The 15 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in All of Ohio

Ohio is far from the biggest state. However, The Buckeye State has lake and mountain views that are out of this world. Lace up your hiking boots and discover the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio.  

1. Buckeye Trail – Hocking Hills State Park

The Hocking Hills State Park has 16 different hiking trails, but the most famous is the Buckeye Trail. The trail starts on Lake Erie and spans over 1,400 miles, winding around every corner of the state. It’s one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio because it showcases most of The Buckeye State’s native wilderness. The Buckeye Trail is a loop, making the journey essentially endless. You can start and stop at different points, checking out segments that lead into other small trails in numerous state parks without ever officially reaching the end on the Ohio River. 

2. Conkle’s Hollow Trail – Hocking Hills State Park

One of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio is the Conkle’s Hollow trail. It’s also one of the seven main trails in the magnificent Hocking Hills State Park in southern Ohio. Conkle’s Hollow features cliffs of Black Hand Sandstone that rise almost 200 feet above the valley and one of the deepest gorges in the state. Several waterfalls cascade over the sandstone cliffs and provide a home for abundant plant and animal life. 

Conkle’s Hollow is made up of two trails totaling 3.5 miles. The Lower Trail is a quarter of a mile long and is wheelchair-accessible. However, the Upper Trail is two miles long and strenuous. The path has steep inclines, high cliff drops, and visible roots.    

3. Old Man’s Cave Trail – Hocking Hills State Park

Old Man’s Cave Trail in Hocking Hills State Park is also one of the most scenic hiking trails in Ohio. Its name comes from Richard Rowe, who lived in the cave of the gorge in the Hocking Region. He is supposedly buried beneath the recesses of the cave. The one-way loop is about 1 mile long and starts at the kiosk on the Upper Falls. Here, hikers travel along the gorge cut 150 feet into the Black Hand Sandstone. 

If you wish to continue exploring, you can continue past Old Man’s Cave and follow the other hiking trails. One of the most popular is the Grandma Gatewood Trail, which is part of the Buckeye Trail and takes you past three of Hocking Hill’s five areas. 

4. John L. Rich Trail – Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

The John L. Rich Trail in Clifton is a 5.2-mile out-and-back trail to the Clifton Gorge. Hikers pass by waterfalls, caves, and a beautiful bridge on their way to a picturesque spot. The moderate route features rocks, hills, and a lot of mud. There are wooden deck overlooks and colorful wildflowers in the spring. The best time to visit is from March through October, but make sure to leave your dog at home. Nearby is the Historic Clifton Mill, known for its Christmas light display.  

5. The Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley

Cuyahoga Valley is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The scenic Ledges Trail is 1.8 miles long but connects to a network of trails in Virginia Kendall Park. It loops around the plateau of rocks and passes a grassy playfield. What makes The Ledges one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio is the Ledges Overlook, which gives hikers an uninterrupted view of the Cuyahoga Valley. Get a good look at the land between Akron and Cleveland or the colorful sunset at any time of the year.  

6. Lanterman’s Mill Trail – Youngstown

One of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio is Lanterman’s Mill Trail. The 4.4-mile loop in Youngstown is a moderately challenging route that takes hikers through many picturesque scenes. Enchanting bridges, beautiful overlooks, waterfalls, and the colorful forest bring hikers to the route. However, the noteworthy attractions are the covered Mill Creek Bridge, used by farmers in the 1800s to transport their grain, and of course, the Lanterman’s Mill. Samuel Kimberly, a German Lanterman, built it in the mid-1800s. Now, it provides a fascinating glimpse into Ohio’s past. 

7. Lucky Stone Loop Trail – Chapin Forest Reservation

The Lucky Stone Loop is an easy 1.6-mile loop that takes hikers to the top of Gildersleeve Mountain. The overlook is one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio, with its view of the Chapin Forest and its rock formations. On a clear day, visitors can see Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline from the Sharon Conglomerate Ledges. The trail comes to life with squirrels, chipmunks, and whimsical old trees. Make sure to return around the holidays to see lights strung up in the beech, maple, oak, and hemlock trees along the Arbor Lane Trail.

8. Fort Hill Earthworks Trail – Fort Hill Earthworks & Nature Preserve

The Fort Hill Earthworks Trail is a 4.6-mile loop starting near the Rocky River Nature Center in the Fort Hill Earthworks and Nature Preserve. Hikers can enjoy an abundance of wildflowers, mushrooms, and hard-to-see bird species within the mature forest. There is a staircase with 155 steps incorporated into the trail. People of the ancient Hopewell culture built the Earthworks for ceremonies. It features a diverse range of bedrock, flora, and fauna. Moreover, Fort Hopewell is another preserved building from the Hopewell culture within the nature preserve.   

9. Lake View Cemetery Loop – Cleveland

Hiking around a cemetery isn’t for everyone. However, Lake View Cemetery is a landmark in Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland Cemetery is 285 acres of landscaped land and striking graves, mausoleums, and statues. The Lake View Cemetery Loop is almost 3 miles on a paved walkway. There are many twists and turns, but it provides space for an easy, reflective walk. In addition to its famous permanent residents, the cemetery is known for Daffodil Hill and flowering trees.

10. Caldwell Nature Preserve Trail – Caldwell Preserve

Near Cincinnati is the 0.9-mile Caldwell Nature Preserve Trail loop. The short path through the Caldwell Preserve is perfect for stretching your legs. The Caldwell Preserve is home to many birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals native to Ohio. The path takes hikers up and down the hills and through the ravines. This hidden gem is tucked away but is one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio if you want to take a break from the city to get lost in nature.  

11. Quail Hollow Purple Trail – Quail Hollow State Park 

The Purple Trail at Quail Hollow State Park is just over 3 miles of natural surface and is the longest trail in the park. Segments of the scenic and wooded path follow the Buckeye Trail and the other color-coded trails, totaling 7.7 miles of hiking trail. You will walk through the pines and see the beautiful 40-room Manor House on the property. Keep in mind that Quail Hollow State Park has changed over the years. Therefore, some of the signage can be confusing. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy, and try to spot some deer and birds along the beautiful route.    

12. Pine Grove Trailhead – Peninsula

The 2.2-mile Pine Grove Trail in Peninsula takes hikers through the thicket of pine trees and along the ravines. The trail is relatively flat but has uneven surfaces that may be challenging for those with mobility limitations. You can find this trailhead near the Ritchie Ledges, mirroring the Ledges Loop. The hemlock and oak trees, surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and foliage, create a scenic view along the Pine Grove Trailhead. The area is also great for picnicking in the nearby pavilion.  

13. Flat Fork Ridge Trail – Caesar Creek State Park 

The Flat Fork Ridge Trail is a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail in the Caesar Creek State Park. The route is moderately challenging, but the trek through the forest rewards hikers with a beautiful view of the lake. But before reaching the lake, you will walk through Wellman Meadows, a low and flat plain that leads to Caesar Creek with small waterfalls. You’ll pass a few cliffs on your way to the waterfall, which you will hear before you reach one of the many overlooks. Don’t forget to check out Horseshoe Falls while you’re here.  

14. Zaleski South Loop Trail – Zaleski State Forest 

Visit Zaleski State Forest and hike the Zaleski South Loop Trail. The challenging 9.3-mile loop was once the original road from Marietta to Chillicothe but was abandoned in 1970. A point of interest along one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio is the historic Hope Furnace. The structure dates back to 1854 and is allegedly haunted. You will also see interesting rock formations left over from the coal mines. Continuing down the route, you will come across a clearing with a beautiful pond filled with aquatic greenery. Hikers recommend completing the trail counterclockwise to avoid going uphill most of the way.  

15. Jacob’s Ladder – Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve 

Christmas Rocks Nature Preserve in Lancaster is home to Jacob’s Ladder, one of the most scenic hiking trails in all of Ohio. The 4.5-mile loop leads hikers along unique rock formations and many plants and animals to the stunning overlook. It’s a moderately challenging route with an upward climb and many steep overlooks. However, the colorful forest that spans beneath the overlooks is breathtaking. The trail is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the fall. Don’t forget to stop by the historic Mink Hollow Covered Bridge for a quick photo-op.  

Summary of the 15 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in All of Ohio