It’s no secret that Ohio’s nature scene has the power to take your breath away—but what might be a secret to you are the following almost magically beautiful outdoor spots. While many of these might be well known to locals, the following nature getaways are not nearly as well known across Ohio such as the state’s beloved Hocking Hills State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other well known nature spots are. Here are 12 (semi-)secret spots nature spots in Ohio where serenity and enchantment reign.
- West Falls (Elyria)
Chris Capell/Flickr At the end of Cascade Park in Elyria, these impressive waterfalls flow from the West Fork Black River.
- Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park (Nelson Township)
E Photos/Flickr
E Photos/Flickr Nelson Kennedy Ledges provides a similar adventurous experience to Old Man’s Cave. Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, unique hiking trails (complete with a “Dwarf’s Pass,” pictured above) and diverse plant life.
- Honey Run Falls (Howard)
Diane Cordell/Flickr The sandstone, moss and delicate falls create a magical woodlands scene at Honey Run Highlands Park in Howard, Ohio.
- Clifton Gorge (Yellow Springs)
J. Todd Poling/Flickr
J. Todd Poling/Flickr If the lush, green trails at Clifton Gorge won’t enchant you, the waterfalls at Clifton Mill surely will.
- Paine Falls (Painesville)
Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr Paine Falls Park is home to this impressive two-tiered waterfall, which is easy to access.
- Scum Park (Olmsted Falls)
Linda Myers In spite of the name, this park in Olmsted Falls features some modest, yet captivating waterfalls.
- The Bridge of Dreams (Danville)
Mark Spearman/Flickr This enchanting former railroad bridge was converted to a covered bridge. You will find it in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, (in Knox County near Danville,) as well as a small park and a trail that is part of the Heart Of Ohio Trail.
- Charleston Falls (Vandalia)
Stephen/Flickr Best seen after a good rain, this beautiful waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County.
- Bedford Reservation (Walton Hills)
Cameron Schron Within the Cleveland Metroparks, you’ll find several enchanting falls at Bedford Reservation.
- Oak Openings (East Swanton)
Heather/Flickr
Benny Mazur/Flickr Close to Toledo you’ll find what’s considered to be Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony. The Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is operated by Metroparks of the Toledo Area.
- Indian Run Falls (Dublin)
Scallop Holden This small, yet captivating urban waterfall is located in Dublin.
- Lanterman’s Mill (Youngstown)
Jack Pearce/Flickr No matter the season, Lanterman’s Mill within Mill Creek Park is a truly enchanting sight to behold.
Did you know about these places? What (and where) are some other enchanting lesser known spots in Ohio? Share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below!
Chris Capell/Flickr
At the end of Cascade Park in Elyria, these impressive waterfalls flow from the West Fork Black River.
E Photos/Flickr
Nelson Kennedy Ledges provides a similar adventurous experience to Old Man’s Cave. Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, unique hiking trails (complete with a “Dwarf’s Pass,” pictured above) and diverse plant life.
Diane Cordell/Flickr
The sandstone, moss and delicate falls create a magical woodlands scene at Honey Run Highlands Park in Howard, Ohio.
J. Todd Poling/Flickr
If the lush, green trails at Clifton Gorge won’t enchant you, the waterfalls at Clifton Mill surely will.
Nicholas A. Tonelli/Flickr
Paine Falls Park is home to this impressive two-tiered waterfall, which is easy to access.
Linda Myers
In spite of the name, this park in Olmsted Falls features some modest, yet captivating waterfalls.
Mark Spearman/Flickr
This enchanting former railroad bridge was converted to a covered bridge. You will find it in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, (in Knox County near Danville,) as well as a small park and a trail that is part of the Heart Of Ohio Trail.
Stephen/Flickr
Best seen after a good rain, this beautiful waterfall can be found in Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County.
Cameron Schron
Within the Cleveland Metroparks, you’ll find several enchanting falls at Bedford Reservation.
Heather/Flickr
Benny Mazur/Flickr
Close to Toledo you’ll find what’s considered to be Ohio’s rarest ecosystem (and one of the world’s rarest ecosystems) where rare plants and animals, oak forests, sand dunes, savannas, tall-grass prairies and swamp forests all thrive in harmony. The Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is operated by Metroparks of the Toledo Area.
Scallop Holden
This small, yet captivating urban waterfall is located in Dublin.
Jack Pearce/Flickr
No matter the season, Lanterman’s Mill within Mill Creek Park is a truly enchanting sight to behold.
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