Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Located just 3 miles east of Yellow Springs, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve features 268 acres of spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges. The Little Miami River stretches through two-miles of the preserve. Rushing waters of the Little Miami River flow through remarkable deep and narrow channels and cliff overhangs. The valley floor is covered with wildflowers that are sure to wow you in warmer months. In Autumn, leaves color the gorge with breathtaking views. The area is a popular destination, for hiking, kayaking, and cyclists. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is located at 2381 State Route 343 Yellow Springs, Ohio. For more information, click here.
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills is an amazing place and there is so much to see and do you need to plan an extended visit if you hope to see it all. Within the park are over 25 miles of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, all year round, including holidays.The park contains seven separate hiking areas: Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, and Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave. There are many activities you can enjoy during your visit. Including, kayaking, hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, ziplining, and so much more. Cabin rentals are also available. For more information, click here.
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
Although a small park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges provides a thrilling experience to visitors with its rugged cliffs and diverse plant life typical of a more northern climate. A day-use park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is popular for picnicking and hiking. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is a 167-acre public recreation area offering trails and picnicking located in Nelson Township, Portage County, Ohio, United States. Within the park are angled rock formations 50 to 60 feet high with ground fissures as deep as 60 feet. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is located at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, Ohio. For more information, click here.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Sri Atluri’s Photography
The winding Cuyahoga (the “Crooked River”) gives way to 33,000 acres of deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. The park is a refuge for flora and fauna, gives a sense of times past, and provides recreation and solitude for Ohio’s residents and visitors. Cuyahoga National Park, established as a national recreation area in 1974 and re-designated as a national park in 2000, has a rich cultural legacy as well. Remains of the Ohio & Erie Canal, which traveled through the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries, offer a glimpse into the history of how the country was transformed. Sustainable farming ventures help preserve the valley’s agricultural heritage. Cuyahoga offers something for everyone—from hiking, golfing, historic train rides, and kayaking to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Towering Brandywine Falls is one of several waterfalls that are popular attractions within the park. Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River between the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Akron. For more information, click here.
Burr Oak State Park
Located in southeast Ohio, quiet and remote Burr Oak State Park has a rustic country charm in its scenery of wooded hills and valley farms. As one of Ohio’s resort parks, Burr Oak offers a wide array of overnight accommodations with its lodge, cottages and campground. Burr Oak blends modern conveniences with the wilderness spirit of Ohio. There are 90 non-electric campsites to accommodate campers. Burr Oak Lodge, overlooking the lake from the east, offers sixty guest rooms, five meeting rooms, a dining room, full-service lounge and gift shop. Facilities for lodge and cottage guests include a swimming beach, tennis courts, playground equipment, boat launch ramp and an indoor swimming pool. Burr Oak State Park is located at 10660 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, Ohio. For more information, click here.