The Top Hikes in Ohio: A Trail Lover’s Guide to the Buckeye State

Top Hikes In Ohio:

Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of epic hiking, but locals and savvy adventurers know better. From the rolling foothills of the Appalachians to glacier-carved gorges, sandstone cliffs, wetlands, waterfalls, and even beachside bluffs—Ohio’s trails offer some of the Midwest’s most underrated outdoor experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a weekend stroller, these are the top hikes in Ohio.

Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave

Location: Hocking Hills State Park

Distance: ~6 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate

This hike is the crown jewel of Ohio hiking. Located in southeastern Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park, this trail system strings together three of the park’s most iconic landmarks: Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. The route features massive hemlocks, stunning sandstone formations, and a surprisingly lush, almost fern-filled microclimate in the gorges.

The trail winds past waterfalls, caves, narrow rock corridors, and dramatic cliffs. Ash Cave is particularly notable—a massive recess cave with a seasonal waterfall pouring from above. This hike is best done as a loop, starting and ending at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.

Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends. This is one of the most popular trails in the state.

Zaleski State Forest Backpack Trail

Location: Near Lake Hope State Park

Distance: 23.5 miles (loop; shorter options available)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Zaleski is Ohio’s premier backcountry experience. The trail takes you deep into one of the state’s most remote and rugged areas, offering a true wilderness feel. You’ll pass by ridgelines, hidden lakes, rock outcrops, and hardwood forests with minimal development in sight.

There are designated backcountry campsites with water and latrines, making this an excellent two- or three-day backpacking trip. Fall foliage here is breathtaking, and the trail is open year-round for hardy hikers.

Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail

Location: Hocking Hills State Nature Preserve

Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate with some drop-offs

Don’t let the short distance fool you—Conkle’s Hollow packs a punch. This rim trail skirts the top of a gorge with steep drop-offs and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Hocking Hills. The trail is less trafficked than nearby Old Man’s Cave and offers more solitude.

For a less strenuous experience, the gorge trail below is paved and accessible, providing close-up views of the towering cliffs.

Whipps Ledges Loop

Location: Hinckley Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks

Distance: 1.2 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

This short but scenic trail winds around a massive sandstone outcrop that looks like it belongs in the southern Appalachians, not northeast Ohio. Whipps Ledges offers great bouldering and scrambling opportunities and is perfect for families or those short on time.

In fall, the golden hickories and fiery maples make this a must-see spot. It’s also a favorite sunset destination just 30 minutes south of Cleveland.

Archers Fork Loop Trail

Location: Wayne National Forest (Marietta Unit)

Distance: 12.8 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Tucked into the southeastern corner of Ohio, Archers Fork is one of the state’s most rugged and remote hikes. This challenging loop features dramatic elevation changes, natural rock arches, stream crossings, and beautiful forest solitude.

Highlights include the “Great Cave” rock overhang and a natural stone bridge. It’s a hidden gem for serious hikers looking to escape the crowds.

Note: This trail can get muddy and overgrown in summer—bring gaiters and a good topo map.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ledges Trail

Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Distance: 2.3 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate

This iconic trail showcases the best of Cuyahoga Valley’s unique geology. You’ll walk past towering sandstone cliffs, narrow rock passageways, and moss-covered outcrops. The overlook from the Ledges offers one of the best sunset views in northern Ohio.

The Ledges area is a great jumping-off point for other nearby trails like Pine Grove or the Stanford Trail to Brandywine Falls.

Gorge Trail – John Bryan State Park & Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve

Location: Yellow Springs

Distance: 4.5 miles (out-and-back or loop with rim trail)

Difficulty: Moderate

The Little Miami River has carved a narrow limestone gorge through this area, and the result is stunning. The Gorge Trail follows the river closely, providing views of small waterfalls, rapids, and the vertical rock walls of Clifton Gorge. In spring, wildflowers line the trail.

Nearby Yellow Springs offers post-hike food, drink, and hippie charm. This is one of the best scenic hikes in western Ohio.

Clear Creek Metro Park Trails

Location: Near Lancaster, Ohio

Distance: Various (Combining trails can reach 8–10 miles)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Clear Creek is the most rugged of the Columbus Metro Parks and a hidden gem for serious hikers. The park is part of a nature preserve corridor that includes hemlock ravines, sandstone ridges, and excellent birding. Trails like the Chestnut Trail and Hemlock Trail can be linked together for a long, challenging loop with more elevation gain than most Ohio hikes.

This park feels wild and remote—bring your own water and plan for minimal cell service.

Lake Vesuvius Lakeshore Trail

Location: Wayne National Forest (Ironton Unit)

Distance: 8 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate

Circling the beautiful Lake Vesuvius, this trail offers a peaceful forested trek with plenty of shoreline access. You’ll walk through hardwood forests, across footbridges, and along boardwalks over wetlands.

This trail is family-friendly and great for a full-day hike or overnight near the campground. Combine it with nearby backpacking loops for a longer stay in Wayne National Forest.

Buckeye Trail Segments – Burr Oak to Wildcat Hollow

Location: Southeast Ohio (Morgan County)

Distance: Varies (~7 to 20+ miles depending on segment)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Ohio’s 1,400+ mile Buckeye Trail loops the entire state, but some of the best sections are in the southeast, especially around Burr Oak State Park and Wildcat Hollow. These segments feature dense forests, deep hollows, old farmsteads, and ridge walks through Appalachian foothills.

You can hike short segments or plan overnight backpacking routes. This is a great way to get acquainted with Ohio’s long-distance hiking scene.

Honorable Mentions

• Mohican State Park’s Lyons Falls Trail – Two beautiful waterfalls and a scenic gorge.

• Mill Creek Park in Youngstown – A surprisingly scenic urban park with waterfalls and covered bridges.

• Beaver Creek State Park – Remote Appalachian scenery with pioneer-era ruins and rocky trails.

• Scioto Trail State Forest – Underrated ridge hikes near Chillicothe, especially pretty in autumn.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Ohio’s hiking trails are proof that you don’t need to travel far to experience breathtaking nature. Whether you want a challenging overnight in a national forest or a short stroll with sweeping views, the Buckeye State delivers. And best of all? These trails remain uncrowded compared to those in more well-known outdoor destinations.

So lace up your boots, grab your map, and rediscover Ohio—one trail at a time.