Ohio Trails

Ohio's northwest hides a treasure trove of rare plants and animals. See it on this overnight trip.

Because it's a trail, with donuts. Do we really need to convince you?

Yes, this waterfall is real, and it's closer than you think.

Avoid winter a little longer on this fall hike through an Appalachian region.

This beautiful 5.1-mile loop in Hocking Hills State Park runs along a tight sandstone gorge to waterfalls, caves, and funky rock formations.

This 8.4-mile out-and-back--just 10 minutes from downtown--connects a handful of wooded hills and stream-carved valleys in Mt. Airy Forest.

Enjoy a quick escape from the urban jungle any time of year on this 4.1-mile figure eight with calming views of the park's rolling meadows and hills.

This 9-mile out-and-back slices across Mohican State Park along a 300-foot deep sandstone gorge to the launch pads of two impressive waterfalls.

Dare to hike here: On his 18.4-mile overnight, you'll pass vacant mines and farms to enter land allegedly guarded by a ghostly brakeman.

This 11.2-mile loop traces an old Shawnee trail over ragged foothills, across view-laden ridges, and into quiet, wooded hollows with darting streams.

Watch the Little Miami River transform from calm to violent in a deep limestone chasm on this 5.2-mile dayhike in John Bryan State Park.

This 11.7-mile loop is loaded with backcountry treats: an old mining town, Indian ceremonial grounds, abandoned roads, stellar ridgeline views, and several designated campsites.

Flowers? Check. Wildlife? Yep. Good trails? You bet. This easy loop in Rowe Woods packs a lot in 4.9 miles, and it’s just a short drive from the I-275 loop.

This 5-mile circuit hike offers rugged cliffs, gentle creeks, and the chance to see dozens of the 900-plus species within Clear Creek Metro Park.

Roam wild hollows and hills to cozy campsites strewn with pine needles on this little-known 15.2-mile loop in Wayne National Forest.

Get far away from it all on this 4-mile loop through wooded ravines and giant rock outcroppings abutting the Great Miami River.

Walk among beech and pine on this easy 3.6-mile hike to views of the 2,350-acre reservoir. Bring your swimsuit.

City life getting dull? Just minutes from downtown, this 3.8-mile rollercoaster loop follows the steep ravines and trickling streams of Mt. Airy Forest.

On this 11.9-mile loop in Mohican State Park, stride past waterfalls, up ridgetops, and along streams to a water-carved gorge with 300-foot walls.

Hike 4.9 miles into wooded pockets colored with summer wildflowers along the hills of Paint Creek, where white-tailed deer congregate at sunset.

String together two loops on this 8.3-miler along the streams and young woodlands near Caesar Creek Lake--a 2,830-acre reservoir.

String several wooded paths and waterfalls together on this 3.5-mile dayhike located only minutes from downtown.

Take this gravel and hardpack trail 2.3 miles to an observation deck 100 feet above the slow, snaking Olentangy River. "You'll climb steep grades through dense maple forest with rarely too many other hikers," says Kathy Lince, president of the YMCA Columbus hiking club.

Ramble along a wide river to quiet, old-growth hollows.

Escape into tranquil, rolling woods in the foothills of the Appalachians.

Escape into tranquil, rolling woods in the foothills of the Appalachians.

Ramble along a wide river to quiet, old-growth hollows.

Time it just right to get to the top of this one.