Hiking is one of our favorite past times. Promising fresh air, sunshine, and breathtaking scenery, Ohio’s trails are some of the best in the Midwest. If you’re looking to add some new hikes to your repertoire and prefer a gentler terrain, this is the list for you. The following is a list of easy trails in Ohio that are suitable for nearly every skill level and perfect for family outings. Without further ado, here are 7 of the greatest hiking trails in Ohio for beginners.
- Plateau Trail
Vangie Turner / AllTrails Plateau Trail measures just over 4 miles and can be found within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s a popular trail and for good reason. Along the way, you’ll encounter enchanting footbridges, breathtaking woods, and a waterfall. Because it’s flat and well-marked, this is one of the most beginner-friendly hikes in the park. Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
- Cedar Falls, Buckeye, and Gorge Overlook Trail
Amy Weber / AllTrails A trip to Hocking Hills State Park is all about exploring fascinating rock formations and waterfalls, and this short-and-sweet trail has an abundance of it all. Measuring just 0.5 miles, this out-and-back trail is a real crowd-pleaser. Despite being on the shorter side, the trail packs in an impressive amount of scenery at every turn. Buckeye Trail & Gorge Overlook Trail, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
- Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail
Lance Challender / AllTrails Located within the Conkles Hollow Recreation Area is a beautiful 1.2-mile trail that meanders through the beautiful wooded landscape. Perfect for beginners, this paved trek is also wheelchair-accessible for the majority of its length. Be sure to take the time to notice the surrounding scenery; it’s truly breathtaking in any season! Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA
- Ash Cave
Aaron Riley / AllTrails Ash Cave is one of the most popular trails in Ohio, and it’s no mystery why. Tucked away in Hocking Hills State Park, this 0.5-mile trek packs in a lot of gorgeous scenery. The initial section of the trail is paved and accessible, while the end features a staircase and sand pathway to get closer to the falls. For fewer crowds, you might consider taking this trail during the winter. Ash Cave, OH-56, Logan, OH 43138, USA
- Horseshoe Falls
Curtis Barnett / AllTrails Horseshoe Falls Trail may be considered easy, but it’s not without its thrills! Located within Caesar Creek State Park, this 1.7-mile trail offers lots of interesting features: a swinging bridge, waterfalls, and a staircase. It’s peaceful, quiet, and a great place for reflection. Horseshoe Falls, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
- Dripping Rock Loop
Ashley Bradley / AllTrails Tucked away in Highbanks Metropolitan Park is a stunning 2.6-mile loop that will delight nature enthusiasts of all kinds. This well-maintained trail features some hills for a slight elevation change but overall, it’s considered to be easy for most skill levels. You can also incorporate other trails within the system for a longer trek. For a map and additional information about the trail system, click here. Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USA
- Charleston Falls Loop
Lyndsay Coleman / AllTrails Last, but certainly not least on our list of easy trails in Ohio, the Charleston Falls Loop is a 1.8-mile trail featuring a magical waterfall. Reviewers have noted that this trail is well-maintained and offers an impressive variety of terrain along the way. Learn more about how hiking the Charleston Falls Loop is an outdoor adventure like none other. Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
How many of these easy trails in Ohio have you hiked? Are there any that you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
Vangie Turner / AllTrails
Plateau Trail measures just over 4 miles and can be found within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s a popular trail and for good reason. Along the way, you’ll encounter enchanting footbridges, breathtaking woods, and a waterfall. Because it’s flat and well-marked, this is one of the most beginner-friendly hikes in the park.
Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
Amy Weber / AllTrails
A trip to Hocking Hills State Park is all about exploring fascinating rock formations and waterfalls, and this short-and-sweet trail has an abundance of it all. Measuring just 0.5 miles, this out-and-back trail is a real crowd-pleaser. Despite being on the shorter side, the trail packs in an impressive amount of scenery at every turn.
Buckeye Trail & Gorge Overlook Trail, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
Lance Challender / AllTrails
Located within the Conkles Hollow Recreation Area is a beautiful 1.2-mile trail that meanders through the beautiful wooded landscape. Perfect for beginners, this paved trek is also wheelchair-accessible for the majority of its length. Be sure to take the time to notice the surrounding scenery; it’s truly breathtaking in any season!
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA
Aaron Riley / AllTrails
Ash Cave is one of the most popular trails in Ohio, and it’s no mystery why. Tucked away in Hocking Hills State Park, this 0.5-mile trek packs in a lot of gorgeous scenery. The initial section of the trail is paved and accessible, while the end features a staircase and sand pathway to get closer to the falls. For fewer crowds, you might consider taking this trail during the winter.
Ash Cave, OH-56, Logan, OH 43138, USA
Curtis Barnett / AllTrails
Horseshoe Falls Trail may be considered easy, but it’s not without its thrills! Located within Caesar Creek State Park, this 1.7-mile trail offers lots of interesting features: a swinging bridge, waterfalls, and a staircase. It’s peaceful, quiet, and a great place for reflection.
Horseshoe Falls, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA
Ashley Bradley / AllTrails
Tucked away in Highbanks Metropolitan Park is a stunning 2.6-mile loop that will delight nature enthusiasts of all kinds. This well-maintained trail features some hills for a slight elevation change but overall, it’s considered to be easy for most skill levels. You can also incorporate other trails within the system for a longer trek. For a map and additional information about the trail system, click here.
Highbanks Metro Park, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035, USA
Lyndsay Coleman / AllTrails
Last, but certainly not least on our list of easy trails in Ohio, the Charleston Falls Loop is a 1.8-mile trail featuring a magical waterfall. Reviewers have noted that this trail is well-maintained and offers an impressive variety of terrain along the way. Learn more about how hiking the Charleston Falls Loop is an outdoor adventure like none other.
Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
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