For A Quiet Day In Nature, It Doesn't Get More Peaceful Than Ohio's Scioto Trail State Park
By Sarah McCosham|Published November 01, 2023
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There’s nothing like a day spent in nature to quiet a busy mind. Stepping back, putting the iPhone down, and allowing yourself a quiet moment in the Great Outdoors is good for the mind and body. There are lots of wonderful Ohio State Parks that make it easy to escape the world for a bit, and I’m always on the hunt for new-to-me parks to explore and experience. Scioto Trail State Park is a 218-acre refuge tucked inside the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest, offering visitors a quiet escape in Ohio nature.
Ohio is a beautiful state that's often overlooked in terms of outdoor recreation. West Virginia, for example, is known for its world-class whitewater rafting. Kentucky is home to the world's largest cavern system *and* the Grand Canyon of the South. And Michigan is celebrated for its #PureMichigan splendor.
But Ohio has mountains. And white-capped rivers. And caves and waterfalls. It has all of these things, and because the state is a bit of an outdoor recreation dark horse, you'll often have these glorious natural expanses all to yourself!
Nestled within the beautiful 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest in Ross County, this petite state park comes in at just 218 acres -- but this acreage packs quite a punch of scenery and recreation.
Scioto Trail State Park offers miles and miles of hiking trails for recreation, including connections to the Buckeye Trail as well as myriad equestrian and mountain biking trails.
The park is also an amazing place for camping, especially if you're looking for waterfront campsites in Ohio. The Scioto Trail State Park Campground offers electric campsites near Caldwell Lake and hike-in primitive sites at the Stewart Lake camp area, so you have options!
In addition to its natural features and recreation opportunities, Scioto Trail State Park is also home to "Log Church," a restored replica of the oldest Presbyterian Church in the Northwest territory that's a delightful discovery for history buffs.
Whether you're looking to spend a day on the trails, an afternoon on the water, or a night beneath the stars, this Ohio State Park is an enchanting and quiet oasis just waiting to be discovered.
Quiet and serene, there’s no place quite like this Ohio State Park! For more information on the Scioto Trail State Forest, visit its listing on the Ohio DNR website.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
