EXPLORE OHIO
Here is a list of just a few of Ohio's best state parks and some of our personal favorites. Do not let our list stop you from exploring the countless other state parks and campgrounds Ohio and surround states has to offer.
HOCKING HILLS
Home to a rich-biodiversity, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and deep gorges, Hocking Hills State Park has five separate sections: Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs and Rock House. The park's newest edition --Whispering Caves -- is located on the Hemlock Bridge Trail.
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These wonders were created more than 330 million years ago, beginning as level ground covered by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean slowly receded after millions of years, further forming with the Appalachian region. What we see today was the result of a melting glacier creating rivers, waterfalls, caves and gorges. The name "Hocking" came much later thanks to Native Americans that once resided in the area, deeming it "Hockhocking River" (bottle river).
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With more than 10,000 acres and 200 campsites, millions of visitors come enjoy the forest and its many activities from rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, horseback riding, hiking and more year round.
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Find more information at www.explorehockinghills.com
COWAN LAKE STATE PARK
Located in southwestern Ohio, this 1,775-acre park offers a peaceful lake setting complete with scenic inlets and wooded shoreline. Swimming, fishing, sailing and kayaking are popular at the lake. Meandering trails through mature woodlands complement Cowan Lake’s natural features. A variety of trillium and an abundance of other wildflowers can be seen from the hiking trails in the spring. In late spring/early summer, the aquatic American lotus are in bloom on the lake.
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Cowan is one of our families favorite destinations. We love it because of the cozy feeling and the friendly people. It has newer playgrounds for the kids to have fun and a great selection of campsites. It also has a camp store that offers delicious hand scooped ice cream, perfect for those hot summer days.
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Find more information at www.parks.ohiodnr.gov/cowanlake
MOHICAN STATE PARK
Located in northeastern Ohio, the 1,110-acre Mohican State Park and the adjacent 4,525-acre state forest offer outstanding opportunities for visitors to explore one of Ohio’s most stunning natural regions. Visitors can truly experience the wilderness, venturing through the hemlock forest to take in the striking views offered by the Clear Fork Gorge and fish-laden Clear Fork River. Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy a challenge on the acclaimed 25-mile trail and relax in the evening at the luxurious Mohican State Park lodge or cabins along the meandering river.
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KELLEYS ISLAND
This is another top state park in Ohio and offers excellent fishing and water sports activities. The 677-acre Kelleys Island State Park is located on the northern shores of Kelleys Island, known as Lake Erie’s Emerald Isle. Renowned for it's unique geological, ecological and archaeological features, the 2,800 acre island is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and a relaxing retreat for vacationers.
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Privately operated ferries offer frequent daily service for cars, RVs, bicyclists and pedestrians from the mainland at Marblehead and Sandusky. Golf carts and bicycles are available for rent from private vendors. The Lake Erie Shores and Island Welcome Center is an excellent source for travel options and ideas, go to the Lake Erie Shores & Islands website or call (800) 255-3743.
