Discover the 5 Most Dangerous Places in Ohio

Written by Alyssa Shea
Published: October 16, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


A lot of travelers head to Ohio to explore some unique places and enjoy popular tourist destinations. Amusement parks, museums, and other historic locations are some of the biggest draws for visitors. There are plenty of different types of dangers you could come across while in Ohio. Crime isn’t the only danger you might find in this state. It’s crucial to be aware of which places can put you at risk! Here are some places in Ohio that might pose a threat to your safety.

1. A 5-Mile Stretch of Roadway

Collisions are a common occurrence all over the world. Driving a car is one of the most dangerous things we can do! In Ohio, there is one stretch of road that traffic safety experts want to educate drivers on. MoneyGeek produced a study based on an analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. What they found was information on fatal car crashes between 2017 and 2019 that occurred on I-71 between 11th Avenue to the south and Morse Road. This number exceeds all others for any 5-mile stretch across Ohio!

Interior of the Lytle Tunnel in Cincinnati, Ohio

There were 1,269 fatal crashes across the state of Ohio in 2022.

©Analogue Kid / Analogue Kid at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

2. The City of Cleveland

Collisions are a common occurrence all over the world. Driving a car is one of the most dangerous things we can do! In Ohio, there is one stretch of road that traffic safety experts want to educate drivers on. MoneyGeek produced a study based on an analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. What they found was information on fatal car crashes between 2017 and 2019 that occurred on I-71 between 11th Avenue to the south and Morse Road. This number exceeds all others for any 5-mile stretch across Ohio!

Cleveland, Ohio, USA downtown city skyline in the daytime.

Many people visit Cleveland to check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

3. Timber Rattlesnakes in Ohio’s Lakes and Rivers

The most dangerous animal you might come across while exploring parts of Ohio would have to be timber rattlesnakes. These snakes frequent the rivers and lakes and love to take a dip in the water. This is why so many swimmers encounter these snakes and receive painful bites. These bites are considered medical emergencies as they have very potent venom. The skin around the bite will swell up and will likely turn black. Skin necrosis can follow, which will lead to the need for consistent wound debridement or reconstructive surgery.

Rattlesnakes While HIking - Timber Rattlesnake

Venom from a timber rattlesnake is potent enough to kill an adult human.

©Joe McDonald/Shutterstock.com

4. Lake Erie Drownings

In 2022, there were 12 drownings in Lake Eerie. Each year, this lake sees plenty of drownings or people needing rescue. One of the biggest dangers in a lake is usually the speed of the currents. A current flowing faster than two miles per hour is considered treacherous. Currents here in Lake Eerie can surpass five miles per hour! There is also a high level of pollutants in the water due to fertilizer and manure, creating excessive algal blooms. This produces a toxic environment for both wildlife and people. Swim here at your own risk!

kayaking sunset silhouette on Lake Erie

With an average depth of 62 feet, Lake Erie is the shallowest of the other Great Lakes.

©Grace Greer/Shutterstock.com

5. Hocking Hills State Park’s Buckeye Trail

Hiking can pose a risk for even the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast. Hocking Hills State Park offers 16 different hiking trails to choose from, with the most notorious being the Buckeye Trail. It’s an old trail dating back to September 1959 and is a popular spot for mountain climbers. The cliffs here are both beautiful and incredibly dangerous. Many people have had fatal falls from these scenic cliffs when they wander off of the designated trails.

iStock-1299490018-1024x614

The Buckeye Trail is the only long-distance trail that is entirely contained within the state of Ohio.

©iStock.com/Rachael Frances

Summary of the 5 Most Dangerous Places in Ohio

RankPlace
1A 5-Mile Stretch of Roadway
2The City of Cleveland
3Timber Rattlesnakes in Ohio’s Lakes and Rivers
4Lake Erie Drownings
5Timber Rattlesnakes in Ohio’s Lakes and Rivers

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

I'm a 36-year-old mother of 2 and military wife. I have 2 dogs and a cat that I'm thoroughly obsessed with. When I'm not writing for work, I'm writing as a hobby. You can find me knee deep in a pile of books or way too invested in a video game.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.