Feb 28

Feb 28 8+ Breathtaking Views in Ohio

I know what you’re thinking, “breathtaking views in OHIO?!” But trust me, there is. We have more overlooks and scenic vistas that I can possibly fit into one blog post.

In no particular order, below are some of my favorite views in the entire Buckeye State.

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve

Located in the oh-so-popular Hocking Hills Region, the 2.6-mile rim trail will lead you along the rim of the gorge, providing stunning views. Down below, you can also hike the 1.2-mile gorge trail for even more great views of the rocks and catch a few seasonal waterfalls as well. Definitely recommend hiking both (unless you’re afraid of heights).

Hocking Hills State Park

Whenever people ask me my top recommendation for places to explore, Hocking Hills State Park is always at the top of the list. Easily the most popular (and rightly so) park in the entire state, the park offers absolutely phenomenal views. The park is filled with gorges, rock formations, caves, and an abundance of waterfalls that you can explore. The entirety of the park is breathtaking so I can’t pick just one spot.

I always combine Hocking Hills and Conkle’s Hollow when I visit this part of Ohio since they’re right by each other.

Cleveland Skyline

There are quite a few places to view our beloved skyline along the banks of Lake Erie, but my personal favorite is from the Edgewater Script Sign. Other popular skyline views are the Lakefront Nature Preserve, Lakewood Park, and Heritage Park.

>> Related: 45 Things To Do In Cleveland, Ohio <<

Columbus Skyline

Another skyline view but this time in our state’s capital. I love this view simply because when you’re standing on W. Rich Street, you get such an amazing view of the skyline while it reflects in the Scioto River.

Kalberer Emergent Tower

Located at the Holden Arboretum, the Kalberer Emergent Tower is a great place to view the surrounding area, especially in the fall time. Climbing up 120 feet (or 202 steps to the top), you will have wide-open views all the way to Lake Erie. There are platforms with informational signs and places to rest throughout the tower.

The tower is open from April through November.

>> Related: Your Guide To Visiting The Cleveland Gardens <<

Mohican Gorge Overlook

The endless landscape of the gorge in Mohican is by far one of the most stunning views of fall foliage in all of Ohio and it doesn’t even require hiking; you simply park at the lot and walk up to the railing of the overlook. This spot is unique, while most overlooks are a flat line of trees, Mohican’s is 300 feet deep in the Clear Fork Gorge, with the trees at different heights, giving you the vibe that you’re in the mountains.

Another favorite in Mohican is the Fire Tower, where you can climb up the old steps 125 feet for beautiful views of the Mohican-Memorial Forest; views similar to the Overlook.

>> Related: The Ultimate Guide To Mohican State Park <<

Fort Hill Earthworks

The Fort Hill Steps are located in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks and are located behind the Nature Center. The 155 steps go up about 90 feet along the shale cliff for views of the Rocky River. No matter which direction you’re facing on these steps, you’re rewarded with stunning views.

Brandywine Falls

Definitely, the most popular spot in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Brandywine Falls, with the 65-foot waterfall and beautiful boardwalk. You have a few options here, you can take the boardwalk down into the gorge to face the falls directly or stay on the upper level to get a slightly further away view of the falls but nonetheless gorgeous (and probably less busy too). You can even keep walking a bit further down for a few more views of the falls, one right next to the top of the falls, and another on the bridge looking into the gorge (you can’t really see the falls this way but you can see the creek go over the cliff that makes the falls).

Oak Openings “The Spot”

A hidden gem located in Toledo. Many of the metro parks out here are worth checking out, but the main attraction is called “the spot” to the locals. Over 60 years ago in “the spot,” park rangers planted roughly 1200 red pine trees in an attempt to stop erosion and produce timber. The area is popular because the trees are beautiful and evenly lined up. Unfortunately, these trees are not native to the region and now they are becoming unhealthy and reaching the end of their lives.

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