Ohio’s stunning natural beauty is nowhere more evident than in its spectacular state parks. There are 76 to choose from, and visitors can enjoy rushing waterfalls, forest glades, sandy beaches, crystal-clear lakes, wildflower meadows, lush forests and more. Always open and free to enter, these Ohio parks are a great way to spend an afternoon with the family or take a few days to unwind and enjoy the serenity of unspoiled nature. These are eight of the most beautiful state parks in Ohio.
Buckeye Lake State Park
Buckeye Lake is considered Ohio’s oldest state park, dating back to the 1820s when it was first used as a recreational area. The 3,100-acre park is one of the 16 original parks officially designated in 1949 and includes Buckeye Lake and a four-mile shoreline trail. A popular destination for day-trippers looking to launch their boats, Buckeye Lake is known as a fishing and swimming paradise. Anglers can catch bass, sunfish, largemouth bass and catfish here. There are two public swimming holes on the north and south sides of the lakes, with beaches open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the winter, visitors can try their hand at ice fishing or strap on their skates or skis to explore the lake’s winter wonderland. The closest community to Buckeye Lake State Park is Millersport, a charming small town on the south end of the lake.
Salt Fork State Park
Salt Fork State Park in eastern Ohio takes its name from a salt well at the southeast corner of the park that was once used by Native Americans. With its charming mix of forested hills, flowering meadows, deep valleys, and Salt Fork Lake, the park offers space for almost any outdoor activity, from hiking and horseback riding to boating and fishing. If you want to stay overnight, there are plenty of options in the park. Book a stay at the resort lodge, stay in one of the cabins, or pick a campground. The park also includes an 18-hole golf course and the historic Kennedy Stone House, built in the 1830s and now a small museum open to the public from May to October.
Hicking Hills State Park
Named one of Forbes’ top travel destinations and number one on Trip Advisor’s list of Ohio parks, Hocking Hills State Park has plenty of fans, and it’s easy to see why. Many visitors are captivated by the park’s unique rock formations, impressive cliffs, and rushing waterfalls. Most of the park is made up of Black Hand Sandstone, which was deposited over 350 million years ago. Erosion over the centuries has created several fascinating landmarks in the parks, including Cantwell Cliff, Ash Cave, and the Rock House, a natural cave carved out of the cliff face. In addition to being a haven for hikers, horseback riders, bikers, and anglers during the day, the park is also a great place to spend a night under the stars. The John Glenn Astronomy Park on the park grounds is one of the few places in Ohio that offers stunning views of the night sky without light pollution. Weather permitting, the observatory offers astronomy programs on Friday and Saturday evenings from March through November.
Kelley’s Island State Park
Located on an island in southern Lake Erie, Kelleys Island State Park offers incredible views of the Great Lake. At 677 acres, this is a small park, but there is plenty to do. The scenic campground offers yurts, cabins and full-service campsites adjacent to the lake, while nine miles of hiking trails wind through the island, offering incredible views and great birdwatching opportunities. Visit the island in the fall and you can experience the magical sight of the annual monarch butterfly migration. Fishing is one of the main activities around Kelley’s Island. Known as ‘The pikeperch capital of the world,“Lake Erie is rich in fish stocks. For those without a boat, there is a stone pier on the north shore of the island and fishing from the shore. Kelleys Island State Park is easily accessible. Take one of the privately operated ferries that depart daily from the mainland at Marble Head and Sandusky.
Maumee Bay State Park
Over 300 species of birds have been observed at Maumee Bay State Park on the shores of Lake Erie. This ecologically significant wetland was officially declared a state park in 1975. Expect to see snakes, turtles, frogs, raccoons, muskrats and a variety of wading birds including snipe, herons and gulls. Visit the Trautman Nature Center on the boardwalk to learn more. Pick up a trail map so you can explore the park on foot. In addition to hiking trails, there is also a 5-mile paved bike path that connects to the City of Oregon Bike Trail.
Findley State Park
The heavily wooded Findley State Park is a must-see in the fall, when the park’s dense forest is ablaze with autumn colors. Located south of Lake Erie near the town of Wellington, the park offers 16 miles of biking and hiking trails that are breathtakingly beautiful in any season. There’s also a 430-foot-long sandy beach that draws many visitors during the summer months. If you’re lucky, you might encounter some of the forest’s wild residents. Deer, foxes, beavers and raccoons all call Findley home. One area of the park is set aside as a sanctuary for an extremely rare resident, the Duke’s Skipper butterfly.
The John Bryan State Park
In 1896, Ohio businessman John Bryan purchased 335 acres of land, which he named Riverside Farm. In 1918, Riverside Farm became John Bryan State Park after its owner deeded it to the state as a nature preserve. Today, the park in Yellow Springs is one of Ohio’s most popular, offering incredible views of the Little Miami River Gorge, a national natural landmark that plunges 130 feet through layers of limestone. Explore the gorge and enjoy breathtaking views from the 1.2-mile South Gorge Trail, or get adventurous and head to the public rock climbing and rappelling area on the North Rim Trail.
Mohican State Park
Northern Ohio’s wild, forested landscape is on full display at Mohican State Park, where visitors are treated to incredible sights. Don’t miss Big and Little Lyons Falls, two roaring waterfalls said to be haunted by the ghost of pioneer Paul Lyons, who plunged to his death here while searching for a lost cow. Big Lyons Falls plunges 80 feet into Clear Fork Gorge, a beautiful rocky cleft lined with ancient pines. The falls are accessible via the 2-mile Lyons Fall Trail, or you can get the best views of the gorge on the 2-mile Gorge Overlook Trail. Visitors will also enjoy views of the Mohican State Scenic River, which is a popular tubing spot during the summer months.
Unforgettable adventures in Ohio’s best state parks
Adventure awaits at Ohio’s state parks, where you can step through the entrance gates into another world: a world of timeless beauty, rare geology, diverse history and a stunning array of flora and fauna. It’s no wonder over 30 million visitors come to Ohio’s parks annually to enjoy the best boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking the Buckeye State has to offer. Whether you’re a local looking for a new place to explore or a visitor exploring Ohio for the first time, include state parks in your travel itinerary this year for the adventure of a lifetime. In 2024, Ohio will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its parks system with a series of events and programs, so there’s never been a better time to visit!
