Ohio nature is truly amazing. From the Lake Erie Bluffs to the forests of the Hocking Hills, there's always something beautiful and surprising to explore here in the Buckeye State. The following are 15 of our favorite natural attractions in Ohio that we think everyone should visit at least once. For more information about each location, simply click on the link beneath the photo! There is so much to love about the beautiful Buckeye State, and we think you'll fall in love with it all over again just by visiting these amazing spots. Check them out and let us know which ones your favorites are!
1. Old Man's Cave (Logan)
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, short and sweet trail takes about an hour to complete, so it’s perfect for a day hike you can take your time exploring. Be sure to bring enough water, and always pack in what you pack out.
2. Oak Openings Metro Park (Swanton)
Close to Toledo you’ll find what’s considered to be rarest ecosystem in Ohio (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. Who needs to visit Oz or Kansas when we have so much beauty right here in our own backyards?
3. Glacial Grooves State Memorial (Kelleys Island)
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. If you're a fan of geology (same), this one is probably going to be your favorite... well, maybe.
4. Whispering Cave (Logan)
With massive sandstone cliffs, a new cave, a towering waterfall and a swinging bridge, the brand new Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio adventure you simply have to take this summer. The Hemlock Bridge Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that leads to Whispering Cave, a 300 ft.-wide cavern many past visitors have yet to explore. As if the Hocking Hills weren't amazing enough, now there's a cave, too? Yep. Boom.
5. Lake Erie Bluffs (Perry)
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. If you've never before experienced the Lake Erie Bluffs, you've never fully explored Ohio.
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ledges (Peninsula)
The Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula, Ohio is one of those enchanting trails you'll never forget even if you wanted to, 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. This is another good one for the rock geeks out there - we can't get enough either.
7. Great Serpent Mound (Peebles)
The largest (and most strangely shaped) effigy mound in the world can be found right here in Ohio in Adams County. The 1,348-foot-long, uniquely-shaped mound depicts a snake, with an oval shape at its head. The original purpose of the mound remains a mystery, though there is some evidence for astronomical correlations. Sometimes we wish we could go back in time just to ask questions. This fascinating historical place in Ohio is at its best during the warmer months when everything is a gorgeous emerald green.
8. Holden Arboretum Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower (Kirtland)
The Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio features a 500-foot-long elevated walkway suspended 65 feet 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 - so much further that you end up above the trees! You can really see the edge of the world from here (okay, not literally, but still - our inner child is pleased).
9. Natural Bridge (Rockbridge)
The Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge features a natural bridge that stretches more than 100 feet in length – and it’s truly incredible. Millions of years ago, this incredible bridge made of Black Hand Sandstone formed from great pressure and steady erosional processes. As yet another epic entry for our geology fans, we think this amazing natural bridge is well worth a gander.
10. White Star Quarry (Gibsonburg)
Tucked away in the small town of Gibsonburg, Ohio, you’ll find White Star Quarry. It’s a little-known diving resort that Ohioan explorers will fall in love with, and even 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. The color is truly fascinating, and you might just find yourself lost looking into its depths.
11. Nelson Kennedy Ledges (Garrettsville)
While most people are familiar with the beauty of Ohio’s beloved Old Man’s Cave hiking trails and the Hocking Hills State Park, few people are aware of the similar breathtaking, adventurous nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. While it’s not technically "hidden," it’s a highly underrated, lesser-known state park in Ohio that’s a true hidden gem of Ohio. If you've never been, you haven't lived. We don't make the rules.
12. Brandywine Falls (Sagamore Hills Township)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is also 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. This absolutely jaw-dropping waterfall in Ohio is a natural wonder that will leave you spellbound.
13. Ohio Caverns (West Liberty)
"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. Within the Ohio Caverns is one of the world's largest and most perfectly formed stalactites. If you're interested in exploring various caves in Ohio, make Ohio Caverns your first stop. It's a no-brainer!
14. Osage Orange Tunnel (Bellbrook)
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. This magical, mystical tunnel of trees in Ohio is like something out of a storybook that you must see to believe.
15. The Rock House (Laurelville)
Within the Hocking Hills State Park, you’ll find a half-mile trail to the beloved Rock House, an above-ground cave in Ohio with a 25-foot-high ceiling and massive, window-like openings that hikers are free to explore - it will seriously make you feel like Indiana Jones. Naturally, you'll want to make sure to wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water, and as with every hike or natural wonder on this list, be sure to take nothing but pictures (and leave nothing but footprints).
How many of these places have you explored? What other incredible natural attractions in Ohio are there? Share your adventures, photos and recommendations with us!
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