Brandywine Falls is the majestic 60-foot waterfall you'll find in Cuyahoga Valley National Park -- in fact, it's one of the park's top attractions. And you can see it in all its glory from several hiking trails at the park. Personally, we're most fond of the low key Brandywine Gorge Trail, a short and sweet hike with a beautiful payoff.
Brandywine Falls was carved by Brandywine Creek, giving it a unique look.
I don't know about you, but when I spend time in nature, I prefer it to be meditative. I don't mind greeting the occasional passerby, but I'd like the majority of my visit to be spent immersed in birdsong, the soft crunching of squirrel pitter-patter over fallen leaves, and the distant song of a babbling brook. Today, we're going to visit five sites where you just might have the whole hiking trail and every song-like sound of nature to yourself. Pack your favorite hiking gear and prepare to reconvene with the splendor of Ohio's natural beauty, because Mother Nature beckons at these magical parks.
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The first stop on our journey will be the Skok Meadow hike in Chardon, Ohio's Girdled Road Reservation.
Rachel Martin/AllTrails
I just love hiking in Chardon, because it captures the beauty of two delightfully hikeable counties: Geauga County and Lake County. While it is the county seat of Geauga County, it's not too far from the border between the two, which means bonus hikes through areas like Chapin Forest Reservation (which spans Northeast Ohio's only mountain) are just a short drive away. And the history in this area? Well, it's fascinating.
Girdled Road Reservation is actually part of the Lake Metroparks system, but well before that happened, it was a pretty forested stretch on the first road to span from the Cleveland area all the way into Pennsylvania. Girdled Road, as it was called, took its name from the process used to clear and widen the road. Its construction crew removed bark from the trees they wished to remove, cutting off their flow of nutrients and making them easier to cut down.
When you approach the Skok Meadow entrance, more history comes to life in the form of a quaint old barn. Known as the Hosea Brown Barn, this structure dates back to 1817 and is now one of the oldest buildings in the area. Just think, it was built a mere 13 years after Ohio became a state!
In addition to a rich history, this site is overflowing with natural beauty. The roughly mile-long trail encircles a beautiful wildflower meadow, and it easily connects to a surprising 6.5-miles of trails that span Girdled Road Reservation. The park is designated an Important Bird Area by Audubon Ohio, and the dazzling landscape of Big Creek Valley is poised to enchant visitors.
From here, the next stop on our meditative hiking checklist is Burton, Ohio. We're going to visit a kettle lake!
If you've never heard of a kettle lake, you might be surprised to learn that this incredible feature is a remnant of the last ice age. As glaciers retreat, they sometimes drop chunks called "dead ice." While the glacier retreats, that ice stays dead in the water, so to speak. It just sits there as sediment buries it. When the ice age ends and temperatures rise, that dead ice melts and forms a depression in the ground. Nature works its magic and bam, you've got a lake!
Kettle Trail in the Burton Wetlands will lead you to Lake Kelso, a 28-acre beauty that's nearly circular.
Robin Stone/AllTrails
Throughout the park, roughly 1.5-miles of trails ensure a short but beautiful hike through a fascinatingly diverse landscape. This area is rich in plants typically found higher north on the Canadian Shield, so it's a unique indulgence for sharp-eyed nature lovers.
If you're looking for a more modern experience while you're in Burton, Century Village makes a fascinating addition to your local bucket list. This living history museum is free to explore, and you'll love seeing all the historic structures.
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Now let's visit another site known for its unique plants: Brown's Lake Bog Preserve in Shreve, Ohio.
Nolan Hight/AllTrails
It's easy to wander into this 100-acre park and envision the world Winnie the Pooh and friends were said to frequent. However, since 1967, this landscape has remained a National Natural Landmark due to its unique qualities... and they're numerous! Like the Burton Wetlands, Brown's Lake Bog Preserve is home to a kettle lake. Believe it or not, that's not the only landmark here from Ohio's glaciated era. A kame, which may look like an unusually shaped hill to the untrained eye, greets visitors. This odd structure is created when dirt and debris collect in a depression in a retreating glacier. When the glacier melts, its waters carry the debris to the landscape and deposits it there. They tend to pop up near kettles, which earns landscapes like the one at Brown's Lake a fun nickname in the geomorphic community: kame and kettle topography.
In addition to unique structures, this landscape is also home to some 20 unique and rare plants. A floating sphagnum moss mat helped build the right qualities for these plants to thrive, so try to leave nothing beyond footprints during your visit. Look for pitcher plants and salamanders during your visit. Though the main hiking trail is less than a mile in length, you'll want to budget some time to let your eyes wander. Don't take your hiking boots off yet... we've still got two stops on our hiking trip!
Next up is a pretty spot in the Hocking Hills region known as Clear Creek Metro Park in Lancaster, Ohio.
Cait Severance/AllTrails
There's no shortage of trails in this 5,470-acre park, but we'll opt to explore one of the more diverse routes: Cemetery Ridge Loop, a roughly two hour journey through untouched beauty. The beginning stretch of the route will take you up a steep landscape in the forest, and then it will alternate between forested stretches and gorgeous untamed meadows. This area is home to more than 2,200 species of plants and animals, including Ohio’s last remaining colonies of rhododendron.
This landscape contains the largest nature preserve in the state, and though it receives a decent amount of traffic, the sheer size of the park makes it feel intimate. The park is dotted with Blackhand sandstone cliffs and waterways, and it's still semi-primitive, meaning the landscape is a bit rugged. Keep your eyes peeled for indigenous critters like beavers and blue heron, and watch where you step... plants like little gray polypody may be underfoot! (Try saying that ten times fast. Little gray polypody, little groly... Shoot.)
To round out our hiking adventure in Ohio, we're going to go to one of the more striking trails in Chillicothe's Scioto Trail State Park.
Ben Davis Jr./AllTrails
With just 218 acres, this state park is surprisingly petite. Nevertheless, its vistas overlook Ohio’s Scioto River Valley and provide views that are downright jaw-dropping. The main loop trail in the park takes about three hours to complete, but for views like the one above, it's a worthy journey.
With high ridges, you can expect to work your calves as you traverse elevation change. The rolling landscape in and around Chillicothe is another remnant of the ice age... while glaciers covered roughly two-thirds of the state, they weren't as dense in the southern reaches. In this area, the Illinois and Wisconsin ice advances came to a terminus, which has resulted in various glacial deposits that have helped create a wild and rolling landscape.
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When you visit Scioto Trail State Park, make sure you budget some time to sit and take in the beauty of the local landscape. The quiet solitude of this region is pure magic.
All across Ohio, unique landscapes thrive and make our state a nature lover's dream. From sandstone cliffs to quiet bogs and kettle lakes, there's much to discover in The Buckeye State.
After you get some time to yourself in nature, you might want to brave the crowds to explore our top-rated trails. They're fantastically beautiful!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
