With so many incredible hikes in Ohio, there’s ample opportunity to embrace the local landscape Hiking is one great way to explore some of Ohio’s most beautiful scenery… but you don’t have to be an experienced backpacker who’s always ready to take on the unpredictable elements of nature to do so. All throughout the state of Ohio, there are several hiking trails that take you to incredible sights. And the best part? Many of them are less than five miles. Take a look at the following 14 hiking trails in Ohio, which are less than (or just at) five miles:

  1. Wilderness Trail (The Edge of Appalachia Preserve)

Keith Robinson/Flickr The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail; a 2 1/2-mile loop that’s perfect for a one-day hike. However, if you wander off the trail and decide to explore the preserve’s more than 20,000 acres, we don’t blame you one bit! Take a hike at 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693.

  1. Stone House Loop Trail (Salt Fork State Park)

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Salt Fork State Park is a beautiful landscape that enchants visitors (and, according to the local news, also brings some visitors face-to-face with bigfoot). This 1.8 mile-long moderate trail takes you to the Kennedy Stone House, which is a hidden gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Start exploring the state park at 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755.

  1. Charleston Falls Preserve (Tipp City)

Stephen/Flickr Best seen after a good rain, this waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County. The trail system within the park loops around and consists of about 4 miles total. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the beauty of the park’s 216 acres. Find it at 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371.

  1. Overlook Trail (Highbanks Metro Park)

Jared Cherup/Flickr Next up is a visit to Highbanks Metro Park! This 2.3 mile trail features a moderately strenuous hike that takes you to an observation deck 100 feet above Olentangy River. During your visit to Highbanks, be sure to look for the park’s signature burial mounds. Seriously! Embrace adventure at 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

  1. Ridge-Creekside Loop (Clear Creek Metro Park)

jinjan liang/Flickr Enjoy 5 miles of rugged cliffs, peaceful creeks and beautiful wildlife along this trail at Clear Creek Metro Park. All in all, this lovely park encompasses more than 5,300 acres of landscape. Find it on Clear Creek Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149.

  1. Brandywine Falls and Stanford Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)

Jasper/Flickr Start this 4.5 mile hike at Stanford House toward the breathtaking falls (from either direction) and loop back around the other way to the Stanford House. Brandywine Falls is arguably the most stunning waterfall in Ohio’s only national park. Spot its majestic 65 foot tall cascade at 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067.

  1. Ledges and Pine Grove Loops (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)

Yi-Liang (Lucas) Liu/Flickr This 4.1 mile figure-eight trail features breathtaking views along the way that you simply have to see to believe. You can start your trek at the incredibly picturesque Kendall Lake, a man-made lake that dates back to 1935. Find it off of Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264.

  1. Rowe Woods Trails (Rowe Woods)

Angelskiss31/Flickr Within the Cincinnati Nature Center, you can find this easy to hike loop trail in Rowe Woods, which features an abundance of wildlife and beautiful plants along the way. It is approximately 1.8 miles long. Find it at 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150.

  1. Clifton Gorge Trail (John Bryan State Park)

See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr Coming in at just about 5 miles, this local favorite day-hike features the calm waters of the Little Miami River and a deep limestone chasm. You can find the 752-acre John Bryan State Park at 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387.

  1. Hebron Trail (Ohio Canal Greenway)

Harry Wagner/Flickr This recreational trail in Licking County is located on the old Penn Central Railroad right-of-way, just south of the village of Hebron. It is approximately 2.7 miles long, and features farmland scenery and a charming covered bridge along the way. Look for it off of Township Hwy 171, Hebron, OH 43025.

  1. Old Man’s Cave Loop (Hocking Hills State Park)

April Dray/Only in Your State What is arguably Ohio’s most scenic hiking trail is approximately 1 mile long and can be completed in about one hour. In addition to Old Man’s Cave, you’ll encounter the Devil’s Bathtub, Sphinx Head, A-Frame Bridge and the Upper and Lower Falls. Immerse yourself in nature at 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138.

  1. The Rock House Trail (Hocking Hills State Park)

See1, Do1, Teach1/Flickr Also located in the Hocking Hills State Park, the .5 mile Rock House Trail is a fairly strenuous hike that takes you to an incredible cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Find it at 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135.

  1. Ottawa-Magee Partnership Trail (Magee Marsh Wildlife Refuge)

Benny Mazur/Flickr Arguably the state’s top bird-watching spot — featuring more than 300 species of birds — you can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton. The Ottawa-Magee Partnership Trail is approximately 1 mile long. Find it at 13229 St. Rt. 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449.

  1. Cascade Falls Trail (Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park)

rarabecca/Flickr Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park has delighted visitors for generations with its diverse landscape. This short .5 mile trail leads to an impressive waterfall, complete with a short boardwalk and observation deck below the falls. Visit this pretty state park at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231.

Have you visited any of these incredible hikes in Ohio before? What other trails would you recommend in Ohio that are less than 5 miles? Share your suggestions, experiences and photos with us via our Facebook page!

Keith Robinson/Flickr

The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County is best known for its biological diversity, steep cliffs and the Wilderness Trail; a 2 1/2-mile loop that’s perfect for a one-day hike. However, if you wander off the trail and decide to explore the preserve’s more than 20,000 acres, we don’t blame you one bit! Take a hike at 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Salt Fork State Park is a beautiful landscape that enchants visitors (and, according to the local news, also brings some visitors face-to-face with bigfoot). This 1.8 mile-long moderate trail takes you to the Kennedy Stone House, which is a hidden gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Start exploring the state park at 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755.

Stephen/Flickr

Best seen after a good rain, this waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County. The trail system within the park loops around and consists of about 4 miles total. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by the beauty of the park’s 216 acres. Find it at 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371.

Jared Cherup/Flickr

Next up is a visit to Highbanks Metro Park! This 2.3 mile trail features a moderately strenuous hike that takes you to an observation deck 100 feet above Olentangy River. During your visit to Highbanks, be sure to look for the park’s signature burial mounds. Seriously! Embrace adventure at 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035.

jinjan liang/Flickr

Enjoy 5 miles of rugged cliffs, peaceful creeks and beautiful wildlife along this trail at Clear Creek Metro Park. All in all, this lovely park encompasses more than 5,300 acres of landscape. Find it on Clear Creek Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149.

Jasper/Flickr

Start this 4.5 mile hike at Stanford House toward the breathtaking falls (from either direction) and loop back around the other way to the Stanford House. Brandywine Falls is arguably the most stunning waterfall in Ohio’s only national park. Spot its majestic 65 foot tall cascade at 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067.

Yi-Liang (Lucas) Liu/Flickr

This 4.1 mile figure-eight trail features breathtaking views along the way that you simply have to see to believe. You can start your trek at the incredibly picturesque Kendall Lake, a man-made lake that dates back to 1935. Find it off of Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264.

Angelskiss31/Flickr

Within the Cincinnati Nature Center, you can find this easy to hike loop trail in Rowe Woods, which features an abundance of wildlife and beautiful plants along the way. It is approximately 1.8 miles long. Find it at 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150.

See 1, Do 1, Teach 1/Flickr

Coming in at just about 5 miles, this local favorite day-hike features the calm waters of the Little Miami River and a deep limestone chasm. You can find the 752-acre John Bryan State Park at 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387.

Harry Wagner/Flickr

This recreational trail in Licking County is located on the old Penn Central Railroad right-of-way, just south of the village of Hebron. It is approximately 2.7 miles long, and features farmland scenery and a charming covered bridge along the way. Look for it off of Township Hwy 171, Hebron, OH 43025.

April Dray/Only in Your State

What is arguably Ohio’s most scenic hiking trail is approximately 1 mile long and can be completed in about one hour. In addition to Old Man’s Cave, you’ll encounter the Devil’s Bathtub, Sphinx Head, A-Frame Bridge and the Upper and Lower Falls. Immerse yourself in nature at 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138.

See1, Do1, Teach1/Flickr

Also located in the Hocking Hills State Park, the .5 mile Rock House Trail is a fairly strenuous hike that takes you to an incredible cave with a 25 ft. high ceiling and window-like openings. Find it at 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135.

Benny Mazur/Flickr

Arguably the state’s top bird-watching spot — featuring more than 300 species of birds — you can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton. The Ottawa-Magee Partnership Trail is approximately 1 mile long. Find it at 13229 St. Rt. 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449.

rarabecca/Flickr

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park has delighted visitors for generations with its diverse landscape. This short .5 mile trail leads to an impressive waterfall, complete with a short boardwalk and observation deck below the falls. Visit this pretty state park at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231.

Longing for other incredible hikes in Ohio? Visit some local waterfalls for more visual splendor.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693, USAAddress: 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755, USAAddress: 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USAAddress: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USAAddress: Clear Creek Rd, Ohio, USAAddress: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USAAddress: Truxell Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USAAddress: 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150, USAAddress: 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USAAddress: Township Hwy 171, Hebron, OH 43025, USAAddress: 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138, USAAddress: 16350 OH-374, Laurelville, OH 43135, USAAddress: 13229 OH-2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, USAAddress: 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Incredible Hikes In Ohio October 04, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the most beautiful lakes in Ohio? Ohio is overflowing with splendor, especially when it comes to local waterways. From Lake Erie to Portage Lakes, there are dozens of stunning lakes in Ohio. Quite honestly, any local lake is sure to leave you enchanted! Which state parks should I visit in Ohio? Any state park in Ohio is a good place to visit! However, locals are enamored by the landscapes at Salt Fork State Park, Mohican State Park, and Kelleys Island State Park in particular. Does Ohio have any natural wonders? Ohio has wonders galore. Natural wonders come in all shapes and sizes, and we have everything from massive waterfalls and glacial grooves to claustrophobic underground caves.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Incredible Hikes In Ohio

October 04, 2020

Nikki Rhoades

What are the most beautiful lakes in Ohio? Ohio is overflowing with splendor, especially when it comes to local waterways. From Lake Erie to Portage Lakes, there are dozens of stunning lakes in Ohio. Quite honestly, any local lake is sure to leave you enchanted! Which state parks should I visit in Ohio? Any state park in Ohio is a good place to visit! However, locals are enamored by the landscapes at Salt Fork State Park, Mohican State Park, and Kelleys Island State Park in particular. Does Ohio have any natural wonders? Ohio has wonders galore. Natural wonders come in all shapes and sizes, and we have everything from massive waterfalls and glacial grooves to claustrophobic underground caves.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Ohio is overflowing with splendor, especially when it comes to local waterways. From Lake Erie to Portage Lakes, there are dozens of stunning lakes in Ohio. Quite honestly, any local lake is sure to leave you enchanted!

Which state parks should I visit in Ohio?

Any state park in Ohio is a good place to visit! However, locals are enamored by the landscapes at Salt Fork State Park, Mohican State Park, and Kelleys Island State Park in particular.

Does Ohio have any natural wonders?

Ohio has wonders galore. Natural wonders come in all shapes and sizes, and we have everything from massive waterfalls and glacial grooves to claustrophobic underground caves.