I find it special that beyond cornfields and city skylines, Ohio’s state parks are full of surprises. I love how this state blends quiet woods, sparkling lakes, and hands-on discoveries. I look forward to days that start with bird calls in the trees and end with campfire stories under starry skies.
To me, Ohio parks mean skipping stones on the calm waters at Hocking Hills State Park, wandering through wildflower meadows at Mohican State Park, and climbing the rocky ledges at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We always pack extra snacks for Maumee Bay State Park, where the beach, boardwalk, and nature center keep everyone entertained. At Geneva State Park, kids love hunting for beach glass and spotting sailboats on Lake Erie, while Salt Fork State Park gives us room to roam—with trails, a lake, and maybe even a Bigfoot legend or two! With four true seasons, there’s always something to explore—whether it’s fall leaves crunching under boots or snowflakes landing on mittens.
Picture this: The kids are scampering up sandstone cliffs, watching deer from a trail, and paddling a canoe across a quiet lake—all before lunch in an Ohio state park.
"Waterfalls, wildlife, and winding trails? This is Ohio with kids!"
Unique Parks in Ohio:
Hike Through Waterfalls, Caves, and Forest Majesty at Hocking Hills State Park -
Step Into Botanical Bliss at Augusta-Ann Olsen State Nature Preserve -
Walk the Gorge Where History Meets Geology at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve -
Explore Urban Nature and Woodland Trails at Brookside Reservation -
Unwind on the Water or Wander the Woods at Burr Oak State Park -
Paddle, Pedal, and Camp Lakeside at Caesar Creek State Park -
Find Solitude Among Sandstone Ridges at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve -
Roam Rolling Hills and Rare Flora in Clear Creek Metro Park -
Chase Waterfalls and Ride Scenic Rails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park -
Walk Wildflower Paths and Protect Biodiversity at Glen Helen Nature Preserve -
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Hike Through Waterfalls, Caves, and Forest Majesty at Hocking Hills State Park
- • Step Into Botanical Bliss at Augusta-Ann Olsen State Nature Preserve
- • Walk the Gorge Where History Meets Geology at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
- • Explore Urban Nature and Woodland Trails at Brookside Reservation
- • Unwind on the Water or Wander the Woods at Burr Oak State Park
- • Paddle, Pedal, and Camp Lakeside at Caesar Creek State Park
- • Find Solitude Among Sandstone Ridges at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
- • Roam Rolling Hills and Rare Flora in Clear Creek Metro Park
- • Chase Waterfalls and Ride Scenic Rails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- • Walk Wildflower Paths and Protect Biodiversity at Glen Helen Nature Preserve