Columbus, Ohio

Top Spots in and near Columbus

  • Rockbridge, Ohio

    Cantwell Cliffs Loop

    3.3
    0.91 mi / 292 ft gain
    Cantwell Cliffs is one of the more northern units of the overall Hocking Hills State Park Region. Located off of OH SR 374, a short 0.1 spur trail takes you from the parking lot to the rim of the gorge and the area's namesake cliffs. From there, you have two choices: Turn left and descend through...
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  • Logan, Ohio

    Corkscrew Falls

    3.8
    1 mi / 35 ft gain
    I like to describe this waterfall as the "elusive" Corkscrew Falls (aka Robinson Falls). A couple of years ago, only one or two people had blogged on the internet about these falls. They were not super, descriptive details, so most of the time I wandered around till I found the trail. There is no...
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  • Rockbridge, Ohio

    Natural Bridge Trail and Rock Shelter Trail Loop

    4.0
    2.93 mi / 518 ft gain
    Natural Bridge Trail and Rock Shelter Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Rockbridge, Ohio.
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  • Laurelville, Ohio

    Explore the Rock House

    4.8
    0.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    From the Rock House parking lot, follow the trail for 0.1 mile down the hill until you come to a fork in the trail, at which point follow the yellow marked Lower Rim Trail that continues downhill through a set of carved sandstone steps and then turns to parallel the cliffs. From there, it's less ...
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  • Springfield, Ohio

    Swim at Buck Creek SP

    2.5
    Officially opened in 1975, Buck Creek State Park is home to a 2,120 acre lake with 1,896 acres of land consisting of forests, meadows, a beach, and two dams. On a warm summer day, this beach is the place to be! Plenty of free parking and plenty of space to spread out. It is the only beach in Spri...
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  • Chillicothe, Ohio

    Shawnee Ridge Trail Loop

    11.9 mi / 1736 ft gain
    Starting at the northern parking lot, head south along the Shawnee Ridge Trail. Several spur and loop trails intersect the trail along the 12-mile loop hike. Many of these spur trails include difficult hikes up large hills like Sugarloaf Mountain, Sand Hill, and Mt. Ives. At each trail intersecti...
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  • Springfield, Ohio

    Stroll along the Dam at the CJ Brown Reservoir

    3.0
    1.2 mi
    This walk is safe, open, flat and perfect for getting some exercise with a view!  The dam is 1.2 miles round trip, and open for a variety of activities - walking, jogging, biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading!  At the far end of the dam is a long set of stairs leading to the lower parking lot...
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  • Springfield, Ohio

    Hike the Stone's Throw Trail

    4.0
    0.8 mi
    This 0.4 trail is tiny but mighty!  It is hidden up the hill from the CJ Brown Reservoir Visitor Center, and leads down a small wooded path to a less accessed part of the lake.  This is a common spot for birdwatching, and a favorite place for Springfield's elusive Great Blue Herons.  Follow the p...
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  • Heath, Ohio

    Quarry Rim-Chestnut Trail

    5.0
    6 mi / 400 ft gain
    Starting at the eastern trailhead off of Gratiot Rd, follow the paved Blackhand Trail for 0.2 mile till you arrive at the sign of the Quarry Rim Trail, a 0.9 mile trail that roughly parallels the bike trail, but takes you along the rim of the old sandstone quarry that was in operation in the late...
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  • Heath, Ohio

    Blackhand Trail

    8.6 mi
    Both the eastern and western trailhead have ample parking and access to the Blackhand Trail, which winds its way along the banks of the Licking River for a 4.3 mile one way trip.  While the trail isn't terribly long, it makes up for it in its scenery, staying within eyesight of the Licking River...
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  • West Liberty, Ohio

    Explore Ohio Caverns

    4.8
    1 mi / 80 ft gain
    Ohio Caverns is a locally owned private establishment with guided tours through the cave system that lies beneath the rolling farmland of Central Western Ohio. The caves were formed by the dissolution of the Devonian limestone bedrock below, giving way to some of the most phenomenal cave features...
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  • Logan, Ohio

    Conkle's Hollow Gorge and Rim Trail Loop

    4.7
    2.92 mi / 718.5 ft gain
    Starting from the parking lot, cross the small foot bridge before coming to where the trail splits. You will have 3 options (straight, left or right). My personal opinion on route will be described below. Take the paved path that explores the valley floor first. It is an easy 1/2 mile out and...
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  • Rockbridge, Ohio

    Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail

    5.0
    1.17 mi / 243 ft gain
    Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Rockbridge, Ohio.
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  • Logan, Ohio

    Upper Falls Hocking Hills State Park

    5.0
    0.13 mi / 10 ft gain
    This .13 mile hike crosses a beautiful bridge that's one of the most-photographed features in Hocking Hills. This awesome trail system is perfect for families and people who want to be spontaneous because there are many routes to choose from as you go. The trailThis short hike is close to the pa...
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  • Logan, Ohio

    Lower Falls Loop via Buckeye Trail

    5.0
    1.22 mi / 171 ft gain
    This 1.2-mile trail has minimal elevation gain and leads to Lower Falls. This waterfall flows the most in the spring, especially after a snowy winter, and can dry up around July during dry summers. What's the trail like?The loop has a one-way path, making it easier for people to get in and out. ...
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  • Logan, Ohio

    Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail

    4.8
    9.42 mi / 1060 ft gain
    Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes to two scenic caves in Hocking Hills State Park located near South Bloomingville, Ohio. This trail is dog friendly on-leash. 
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