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There’s nothing like spending outing within the nice open air.
Ohio has a popularity as being largely cornfields, however everyone knows that’s not precisely correct. We’ve obtained rather a lot to supply right here within the Buckeye state, from beautiful waterfalls to elaborate cave methods.
Whether or not you’ve been hoping to get somewhat off the overwhelmed path otherwise you’re simply wanting to absorb somewhat little bit of our state’s pure splendor, Ohio is not going to disappoint you. We’ve gathered an inventory of a few of our favourite hidden gems and pure wonders and arranged them by area. If there’s a wonderful spot that you just suppose deserves somewhat extra appreciation, tell us.
Northwest
Glacial Grooves State Memorial | Kelleys Island
The Glacial Grooves on the north aspect of Kelleys Island are a Nationwide Pure Landmark. The grooves are 400 ft lengthy, 35 ft vast and as much as 10 ft deep and are simply accessible. The grooves include marine fossils which might be 350 to 400 million years outdated and they’re actually a sight to behold.
Castalia State Fish Hatchery | Castalia
If you happen to’ve ever questioned what a Blue Gap seems to be like, you don’t must go too far to seek out out. Situated in Castalia, this beautiful blue gap is a part of the Castalia State Fish Hatchery. The cool water from the blue gap stays extraordinarily cool yr spherical (round 48 levels), making it an amazing assist to the method of hatching fish. A few years in the past, a a lot bigger blue gap that’s a part of the identical system gained reputation as a neighborhood attraction, however that blue gap has since been closed to the general public. The hatchery provides self-guided excursions yr spherical and the occasional fishing lottery. Despite the fact that this explicit blue gap is smaller than the OG, it’s nonetheless fairly darn spectacular!
Fossil Park | Sylvania
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Northwest Ohio was once a large sea full to the brim with prehistoric life. Fossil Park is a 5-acre, handicap accessible quarry the place you possibly can break open fossils for your self and see the proof of this historical world. Fossil searching is a totally free and enjoyable exercise for the entire household.
Ohio Caverns | West Liberty
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These colourful caverns have over 2 miles of surveyed passageways, ranging in depth from 30 ft to 103 ft. The spotlight of any go to to Ohio Caverns will probably be a cease on the largest stalactite in Ohio, The Crystal King. There are a selection of excursions provided at Ohio Caverns and you may take a look at tour costs and extra right here.
Seneca Caverns | Bellevue
Seneca Caverns might have been found in 1872, however they’re a lot, a lot older. This geological surprise has remained largely untouched, providing a singular look again in time.
Northeast
Nelson Kennedy Ridges State Park | Garrettsville
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park will not be the biggest park in Ohio, nevertheless it’s completely beautiful. The rugged cliffs are breathtaking and completely value a go to. The rock formations resemble these seen often all through Hocking Hills, however they’re very uncommon for the northeast area of Ohio.
Mill Creek Falls | Cleveland
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Mill Creek Falls stands proud at 48 ft, making it the biggest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. There’s a wonderful overlook at The Yard at Mill Creek Falls that’s tremendous simple to get to. The falls are stunning any time of yr, however particularly within the autumn.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Brecksville
Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park has so many unbelievable spots that it will be inconceivable to record all of them. Actually, the very best recommendation I can provide you is to present your self a complete weekend to discover the park. You may see unbelievable waterfalls, hike beautiful forest trails, and cease off at a couple of beautiful overlooks.
Thompson Ledge Township Park | Thompson
If you happen to’re searching for a cause to go to the Thompson Ledges, how does pure magnificence, caverns, fissures, springs, and a downright beautiful view sound? The ledges are the right place to take pleasure in a summer time hike and adopted by a scrumptious picnic. Bear in mind to take any gadgets you deliver with you again out if you depart the ledges!
Honey Run Waterfall | Howard
This 25-foot waterfall is positioned in Knox County and is effectively value a day journey from Columbus. Hike from the waterfall alongside the Kokosing River and if you’re finished, take a break on the bench overlooking the falls. Honey Run has some actually unbelievable geological options that aren’t typically present in Ohio, and you may learn extra about them right here.
Columbia Park | Bay Village
This 1.5 acre park is residence to probably the greatest stored secrets and techniques on Lake Erie’s shores. A stupendous waterfall tumbles down onto a sandy seashore at Columbia Park. With a paved path and stairs to Lake Erie, it’s a must-visit spot if you end up in The Land!
Central
Hayden Falls | Dublin
The perfect time to go to Hayden Falls is after a pleasant rain storm. The stroll all the way down to the viewing space is fairly easy however it might get crowded, so in case you’re seeking to maintain your distance, attempt to go to early within the morning.
Olentangy Caverns | Delaware
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Fashioned thousands and thousands of years in the past by an underground river reducing by limestone rock, the Olentangy Indian Caverns are actually a surprise. This yr, the caverns will solely supply self-guided excursions and also you’ll must put on a masks, however that received’t cease you from benefit from the majesty of this place.
Shrum Mound | Columbus
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Shrum Mound is likely one of the final remaining historical burial grounds in Columbus. The mound was constructed roughly 2,000 years in the past by the folks of the traditional Adena tradition and is 20-feet excessive with a 100-foot-diameter.
Rock Mill | Lancaster
![](https://www.columbusnavigator.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/stebelton-park-at-rock-mill-1.jpg)
The mill could also be synthetic, however the beautiful waterfall the place the Hocking River billows over the rocks is the definition of a pure surprise. This can be a fast afternoon go to from downtown Columbus and an ideal place to chill off in the course of the sizzling summer time months. You may learn extra about the history of Rock Mill here.
Blackhand Gorge | Newark
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Blackhand Gorge is likely one of the most surreal websites in central Ohio. Probably the most spectacular function of the 775-acre protect is a slim gorge lower by the Licking River by the well-known Black Hand sandstone formation. The title “Blackhand” originated from a darkish, hand-shaped petroglyph that was engraved on the face of a large sandstone cliff alongside the north aspect of the river.
Indian Run Falls | Dublin
![](https://www.columbusnavigator.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/indian-run-falls-dublin-02.jpg)
Indian Run Falls is considered one of my absolute favourite locations in central Ohio after I’m craving inexperienced areas and nature. The falls are finest seen after a strong rainstorm and there are nice trails to discover, picnic areas to relax, and wildlife to snag blurry images of. Possibly that final one solely occurs to me, however regardless, you must add the falls to your record of locations to go to this summer time.
Overbrook Ravine Park | Clintonville
I really feel somewhat bit responsible about sharing Overbrook Ravine as a result of it actually is such a hidden gem, nevertheless it’s not truthful to maintain such a tranquil place to myself. Situated proper off of North Excessive Road in Clintonville, you’ll really feel such as you’ve been transported one million miles away from Downtown Columbus if you step foot within the ravine.
Shale Hollow Park | Delaware
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Shale Hole Park is a vacation spot that’s excellent for households. The climbing is tremendous simple and there’s loads of nice spots for the youngsters to splash round and do some creeking.
Southwest
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve | Yellow Springs
![](https://www.columbusnavigator.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/clifton-gorge-state-nature-preserve-1.jpg)
Clifton Gorge is totally breathtaking. The speeding water, the winding paths… it’s heaven on earth, my buddies. Sadly, Clifton Gorge is closed till the autumn for path enhancements however I’m telling you, it’s value planning your journey now.
John Bryan State Park | Yellow Springs
When you’re visiting Clifton Gorge, it will be a criminal offense to not cease in at John Bryan State Park. There are cliffs, caves, and seasonal waterfalls. You too can camp on the park in case you’d wish to make a complete weekend out of visiting Yellow Springs.
Fort Ancient State Memorial | Oregonia
Ohio’s historical earthworks needs to be required visiting for all of us. The historical past of this area and the traditional peoples who constructed these unbelievable works need to be admired. If you happen to’d wish to be taught extra concerning the historical earthworks right here in Ohio, you can click here.
Serpent Mound | Peebles
![](https://www.columbusnavigator.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/The_Great_Serpent_Mound.jpg)
We are able to’t discuss historical earthworks and never point out Serpent Mound. Serpent Mound is the biggest surviving instance of a prehistoric effigy mound on the planet, stretching on for 1,348 ft. The mound has been nominated as a World Heritage Website and attracts tens of 1000’s of tourists yearly.
Southeast
Conkle’s Hollow Nature Preserve | Rockbridge
![](https://www.columbusnavigator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Conkles_Hollow-view-1.jpeg)
Conkle’s Hole Nature Protect is stuffed with trails and views that can take your breath away. The hike to the rim of the gorge is one which needs to be taken with excessive warning, however when you get to the highest, you’ll see why so many individuals benefit from the journey.
Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve | Jackson
At Lake Katharine State Nature Protect, you’ll have the prospect to view some distinctive southern species of crops that develop there, together with two completely different sorts of magnolias. The lake is artifical, however the valley it sits in options stunning bluffs fashioned from weathering-resistant sandstone, together with blackhand sandstone.
Old Man’s Cave | Logan
![](https://www.columbusnavigator.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Air-tour-Old-Mans-Cave-upper-falls.jpg)
After all, Previous Man’s Cave isn’t a hidden gem. It’s arguably essentially the most well-known pure surprise in Ohio. But it surely completely needs to be talked about on this record. If you happen to’ve by no means had the chance to go to Previous Man’s Cave, change that in 2020. Photographs simply can’t do Previous Man’s Cave or the waterfalls there justice. It must be skilled in particular person.
Rock House | Laurelville
![](https://www.columbusnavigator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/rock-house-hocking-hills-1.jpeg)
Rock Home is considered one of my favourite locations to go to whereas trekking round Hocking Hills. If you see such a colourful and detailed rock formation, it makes it rather a lot simpler to think about the insane drive of water wanted to create the gorgeous outcroppings and sediment colours.
Featured picture through Wikimedia
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