Several things put the Buckeye State on the map, from the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame and world-class stadiums to being the home of the Wright Brothers. However, there is no disputing the state’s natural beauty. Its fertile soils have nurtured lush forested surroundings with pristine waterways, resulting in a charming variety of flora and fauna. Furthermore, the Appalachian Plateau, which makes up a huge chunk of the state, is dotted with lovely nature spaces, presenting endless outdoor opportunities.
Skipping big cities like Cleveland and Columbus and heading to the rural localities raises the prospect of experiencing the state’s natural side. The small towns harbor the best outdoor adventures in Ohio’s open spaces, thanks to sprawling park grounds, nature preserves, and abandoned farmlands. Whether planning to hike, camp, swim, or sightsee, these are the best towns in Ohio for the outdoorsy vacationer.
Loudonville
Pleasant Hill Lake near Loudonville, Ohio.
The “canoe capital of Ohio” delights visitors with a range of river adventures. This little locality boasts multiple canoe liveries, including Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery & Fun Center. Visitors can choose from kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and tubing for a fun trip down the Mohican River. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. At Mohican State Park, you can enjoy a vibrant recreation hub with opportunities for hikers, hunters, anglers, campers, skiers, and snowmobilers. The park is surrounded by the dense Mohican-Memorial State Forest, allowing you to get lost in the belly of Mother Nature.
If hiking sounds like too much work, you can get behind the wheel for a trip along the Wally Road Scenic Byway to soak in breathtaking scenes of the fertile Mohican and Walhonding Valleys. The route traverses forested hilltops, wetlands, and deep…
FILE – Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe, speaks to reporters after giving the annual State of the Tribes address in the Wisconsin state Capitol Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in Madison, Wisc. Indigenous students from any of Wisconsin’s 11 tribes will be able to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison for free beginning next fall, Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin announced Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Holsey called the aid program “cycle-breaking” for Indigenous youth. Photo by Cara Lombardo /THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
