If you’re new to Ohio, you might be surprised to learn that this 17th state in America is nearly halfway covered in the Appalachian Plateau. The eastern side of the Buckeye State is full of rugged hills, treacherous cliffs, and deep valleys.
In short, it’s the perfect place for outdoor adventure seekers to explore and indulge in their thirst for nature.
Visitors to the state often fall in love with the mix of old-fashioned, traditional architecture and natural beauty combined with the convenience of modern living and decide to stay. Ohio’s updated laws make it easier for residents to enjoy more updated policies, including middle-of-the-road taxes on legalized cannabis (as long as you have a medical marijuana license, which you can get from Veriheal here).
Whether you’re visiting or here to stay, here are the best outdoor activities in Ohio that adventure seekers shouldn’t miss.
1. Hocking Hills
Are you looking for a place to explore for a few days to get away from the fast pace of daily life? Go alone or bring your family, but head to Hocking Hills and start your next adventure.
The site encompasses six unique parks full of hiking, canoeing, waterfall trekking, and other outdoor activities. Take a trip to Old Man’s Cave, traverse the steps down to the basin of Cedar Falls, or explore the wilderness of Conkle’s Hollow.
Surrounding merchants provide you with plenty of shopping and meal options, or you can go minimalistic and bring your own supplies.
Visitors can choose to stay in one of more than 900 cabins, cottages, and campgrounds. Hocking Hills even offers treehouses, shipping containers, and yurts for every outdoor enthusiast’s tastes!
2. Cedar Point
For a variety of outdoor activities, Cedar Point won’t disappoint. Thrill seekers must visit Cedar Point, a 364-acre entertainment theme park located on the Lake Erie peninsula in Sandusky, OH. This attraction is full of multiple roller coasters, water slides, and more!
As the second-oldest amusement park still operating in the US, Cedar Point has decades of history surrounding it. But if you still need more to keep you busy and satisfy your thirst for outdoor adventure, Sandusky offers multiple beaches where you can set up canoeing, swimming, and snorkeling in Lake Erie.
3. Geneva State Park
Nearly 700 acres make up Geneva State Park, home to much of the flora and fauna in Ohio’s vast and thriving ecosystem. In this park, visitors can choose to go primitive at a basic campsite or try glamping at one of the many luxury lodges.
While you’re there, book a thrilling zipline excursion at Lake Erie Canopy Tours, located onsite. During this adventure, you’ll soar across a massive network of 60-foot-high cables and sky bridges that give you a bird’s-eye view of the lake and its surrounding wilderness. The experience speeds you along at up to 30 mph with a guided crew.
Those daring enough can climb the 40-foot Wheelhouse Tower and take a free fall to the bottom!
Geneva State Park hosts various events throughout the year, so check the calendar before you go. For instance, the park is in range for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, and many star-seekers will head there for the best views. Book your trip early if there’s a special event planned during the time you wish to stay!
4. Ohio Caverns
So far, we’ve been aboveground for all of our adventures. Now, we head deep under the surface of the Earth to Ohio Caverns, located near West Liberty, OH. This popular tourist destination is the largest of the many cave systems in the state.
Visitors take a mile-long walk while 30 to 103 feet underground. Temperatures stay a brisk 54 degrees in the cave, regardless of the outdoor environment.
While exploring the caverns, you’ll see millions of years worth of geography formations, such as crystals, stalagmites, and stalactites. Even if you’ve seen these features before, Ohio Caverns will still delight you as you realize why they are called “America’s Most Colorful Caverns.”
The caverns’ underground features make them an ideal place to explore at any time of the year. Tours last about one hour, and before and after your turn under the surface, you can enjoy the conveniences in and around the Visitor’s Center.
A 35-acre park includes a picnic area and playground. Gift shops offer souvenirs, gifts, and geographic goodies for every amateur or expert geologist!
Conclusion
Finding things to do outdoors in Ohio is always easy, no matter what time of year you visit! Summer and fall are best for lakeside adventures while heading underground into the caverns or staying in a luxury lodge are ideal during the colder seasons. Whatever your taste for adventure includes, you’re sure to find something to satisfy the thirst for thrills in Ohio!
