Ohio might have a reputation for being mostly cornfields... and for being home to the Mistake on the Lake (don't worry, Cleveland, we love you). But that's okay! It just means that the insane natural beauty hidden in Ohio's state and national parks is a lot less crowded than it might otherwise be. Start in the Northeastern corner of the state, in the charming, one-of-a-kind landscapes of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and then meander south through the bucolic small towns and parks until you hit Hocking Hills. This state park is a drop-dead gorgeous stunner, with caves, waterfalls, stone footbridges, twisting gorges, and loads more to explore. It really does feel like something out of an ancient myth!
Indulge the quirky side we all secretly have, with a visit to the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum. Places like this are a perfect way to spend a little time learning and experiencing something new. Paul began building his collection of over 3,000 pencil sharpeners in 1989, and after his death in 2010, his collection was shared with the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, so his well-known hobby might live on for others to experience. The museum is located inside the Hocking Hills Welcome Center, and is free to the public. The offbeat displays of different kinds of sharpeners are entertaining and something you definitely won't experience elsewhere!
Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve is one of Hocking Hill's most well-known features. The gorge’s sandstone cliffs rise 200 feet high, and its waterfalls create striking scenery you simply need to see with your own eyes. Trails make for some great hiking, including the strenuous rim trail. While this 2.5-mile trail will give you a workout, being above the gorge and taking in the beauty is worth the effort. The lower trail is paved and very easily accessible, so the preserve welcomes anyone and everyone to enjoy all of its natural beauty. The colors of each season create a different experience with each visit, and smaller crowds make Conkle's the place to be.
South Bloomingville, Ohio, OH, United States
Caves, gorges, and waterfalls all packed into one state park? Yes, please! Hocking Hills State Park is a nature lover's dream. Thousands of acres of natural splendor will captivate the outdoorsman in anyone; the park is definitely worth multiple days of adventure. Old Man's Cave alone draws visitors from all around, and is made up of twisting, eroded sandstone and waterfalls within the gorge. Hocking Hills is also rich in Native American history, and contains wildlife unique to the area. It all makes for an interesting place to learn about, for those wanting to gain some insight into this world of its own. For those with the cornfield stereotype of Ohio still in their head, Hocking Hills will leave you speechless. The dramatic picturesque views go on for miles, and will complete anyone's trip through the underrated nature-filled state.
Ohio’s beauty doesn't get as much praise as it deserves. The span of the state can be traversed in under a handful of hours, making traveling manageable and allowing you to see a variety of attractions in every direction more easily than in other states. The beauty of Ohio's parks ranks up there with the best of the best, and unique hidden gems along the way make your travels fun and interesting. If you haven't given Ohio a chance to wow you, definitely take the time to soon. It won't disappoint!
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