be explored.

Even though we can’t explore as much as we’d like to during this unprecedented time, it’s good to know that preserved nature always thrives. Although several of the beautiful parks and wildlife areas listed below are either temporarily closed or have limited access, they’re waiting for you and all the future adventures you have planned. The following are 9 of what we consider to be the most beautiful places in Ohio.

Thomas Dwyer/Flickr

If you’ve yet to hike the Old Man’s Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, you’re truly missing out. It’s arguably the most beautiful hiking trail in Ohio—and it will make you feel like you’re temporarily living in a "Lord of the Rings" film. At approximately one mile in length, this gorgeous trail takes about an hour to complete, so it’s perfect for a day hike you can take your time exploring.

Lake Erie Bluffs/Facebook

This stunning beachfront metropark features 600 acres, including 40-foot-high beach bluffs, 9,000 feet of shoreline and perfectly picturesque beaches. You'll also find a 50-ft. coastal observation tower that features breathtaking views of the lake and bluffs.

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Erik Drost/Flickr

The Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio features a 500 ft. long elevated walkway suspended 65 ft. above the forest floor. It gives visitors a truly unique perspective of the forest and the animals that live among the trees. And as an added bonus, there’s an observation tower on site that takes you up even further up—so much further that you end up above the trees.

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Megg/Flickr

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek. Known as Brandywine Falls, these easily accessible, beautiful falls are a must-see highlight within the park.

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Britt Reints/Flickr

Measuring 400 feet long, 35 feet wide and 15 feet deep, the Glacial Grooves State Memorial attracts visitors from around the world. They're the largest accessible glacial grooves in the world and are truly incredible to see if you are able to travel to the Lake Erie Islands.

Matt Taylor/Flickr

Close to Toledo you’ll find what’s considered to be Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony—and it will truly make you feel like you’re not in Ohio anymore.

Starley Shelton/Flickr

"America's Most Colorful Caverns" can be found in West Liberty, Ohio. The caverns were formed thousands of years ago when an underground river cut through ancient limestone and created vast rooms and passageways. These passageways are now filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and many other formations.

Jen Goellnitz/Flickr

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is arguably the state's top bird-watching spot—featuring more than 300 species of birds. You can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton. It's a peaceful refuge and a bird watcher's paradise.

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The Wilds/Facebook

Nomad Ridge at The Wilds in Cumberland is arguably one of Ohio’s best kept secrets. It’s a hidden gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and miles away from the small town life. This glampground features several private yurts that provide all the comforts of home just steps away from open pastures, breathing views and exotic animals.

Have you ever explored any of these beautiful places before? What others would you add to this list? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!