Outbound Collective logo

Ohio

Top Spots in and near Ohio

  • West Union, Ohio

    Hike the Joan Jones Portman Trail

    1.6 mi / 405 ft gain
    Located right off the road next to an old shed, across the road from the main pavilion and barn, the trailhead for the Joan Jones Portman Trail winds upwards 0.8 miles one way across a creek and through a narrow section of prairie clinging to the hillsides of Southern Ohio. This is one of the ste...
    Read more
  • Logan, Ohio

    Hike to Whispering Cave

    1.7 mi / 480 ft gain
    The trailhead begins at the base of the parking lot of the old Hocking Hills Lodge that sadly burnt down in 2016. While plans are underway for a new lodge to be built, it means parking for this particular trail is plentiful for the moment, since the massive parking lot is only being used for the ...
    Read more
  • Vandalia, Ohio

    Waterfall Loop at Englewood MetroPark

    5.0
    2.25 mi
    This adventure begins at a parking lot within the Englewood East MetroPark, right at the trailhead for the white trail. Begin the hike into the woods, following the well-marked path through points 1 and 2. Continue straight on the white path until you hit point 7, where you will switch over to th...
    Read more
  • Independence, Ohio

    Photograph Fall Colors Along Independence Pass and Twin Lakes, CO

    5.0
    While this is a more of a photography adventure and a fall drive to take through Colorado, there are also many areas to hike along the way. The drive can start from really anywhere in the general area. From the front range area of Colorado, head up I70 and get off toward Twin Lakes around Copper....
    Read more
  • 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...
    Read more
  • Cedarville, Ohio

    Hike the Gorge Trail at Indian Mounds

    5.0
    Cedarville, Ohio is known for its expansive farmland, but in the Indian Mounds Park you'll find several unique features, such as the cavern located on the Gorge Trail!  This cave is formed out of the side of a cliff and is perfect for easy exploration and climbing. When the water is low enough yo...
    Read more
  • Independence, Ohio

    Drive Independence Pass

    5.0
    32 mi
    Whether you are driving or biking, the elevation gain is significant, it's over 4,000 ft. The road is fairly narrow so being cautious is important. The highway itself is seasonal; it's closed for winter due to icy conditions. We stopped along the Grotto trailhead to hike around and get some views...
    Read more
  • Yellow Springs, Ohio

    Visit the Tecumseh Sunflower Field

    4.0
    If you're driving along US 68 towards Yellow Springs, Ohio in early September, you just may be lucky enough to come upon the Tecumseh Sunflower Field in full bloom!  You only have about two-three weeks where the flowers will be bright, happy and alive, so make plans to hit it in time.  There is f...
    Read more
  • Logan, Ohio

    Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave via Buckeye Trail

    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. 
    Read more
  • Springfield, Ohio

    Explore the History of George Rogers Clark Park

    5.0
    The George Rogers Clark Park has over 6 miles of nature hiking trails as well as a fishing pond. There are large A-frames at several points in the park to set up for the afternoon and grill some hotdogs, and plenty of field space to lay out some blankets and break out the picnic basket. The bigge...
    Read more
  • Spindler Road Starting Point, Ohio

    Hike the Mudsock Trail

    4.0
    1.5 mi / 0 ft gain
    This trail begins at a dog park and meanders alongside farm fields and creeks. Stay to the right at the first fork to begin the Mudsock Trail. The second fork in the trail results in a loop that meets up with itself and continues on. Depending on the amount of plant growth/season, there is a trai...
    Read more
  • Rockbridge, Ohio

    Conkle's Hollow Gorge Trail

    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.
    Read more
  • Springfield, Ohio

    Climb at Mad River Gorge

    1 mi
    Just a short hike down from the parking lot lies a half mile of cliffside full of climbing opportunities! Plenty of variety for different skill levels, although someone in your group will need to lead climb to set up the route first. There are hooks already in place on each route, and you are not...
    Read more
  • Peninsula, Ohio

    Plateau Trail

    5.0
    4.56 mi / 607 ft gain
    Plateau Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Peninsula, Ohio.
    Read more
  • Springfield, Ohio

    Float the Mad River near Springfield

    4.0
    This section is perfect for the beginner river adventurer or a family with little ones. It is only 2.5 miles long, and is extremely calm and pretty. Depending on river levels and speed, it should take around 60-90 minutes to complete (kayak/canoe). There are also several shores along the way for ...
    Read more
  • Westerville, Ohio

    Hike the Overlook-Hickory Ridge-Brookside Trail

    4.0
    1.6 mi
    This gravel woods path at Blendon Woods Metropark, just over 1.5 miles, is perfect for a quick hike when visiting the city! You may be close to Ohio's capitol city, but you feel far away in the woods of this park.  Come into the main entrance and turn right at the Ranger Station.  Park near the n...
    Read more