COLUMBUS, OH As Ohio’s woodlands and countryside become alive with vibrant colors, enjoy a close-up view from the hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails throughout the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Along hills and gorges, amid parks, preserves and forests, these trails reveal some of the state's most picturesque terrain. ODNR has compiled a list of the best trails across Ohio from which you can view autumn’s splendor.
NORTHEAST
Beaver Creek State Park Enjoy 16 miles of hiking trails in the state park and another 11 miles of hiking and biking trails on the nearby Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail. Both trails border the Little Beaver Creek a state wild and scenic river and offer views of woodlots, wetlands, glacial outwashes and remnants of the Sandy & Beaver Canal.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park More than 125 miles of hiking trails range from easy to challenging, passing through woodlands, wetlands and fields. Featured trails include the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and a portion of the Buckeye Trail. Bicycling is permitted on three major designated trails including the towpath, the Metro Parks’ Hike & Bike Trail and the Brecksville Reservation All-Purpose Trail.
Charles Mill Lake Park Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while walking the three miles of trails adjacent to Charles Mill Lake. The park is part of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
Malabar Farm State Park Twelve miles of hiking trails traverse scenic fields and forests, offering stunning views of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield’s house and farm.
Mohican State Park-Mohican Memorial State Forest More than 45 miles of hiking trails, including some multiple-use trails, offer views of rolling hills, waterfalls, and the Clear Fork River Gorge - a National Natural Landmark. More than eight miles of mountain biking trails wind through park and forest lands on the north side of the gorge.
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park Three miles of hiking trails feature unusual rock formations with names like Devil’s Ice Box, Indian Pass and Old Maid's Kitchen. Best for experienced hikers and adults. Visitors are urged to use caution and stay on trails.
CENTRAL OHIO
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve Six trails of varying lengths cross this 970-acre preserve, which lies on the Licking River Gorge. Bikes are allowed on a four-mile paved trail.
Kokosing Gap Trail Fourteen miles of asphalt trail makes this one of the largest paved rail-to-trail parks in the country. The trail is built on an old railroad line and crosses the Kokosing State Scenic River twice on railroad bridges. It is accessible to hikers, bikers and more.
Mohican Valley Trail This nearly five-mile crushed stone-and-sand nature trail in eastern Knox County is built on an abandoned railway. It crosses the beautiful Mohican River, featuring the popular covered “Bridge of Dreams.” This trail connects to the Holmes County Trail and is also open to horses and buggies.
NORTHWEST
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve Five miles of walking trails lead visitors through the 321-acre preserve, featuring old-growth woods reminiscent of the Great Black Swamp with 200- to 400-year-old oak trees. Goll Woods is the least disturbed woodland known to remain in northwestern Ohio.
Slippery Elm Trail This 13.5-mile asphalt trail is one of Wood County Park District’s most unique facilities. The multi-use trail, constructed on an abandoned railway, takes visitors through wooded areas and meadows.
University/Parks Bike-Hike Trail This 6.3-mile paved multi-purpose trail is suitable for walking, jogging, bicycling and more. Maintained by Metroparks Toledo and the University of Toledo, the trail offers a lush greenway through woodlands, meadows and wetlands, as well as connections with the University of Toledo Campus, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, Ottawa Park and Franklin Park Mall.
SOUTHEAST
Burr Oak State Park Twenty-eight miles of extensive hiking and backpacking trails cross beautiful rolling hills and unique rock outcroppings. An 18-mile loop trail winds around the lake shore, offering primitive campsites and drinking water at several locations.
Harrison County Conotton Creek Trail Eleven miles of asphalt multi-use trail leads visitors along Conotton Creek and the rolling hills of eastern Ohio through small villages, farmlands and pastures.
Hockhocking Adena Bikeway More than 16 miles of trail cover a section of the former Columbus and Hocking Valley Railroad bed. The trail offers spectacular views of high cliffs and rock outcrops, remnants of the Hocking Canal as well as Ohio University, Hocking College, and Wayne National Forest. Nearby Hocking Hills State Park and Forest offers 24 miles of hiking trails in the park and nine miles in the forest.
Lake Hope State Park and Zaleski State Forest Twenty-three miles of hiking trails and 17 miles of mountain bike trails are available in the park alone. A 23-mile backpack trail winds through the forest in one of the most picturesque parts of Ohio. Along the way, hikers can visit Native American sites, see the legendary Moonville tunnel and some of the best wild turkey and white-tailed deer habitat in the state.
Scioto Trail State Park and State Forest - Twelve miles of hiking trails along the Scioto River lie completely within the park while 26 miles of hiking trails lie within the forest. Mountain bikes are permitted on several of the park trails. Enjoy views of wildlife along the way.
Shawnee State Park and State Forest Located in a region nicknamed the “Little Smokies,” a 60-mile backpacking trail winds through the largest state forest in Ohio.
Tar Hollow State Park and State Forest - Forty-six miles of hiking trails and 2.5 miles of mountain bike trails cut through deep ravines and dense woodlands of the park and forest. Portions of the Logan and Buckeye trails pass through the forest.
Wayne National Forest More than 300 miles of trails span several counties in southeast Ohio within Ohio’s only national forest.
Wolf Run State Park The rugged hills of southeastern Ohio provide the setting for Wolf Run State Park. The scenic woodlands offer trail users a quiet retreat in this remote area of the state. A three-mile section of the Buckeye Trail passes along the west side of the lake. A half-mile loop trail begins at the nature center, providing opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation. The 1.5-mile Lakeview Trail skirts the lake, providing a pleasant walk from the campground to the beach.
SOUTHWEST
John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve - Hikers can travel between the villages of Clifton and Yellow Springs along the scenic Little Miami River Gorge and visit historic overlooks along the way. The park permits mountain bikes on more than six miles of multiple-use trails.
Little Miami Scenic Trail Sixty-eight miles of asphalt trail takes visitors through Little Miami State Park and along the Little Miami State & National Scenic River.