Ohio State Parks

Location:

East Liverpool, OH (Columbiana County)

Highlights:

Beaver Creek State Park is the kind of place that combines rich history with outdoor adventure. With hiking trails, historic sites, and a scenic creek perfect for paddling, it’s an Ohio getaway we’d recommend any time of year.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, campers, hikers, anglers, kayakers, and families looking for a nature-meets-history experience.

What we Love:

Restored canal remnants, Gaston’s Mill, pioneer village charm, and peaceful paddling or fishing on Little Beaver Creek.

• Visit the historic Gaston’s Mill (1837) and walk through a recreated pioneer village with restored canal locks and artifacts.
• Explore 16 miles of scenic hiking trails through lush forest and along the banks of Little Beaver Creek.
• Fish for smallmouth and rock bass—this creek is a hidden gem for local anglers.
• Kayak or raft down the meandering creek, especially popular in warmer months.
• Learn at the Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center, which features live animals, nature photography, and artifact displays.

Cost:

Free admission (some activities may have fees)

Distance from Pittsburgh:

About 1 hour by car

How to Get to Beaver Creek State Park:

From East Liverpool, follow OH-7 South and turn onto Echo Dell Road. The park is clearly marked, with parking near the visitor areas and trailheads.

Address:

12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH 43920
Phone: 330-385-3091

Location:

Waynesville, OH (southwestern Ohio)

Highlights:

Caesar Creek State Park is a spacious haven for outdoor lovers, combining scenic lakeside recreation with living history and wooded trails. It’s the kind of place you could spend a weekend—or a whole week—exploring.

We Recommend This For:

Campers, boaters, families, hikers, history buffs, and anyone seeking an all-in-one nature destination.

What we Love:

A huge lake for boating and swimming, historic Pioneer Village, and a nature center full of local lore and seasonal activities.

• Enjoy a summer day on the 1,300-foot sandy beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing by the lake.
• Boat or fish on the expansive 2,830-acre Caesar Creek Lake—great for anglers and water sports fans alike.
• Hike, bike, or horseback ride through a mix of meadows, ravines, and forest on miles of marked trails.
• Explore Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village with its 15 restored log cabins, schoolhouse, and Quaker meeting house.
• Visit the Caesar Creek Nature Center for exhibits, guided hikes, campouts, and family-friendly programs year-round.

Cost:

Free admission (activities like camping or special events may require a fee)

Distance from Dayton:

About 40 minutes by car

How to Get to Caesar Creek State Park:

Take OH-73 east from Waynesville. The park entrance is well marked, with access to the beach, marina, nature center, and trailheads from multiple parking areas.

Address:

8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068

Location:

Brecksville, OH (between Cleveland and Akron)

Highlights:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural and cultural treasure nestled between two cities, with waterfalls, forests, and historical sites woven together by the winding Cuyahoga River. It’s a peaceful retreat and an adventure all in one.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, bikers, families, history lovers, photographers, and winter recreation seekers.

What we Love:

The scenic Towpath Trail, dramatic waterfalls, historic canal routes, and the charm of Hale Farm and Village.

• Walk, run, or bike the 20-mile Towpath Trail along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal corridor.
• Marvel at over 100 waterfalls, including the spectacular 65-foot Brandywine Falls—one of the park’s most iconic sights.
• Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a relaxed tour through rolling hills and river views.
• Visit Hale Farm and Village to explore 19th-century life through immersive historical exhibits and costumed interpreters.
• Play a round of golf or enjoy winter fun like sledding and skiing at Kendall Hills during the snowy season.

Cost:

Free admission (some tours and special activities may have fees)

Distance from Cleveland:

About 30 minutes by car

How to Get to Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

Take I-77 or I-271 to Brecksville and follow signs to the park. Visitor centers, trailheads, and train stations are spread throughout the park and accessible via major routes.

Address:

15610 Vaughn Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141-3018

Romantic Ohio State Parks

Location:

Dayton, OH

Highlights:

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is where aviation was born and where poetry found its voice. It honors the groundbreaking innovation of the Wright brothers and the cultural legacy of Paul Laurence Dunbar, all in the heart of the Miami Valley.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, aviation enthusiasts, families, educators, and anyone inspired by American innovation and literature.

What we Love:

The preserved Wright Cycle Company, the legendary 1905 Wright Flyer III, and the touching tribute to Paul Laurence Dunbar’s life and work.

• Explore the Wright Cycle Company building where the Wright brothers designed and tested their early innovations.
• See the 1905 Wright Flyer III, the world’s first practical airplane, now housed at Carillon Historical Park.
• Visit Huffman Prairie Flying Field where the Wright brothers honed their flight techniques outside their bike shop days.
• Step into the lives of the inventors and the poet through the Hoover Block, Hawthorn Hill (Orville’s later home), and the Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial.
• Walk through five National Historic Landmarks and a Historic District that capture the innovation, creativity, and perseverance of these iconic Americans.

Cost:

Free admission (some sites or events may have separate fees)

Distance from Downtown Dayton:

Just minutes away by car or bike

How to Get to Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park:

From downtown Dayton, head west on West Third Street to reach the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and other sites within the historic district. Other locations like Huffman Prairie and Hawthorn Hill are a short drive away.

Address:

22 S Williams St, Dayton, OH 45402-8235

Location:

Lakeside Marblehead, OH (on the shores of Lake Erie)

Highlights:

East Harbor State Park is a Lake Erie gem with sandy shores, a lively marina, and a peaceful wetland preserve. Whether you’re camping for the weekend or just stopping by for a swim, this park offers a relaxing coastal escape.

We Recommend This For:

Swimmers, campers, boaters, anglers, birdwatchers, and families looking for a mix of recreation and nature.

What we Love:

The breezy beach, great lake views, disc golf, and wetland areas that attract wildlife and birders year-round.

• Swim at the park’s main beach—protected by breakwaters and perfect for cooling off in the summer sun.
• Camp in one of Ohio’s largest state park campgrounds, just a short walk from the water and nature trails.
• Fish or boat from the park’s marina, with access to Lake Erie’s excellent walleye and perch fishing.
• Explore wetland boardwalks and trails where waterfowl and shorebirds are frequently spotted.
• Play a round of disc golf or enjoy a picnic near the shoreline—there’s plenty of open space to relax and roam.

Cost:

Free admission (camping and marina services may have fees)

Distance from Toledo:

About 1 hour by car

How to Get to East Harbor State Park:

Take OH-2 to OH-269 North toward Lakeside Marblehead. Turn onto N Buck Road and follow signs to the main beach, campground, and marina entrances.

Address:

1169 N Buck Rd, Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440
Phone: 419-734-4424

Location:

Wellington, OH

Highlights:

Findley State Park is a peaceful wooded escape with a mix of serene lake views, wildflowers, and fun recreational amenities. It's a favorite for campers, paddlers, and hikers who enjoy quiet trails and classic park activities.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, campers, families, paddlers, hikers, and anyone seeking a scenic, forested retreat in northern Ohio.

What we Love:

Wildflower-lined trails, calm waters perfect for paddling, and a recreation area with classic park games and space to relax.

• Hike through a lush forest of maple, ash, cherry, beech, and pine, where wildflowers and wildlife sightings await.
• Swim at the 435-foot sandy beach along the 93-acre lake—perfect for cooling off in the summer.
• Boat with ease thanks to two launch ramps and a marina offering canoe, rowboat, and paddleboat rentals.
• Camp overnight and enjoy a recreation area complete with basketball, sand volleyball, and horseshoe pits.
• Relax in the rolling fields and wooded glades that make this former state forest a naturally inviting getaway.

Cost:

Free admission (fees apply for camping and boat rentals)

Distance from Cleveland:

About 1 hour by car

How to Get to Findley State Park:

Take OH-58 South from Wellington. The park entrance is well marked and leads to trailheads, the beach area, campground, and marina.

Address:

25381 OH-58, Wellington, OH 44090
Phone: 440-647-4490

Ohio State Parks for Families

Location:

Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH (northeastern shoreline)

Highlights:

Geneva State Park is a year-round destination on the Lake Erie shoreline with everything from beaches and marinas to snowmobiling trails. Whether you’re here to fish, splash, or stay overnight in a cozy lakeside cottage, this park has something for everyone.

We Recommend This For:

Boaters, families, beachgoers, snow lovers, and anyone who enjoys a mix of outdoor fun and resort-style relaxation.

What we Love:

The full-service marina, lakeside cottages, sandy swimming beach, and family-friendly extras like go-carts and mini golf.

• Launch your boat from the six-lane ramp or dock at the full-service marina for prime access to Lake Erie's central basin.
• Fish, swim, paddle, or sunbathe at the park's beach—perfect for summer fun with kids and friends.
• Stay overnight at the lodge or in charming lakeside cottages with views and amenities for a relaxing getaway.
• Bike or hike six miles of multi-use trails through shoreline woodlands and lakefront paths.
• Enjoy bumper boats, mini golf, go-carts, and a water slide—great additions to a family-friendly summer trip.
• Visit in winter for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing—Geneva State Park is a true four-season retreat.

Cost:

Free admission (fees apply for lodging, marina, and certain attractions)

Distance from Cleveland:

About 1 hour by car

How to Get to Geneva State Park:

From I-90, take OH-534 north to Geneva-on-the-Lake. Follow signs to the park entrance on Padanarum Road. Amenities are clearly marked from the main road.

Address:

4499 Padanarum Rd, Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041-8172

Location:

Logan, OH (Hocking Hills region)

Highlights:

Hocking Hills State Park is one of Ohio’s most iconic outdoor destinations, known for its dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and deep forested gorges. With caves to explore, trails to hike, and cliffs to climb, it’s an adventurer’s dream.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, nature photographers, campers, paddlers, climbers, and families who love exploring scenic natural wonders.

What we Love:

Seven unique hiking areas, stunning caves and cliffs, a peaceful lake for paddling, and the opportunity to rappel right into nature.

• Hike over 25 miles of trails that wind through gorges, past waterfalls, and into caves like Old Man’s Cave and Whispering Cave.
• Explore all seven scenic areas including Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Rock House, and Conkle’s Hollow Nature Preserve.
• Paddle or swim at Lake Logan, which also offers kayaking, rafting, and fishing in a serene setting.
• Camp at one of 200+ campsites with easy access to trailheads and natural features throughout the park.
• Climb or rappel on designated 99-acre areas specifically set aside for vertical adventure.
• Birdwatch and enjoy peaceful moments among the hemlock forests, sandstone cliffs, and lush valley trails.

Cost:

Free admission (fees apply for camping and guided activities)

Distance from Columbus:

About 1 hour by car

How to Get to Hocking Hills State Park:

From Columbus, take US-33 E toward Logan. Exit onto OH-664 S and follow signs to the main park area. Parking is available near each of the seven hiking zones.

Address:

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138

Location:

Chillicothe, OH (Ross County)

Highlights:

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a fascinating window into the ancient Native American civilizations of the Ohio Valley. With intricate earthworks, burial mounds, and deep cultural meaning, it’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Archaeology lovers, cultural heritage travelers, educators, families, and anyone interested in ancient American history.

What we Love:

Carefully preserved mounds, peaceful walking paths, and the park’s important role in preserving the Hopewell legacy—including its nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Explore six distinct archaeological sites that include burial mounds, ceremonial earthworks, and ancient embankments.
• Visit the Mound City Group, where numerous reconstructed burial mounds and a modern interpretive center bring the Hopewell culture to life.
• Learn about the Hopewell people’s complex spiritual and social systems through museum exhibits and guided programs.
• Walk peaceful trails through grassy fields and explore the historical landscape once central to Native American ceremonies.
• Discover why the park is part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks—a U.S. nominee for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Cost:

Free admission

Distance from Columbus:

About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car

How to Get to Hopewell Culture National Historical Park:

Take US-23 south from Columbus to Chillicothe, then follow signs to State Route 104. The main visitor center is located near the Mound City Group site.

Address:

16062 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601-8694

Location:

College Corner, OH (Butler and Preble counties)

Highlights:

Hueston Woods State Park is a nature-rich destination that combines a serene lake, rare old-growth forest, and family-friendly recreation. It’s one of the few places in Ohio where you can go fossil-hunting, hike under ancient trees, and fish all in one day.

We Recommend This For:

Hikers, fossil hunters, anglers, campers, boaters, golfers, and families looking for a classic summer lake getaway.

What we Love:

The protected ancient forest, fossil beds, wide range of water activities on Acton Lake, and the peaceful woodland trails.

• Hike through 200 acres of old-growth forest filled with towering sugar maples and beech trees—a living glimpse into Ohio’s natural past.
• Hunt for fossils in exposed rock beds, a rare and educational experience for curious visitors of all ages.
• Boat or fish on the scenic 625-acre Acton Lake, where bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish are abundant.
• Swim at the 1,500-foot beach, complete with a bathhouse and summer concessions.
• Play a round at the park’s 18-hole, 7,005-yard golf course located about eight miles from the main park entrance.

Cost:

Free admission (fees apply for camping, golf, and some amenities)

Distance from Cincinnati:

About 1 hour by car

How to Get to Hueston Woods State Park:

From Oxford, take OH-732 North. The park is well-marked and easily accessible, with signs to the lake, trails, beach, and fossil sites.

Address:

College Corner, OH 45003