Jan 9

Jan 9 The 10+ Best Photography Locations in Ohio

Believe it or not, Ohio is actually a very beautiful state. There are hundreds of waterfalls, gorges, historical sites, and more worth exploring (and photographing). While these places might not be as impressive as places in more popular states, they are definitely jaw-dropping in their own way.

Hocking Hills State Park

Easily one of the most photographed locations in the entire state of Ohio, the Hocking Hills region is widely known for its waterfalls and caves. The State Park encompasses 2,000 acres and is surrounded by another 9,000 acres of the State Forest. There are also a few nature preserves located nearby that are worth visiting as well for some more stunning views.

Top Sites to Photograph

Old Man’s Cave area
Ash Cave
Cedar Falls
Rock House
Conkle’s Hollow

>> Related: Hocking Hills Photography Guide <<

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Located between the major cities of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a place where urban meets wilderness and combines it into something truly spectacular. One minute you’ll find yourself walking under the Ohio Turnpike on the Towpath trail, next you’re deep in the woods on the trails or next to a waterfall.

Top Sites to Photograph

Brandywine Falls
Blue Hen Falls
Everett Road Covered Bridge
Plateau Trail
Beaver Marsh

>> Related: Cuyahoga Valley Photography Guide <<

Oak Openings Metro Park

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.

Lanterman’s Mill

Lanterman's Falls is a natural waterfall on the land that used to belong to John Young, the founder of Youngstown. Fast forward to today and you’ll find a mill that people from all over come to photograph. Lanterman’s Mill is operated by the Mill Creek MetroParks in Youngstown.

Clifton Mill & Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

One of the largest water-powered grist mills still in existence is located near Dayton. Beautiful all year long due to the waterfall and mill along a small gorge; it’s most notable because of the magnificent Christmas lights display it puts on during the holiday where there are over 4 million lights decorated over the property.

Nearby is also the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve which boasts some amazing views worth photographing. Here you’ll find an abundance of waterfalls (many only from the rim trail) and other scenic sights.

Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservations

One of the most popular beaches along Lake Erie is Edgewater Beach, due to its proximity to downtown Cleveland and the size of the beach, it boasts some of the best views of the Cleveland skyline.

One of the nicer beaches along the shores of Lake Erie is Huntington Beach, located over in Bay Village. In the distance, you can see the Cleveland skyline, but the highlight here is the rocks in the water that lead up to the beach. It makes for excellent photo opportunities.

Columbus Skyline

Stunning views of our capital’s skyline can be found along the Scioto River, specifically on the Rich Street Bridge south of downtown. The Scioto Mile also boasts a large fountain, events and festivals, and miles of trails for everyone’s enjoyment.

Mohican State Park

Mohican State Park and State Forest is a wonderful little getaway from the cities. A little slice of wilderness right here in Ohio between Cleveland and Columbus. Mohican is home to a few waterfalls, a stunning gorge, history, and more. Hike through the woods and you won’t even remember you’re in Ohio or go camping in a treehouse or a cabin on the lake, or canoe at the Canoe Capital of Ohio. There’s also Landoll’s Mohican Castle you can stay at nearby that is absolutely gorgeous and makes for stunning pictures.

>> Related: Explore Mohican State Park <<

Holden Arboretum Emergent Tower - Ohio — Kalberer Emergent Tower

The Holden Arboretum

The Holden Arboretum, located in Kirtland, is an outdoor living museum. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and forests, lakes, and tons of butterflies, birds, and other critters. With over 3,500 acres and over 20 miles, Holden has some beautiful trails. Possibly one of the coolest things to check out in Northeast Ohio is the Emergent Tower. It stands 120 feet high with the most gorgeous views of the area. Another favorite at Holden; the Canopy Walk is 65′ high with some gorgeous views of the forest. It takes you right next to many of the trees and it kind of loops in a triangle shape with educational information on each platform.

>> Related: Explore the Cleveland Gardens <<

Walnut Woods Metropark

The park boasts 1,170 acres of woodlands and fields, but along the Sweet Gum trail in the Tall Pines area, you’ll come across a stunning row of tall pine trees. Be sure to add this to your Ohio bucket list.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is easily a local photographer’s favorite. It consists of a greenhouse and outdoor gardens. Inside the glasshouse, you’ll find Madagascar and Costa Rica areas with flowers and succulents everywhere, hundreds of beautiful butterflies and birds, and a tortoise. The grounds are just beautiful, there’s a rose garden, Japanese garden, woodland area, and more!