Ohio can be a perfect place to hike, if you do it at the right time, or if you don’t mind hiking in the snow either. Finding places to hike is easy, the hard part is deciding which places to go. There are many different parks throughout all of Ohio that offer from 2 all the way up to 20 trails to hike on. Of course you are only going to want to choose parks that are close to where you live so that its convenient for you, and you might now the trails pretty well. Many parks offer self guided nature trails with interpretive signs or brochures, and there are a few that offer lengthy backpacking trails with campsites. Ohio State parks offer more than 1,000 miles of trails that come in all lengths and levels of difficulty, and pass through all sorts of terrain. Hiking in Ohio can be very humid in the summer months or rigidly cold in the winter months, so be sure to stay hydrated and dress according to the weather you will be hiking in, and carry insect repellent at all times, and wear a pair or warm, sturdy, waterproof boots for extra protection. Its always essential to carry a backpack with all your basic needs along with you. For long hikes, bring water and high energy snacks, dress in layers, bring field guides, binoculars and of course a camera, but the most important item you should never leave home without is a basic first aid kit, so that you are prepared for anything.

Also Fall color season is the best time to hike in a state park, forest or nature preserve. Few sights are as appealing as Ohio’s great outdoors in the fall. When hiking in the fall you can be assured that the weather is at its best for your adventure, neither too hot nor too cold, and the insects aren’t as bad. There are many beautiful changes in the season that are sure to capture anyones attention. Capturing all these beautiful colors that the trees produce are perfect for taking pictures. You can also collect the leaves and pinecones to make a collage or a scrapebook page with.

Just a short drive from Cleveland and Akron is the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which covers 33,000 acres along the banks of the Cuyahoga River. Twenty two miles of the river wind and weave through Cuyahoga Valley, forming the backbone of the park, and giving way to rolling floodplain, steep valley walls and ravines, and lush upland forests. Ohio’s only national park is a remarkable place to visit, to hike, or relax and experience the world of nature.

There is also the Cleveland Metroparks, which have several different locations. These parks may be a bit smaller than the national park, but for locals its a great place to get away and do some hiking and experience all that nature has to offer. With creeks running through the park, and different trails to lead you all over the park, its hard to not find a peaceful and interesting place to just enjoy nature and take some unforgettable pictures.

If you live in or near Ohio, you know of several places that peak your interest. If you don’t and want to learn more, there are several websites that will give you directions and lists of many different parks to visit as well as number of trails, levels of difficulty and certain aspects about each and every park on the list. Please do check some of these parks out, you will be fascinated by all that nature has to offer in the beautiful state of Ohio.