11 Epic Adventures Every Ohioan Must Take Before They Die
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April Dray
Author
We’ve got a lot of incredible places to explore outdoors in Ohio. From breathtaking state parks to rare ecosystems, there’s always something just waiting to be explored in the Buckeye State. The following are 11 epic adventures everyone in Ohio should take before they die—and they’ll give you a new appreciation for our state.
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. Click here for directions and more information.
April Dray/Only In Your State
If you’ve yet to take 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. Click here for directions and more information.
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Most people don’t know there’s a stunning, sapphire quarry in Sandusky County. Tucked away in the small town of Gibsonburg, Ohio, you’ll find White Star Quarry. It’s a little-known diving resort that Ohio explorers will fall in love with. (And if you’d rather not scuba dive, you can always check out the designated swimming area in the summer months or have a picnic by the quarry.) Click here for directions and more information.
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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. Click here for directions and more information.
Although Ohio is full of several impressive zoos, The Wilds in Cumberland offer a unique way to observe exotic animals. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can get an up-close encounter with the animals or board a Safari Transport so you can observe them (from a safe distance) roam freely while learning all about the rare and endangered species the facility conserves. Click here for directions and more information.
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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 popular highlight within the park and a must-see. Click here for directions and more information.
Most people don’t know there’s a pretty epic adventure park hiding in the woods of northeast Ohio. Go Ape Treetop Adventure at Mill Stream Run Recreation Area in Strongsville, Ohio features a really unique treetop course that gives Ohio explorers and nature lovers a whole new perspective. Part of the Cleveland Metroparks, this little-known gem is located just minutes from downtown Cleveland. Click here for directions and more information.
Cantwell Cliffs in Rockbridge, Ohio features a deep valley, steep cliffs and even a rock shelter that visitors can explore. Although the trail is only a 1-mile loop, it isn’t for the faint of heart―but the scenery you’ll encounter along the way makes the journey more than worth while. Click here for directions and more information.
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Have you ever wondered where the most remote, isolated spot in Ohio is? Southeast Ohio is home to some breathtaking scenery and Ohio’s only national forest. If you’ve yet to visit Wayne National Forest, you’re missing out on one of the most beautiful spots in all of Ohio.
Encompassing more than a quarter million acres of Appalachian foothills, this national forest stretches across 12 counties in southeast Ohio. (Many acres are under private ownership.) Click here for directions and more information.
"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. Click here for directions and more information.
While most people are familiar with the beauty of Ohio’s beloved Old Man’s Cave hiking trails and the Hocking Hills State Park, less people are aware of the similar breathtaking, adventurous nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails and diverse plant life.
Click here for directions and more information.
Have you explored any of these places before? If so, we want to hear all about your adventures!
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