Dec 21

Dec 21 Hiking in Ohio: Some of the Best Trails in the State

Ohio might not be your number one hiking destination but that doesn’t mean we’re lacking good hiking trails! While the Buckeye state is fairly flat with a lot of open fields… some parts of the state show the remains of the ancient sea and where glaciers carved the landscape. This provides some absolutely stunning views when out hiking.

Eastern Ohio is where you’re going to find most of these views, especially southeast where you’ll find landscapes that are dense with the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

I have done A LOT of hiking all over Ohio in the last few years, so I feel pretty confident in rounding up these trails as some of the best in the state.

Note: These hikes are my own opinion; everyone has their own favorites.

Conkle’s Hollow Rim & Gorge Trail

A super popular (and for good reasons) trail located in the Hocking Hills Region. Starting in the parking lot, you’ll have two options, the Rim and the Gorge trail. I’d recommend the Rim trail first, where you’ll walk along the top of the cliffs, be careful though as you can get very close to the edge. When done, you’ll end up back on the path that begins the Gorge trail, which will take you below the cliffs. There’s even a few mini waterfalls throughout it.

Length: 3 miles, loop (Rim)/out + back (Gorge)
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked

>> Related: Hocking Hills Region: The Hiking Guide <<

Big & Little Lyons Falls Trail

The only public waterfalls here in Mohican State Park are Big and Little Lyons Falls. Both need a good rainfall to be flowing well. You’ll start by parking at the covered bridge (there’s two different lots but both are close to it). Big Lyons is the first one you’ll come across and is the most popular of the two; it flows over a recess cave into the small stream below. As for Little Lyons, you can reach it by going up the stairs and following the trail to it; you can only see part of it though because of how the trail is.

Length: 2 miles, loop
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked

>> Related: 10+ Waterfall Hikes In Northeast Ohio <<

Upper Falls to Whispering Cave

Starting at the Hocking Hills Visitor Center parking lot, you’ll start along the trail at Upper Falls. Once you reach Lower Falls, you’ll continue on the trail till you see signs for the Hemlock Bridge Trail and Whispering Cave at a fork. This is the perfect trail if you’re in the Hocking Hills Region and can only do one hike and want to see a lot of waterfalls and rock formations.

Length: 5 miles, out & back
Difficulty: moderate, moderately trafficked

>> Related: Hiking the Old Man’s Cave Area <<

Brandywine Gorge Trail

The most popular spot in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Brandywine Falls, which is also the tallest waterfall in the state (65 feet). Simply park at the Brandywine lot and take the trail on the left instead of the boardwalk straight ahead (this is where you’ll end). This awesome trail will take you all around the Brandywine Gorge and eventually the namesake waterfall. In some of the lower spots, you can find some smaller waterfalls in the creek and some great views of the gorge at the top of it.

Length: 1.3 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Heavily trafficked.

Ledges Trail

Located on the eastern side of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you’ll start at the parking lot and head down past the Ledges Shelter. You’ll reach a fork, going left takes you around the open field to the overlook, going straight will lead you to the trail. After walking a short distance you’ll take a right and start on the trail where it’ll take you through the massive ledges. You’ll eventually come across the overlook for stunning views above the trees. It’s not a difficult trail but you will be going up and down steps or rocks on the trail so just watch your footing.

Length: 2.2 miles, loop
Difficulty: Moderate. Heavily trafficked.

>> Related: Hiking In Cuyahoga Valley National Park <<

Rock House Trail

Another Hocking Hills Region area worth visiting. There’s two parking lots, both will lead you onto the trail that will go to Rock House. The trail itself isn’t too hard, lots of stairs and you’re close to the cliff a lot, so watch your footing. The Rock House can get pretty busy depending on the time of day. The floor of it can also be pretty wet and dark at times. While the trail is fairly short, it offers amazing views, plus you get to walk through an ACTUAL cave.

Length: 1 mile, loop
Difficulty: moderate, heavily trafficked

Cantwell Cliffs Rim Trail

Cantwell Cliffs consist of towering cliffs and a rock shelter, narrow passageways, and some mini waterfalls. This Hocking Hills Region trail is definitely for the adventurous spirit. Use extra caution here. The rim trail is a bit of a scramble, but worth it in the end because of the views. There’s also a Gorge trail that connects to the Rim trail that’s worth hiking as well, which is about 1 mile.

Length: 1.1 miles, loop
Difficulty: difficult, moderately trafficked