Ohio’s diverse outdoor attractions can be enjoyed all year long. From hiking to canoeing, there are hundreds of miles of trails in the state’s parks and state forests.
During the fall, zipline through the trees in southern Ohio as the leaves start to change colors. Winter is also a great time to enjoy ice fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, Ohio has plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. There are more than 74 state parks, over 50 rivers, and 130 state nature preserves.
Rock Climbing
Due to the popularity of rock climbing and rappelling in Ohio, there are a few areas where the public can enjoy these activities. However, these areas are not for the inexperienced.
Aside from rock climbing, rappelling is also allowed in some parks. To find out which areas are open to this activity, check with the park’s visitor center.
For inexperienced climbers, signing up for a guided tour in the Hocking Hills State Park is the best option. The area’s steep cliffs provide an impressive climbing experience, but you’ll want a professional leading the way if you’re a newcomer.
Skiing
Although it’s not often that people think of Ohio as a winter sports destination, there are plenty of resorts that cater to skiers. One of these is Snow Trails in Mansfield, which features multiple trails and a variety of activities. The resort also has a variety of lessons and a program for people with disabilities.
One of the most popular resorts in the state is Mad River Mountain near Zanesfield. It features a variety of trails and runs for both recreational and expert skiers.
Located outside of Cleveland, Alpine Valley is another resort that features wooded trails. Aside from these, the area also has seven miles of groomed snow-tubing areas. The Boston Mills and the Brandywine ski resorts in northern Ohio have plenty of trails that are ideal for different levels of skiers.
Caving
Cave exploration is one of the most popular hidden activities in Ohio. There are numerous caverns throughout the state that allow visitors to explore the natural world below.
The caverns in West Liberty are known for their crystal formations. The caverns were formed by a river that was flowing through the area thousands of years ago. One of the crystal formations in the area is has been nicknamed the “Crystal King”.
One of the largest caverns in the state is the Seneca Caverns in Bellevue. It features seven chamber rooms that are over 110 feet below the surface. Other caverns in the state include Perry’s Cave and Crystal Cave.
Hiking
Ohio has plenty of hiking trails that are suitable for varying skill levels. Some of these include multi-use trails, wilderness backpacking, and even walking through northern marshes.
For moderate hikers, check out one of the state’s Metroparks systems. These parks feature paved trails and wooded paths that are ideal for walking and hiking.
There are plenty of state and national parks in Ohio that are ideal for hikers. Some of the most popular parks include the John Bryan State Park and the Hocking Hills. These parks also have paved trails that run through wooded areas. In addition, some of the parks have wheelchair-accessible trails. Some of these include Adams Lake, Barkcamp, and Quail Hollow.
For advanced hikers, check out the Tar Hollow State Park and the Wayne National Forest. These parks are known for their hiking trails that are ideal for multi-day and extreme trips.