The Buckeye State is filled with beautiful hiking trails just waiting to be explored, many of which have a fairy tale-like atmosphere about them. (For proof of this, check out this secret garden hike.) The following are 10 of our favorite hiking trails in Ohio with magical surroundings, beautiful views, and fanciful footbridges that make you feel as if you’re traveling through a living storybook. Are you ready to be part of your very own fairy tale? Here are some of the best hikes in Ohio where you can do just that!

  1. Hemlock Bridge and Whispering Cave Trail (Hocking Hills State Park)

April Dray/Only In Your State Hiking adventures abound in Hocking Hills State Park, a place flush with enchanting waterfalls and intriguing caves. With massive sandstone cliffs, a new cave, a towering waterfall and a swinging bridge, the new Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio adventure you simply have to take this summer. The Hemlock Bridge Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that leads to Whispering Cave, a 300 foot-wide cavern many past visitors have yet to explore. The trailhead is located at 20160 St. Rt. 664 S, Logan, OH, 43138. Whispering Cave Trail Head, Logan, OH 43138, USA

  1. Cattail Trail (Garfield Park Reservation)

tde1973/Flickr Along this short-and-sweet, 0.2-mile Cleveland Metroparks trail, you’ll observe beautiful stonework from the 1930s, gorgeous flowers and wildlife. The trail is located near the Metroparks’ maintenance center on Garfield Parkway. Garfield Heights officially opened as a park in 1895, and its campus has grown more beautiful since; this trail lets you revel in the beauty of this inspired place! Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USA

  1. Hurdle Waterfowl Park Loop (Hurdle Waterfowl Park)

Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook This quiet, 66-acre park was originally designed to attract waterfowl. Today, it’s an unbelievably beautiful park to hike, fish and bird watch in Ashland County. Explore everything here from the marsh footbridge to deep woods. (There’s also a large observation tower that overlooks the entire park.) In fact, we love this hidden gem so much, we think it’s home to some of the best hikes in Ohio – and the world! Hurdle Waterfowl Park is located at 297 Township Rd 581, Sullivan, OH, 44880. Hurdle Waterfowl Park, 297 Township Rd 581, Sullivan, OH 44880, USA

  1. Old Mans Cave Loop (Hocking Hills State Park)

April Dray/Only In Your State

April Dray/Only In Your State What is arguably Ohio’s most scenic hiking trail is approximately one mile long and can be completed in about an hour. In addition to the caves and waterfalls, you’ll encounter several interesting foot bridges along the way, many of which look straight out of a storybook. Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You’ll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the headlining Old Man’s Cave. This truly is a must-do Ohio trail! Hocking Hills State Park is located at 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH, 43138. Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center, 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138, USA

  1. East Cohasset Hike/Bike Trail (Mill Creek Park)

Jess/Flickr Youngstown’s metro park features some beautiful scenery and landmarks. The 1.5-mile asphalt surface East Cohasset Hike/Bike Trail features a scenic route above Lake Cohasset and a beautiful “Cinderella Bridge.” It’s perfect for a leisurely day hike. Mill Creek Park - South End, Boardman, OH 44512, USA

  1. The Boardwalk Trail (Maumee Bay State Park)

cdenoi/Trip Advisor Maumee Bay State Park has over 1,300 acres of gorgeous landscapes, and the Boardwalk Trail is arguably the best trail to hike at Maumee Bay State Park. It’s a 2.2-mile loop trail, so it’s perfect for a short day hike when you only have a few hours to explore. What makes this trail especially unique is the fact that it traverses swamp and marsh wetlands. You’ll find it at 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon, OH, 43616. Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616, USA

  1. Hebron Trail (Ohio Canal Greenway)

Harry Wagner/Flickr This recreational trail in Licking County is located on the old Penn Central Railroad right-of-way, just south of the village of Hebron. It is approximately 2.7 miles long, and features farmland scenery and a charming covered bridge along the way. Ohio Canal Greenway, Unnamed Road, Hebron, OH 43025, USA

  1. Natural Bridge Loop (Rockbridge State Nature Preserve)

April Dray/Only In Your State The most underrated natural wonder in Ohio, the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge features a looped trail that takes you to a natural bridge that stretches more than 100 feet long – and it’s truly incredible. (After steady rainfall, the water trickling down into the ravine increases and forms what locals call “Rockbridge Falls” beneath the bridge.) Rockbridge State Nature Preserve is located at 11475 Dalton Rd., Rockbridge, OH, 43149. Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, 11475 Dalton Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA

  1. Horsehoe Falls (Caesar Creek State Park)

April Dray/Only In Your State One of the state’s most underrated hikes is hiding in Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, Ohio. Part of a larger trail, the trek to Horseshoe Falls is an easy, eventful journey that’s perfect for a short day hike. Along this 1.2-mile portion of the trail, you’ll encounter gorgeous views, a swinging bridge, and a waterfall. The Flat Fork Ridge Recreation Area, (where you’ll find the trailhead), is located on Clarksville Rd., close to the Caesar Creek Visitor’s Center (which is located at 4020 N Clarksville Rd., Waynesville, OH, 45068). Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA

  1. Rowe Woods Edge Trail (Cincinnati Nature Center)

Cincinnati Nature Center/Facebook The Rowe Woods Edge Trail at the Cincinnati Nature Center is a must-hike trail, no matter the season. With just .66 miles to explore, this easy trail features gorgeous views of Powel Crosley Lake. Unlike most waterfront trails, the Rowe Woods Edge Trail takes you right out onto the lake via boardwalk paths. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along this trail, as you never know what friendly faces you’ll stumble upon. Our favorite find at the Cincinnati Nature Center, however, might be this old-growth forest! Who knew Ohio had its very own old-growth forest?! Cincinnati Nature Center is located at 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH, 45150. Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150, USA

How many of these trails have you hiked before? What other bridge trails would you add to this list? What do you think are the best fairy tale hikes in Ohio? Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments section below!

April Dray/Only In Your State

Hiking adventures abound in Hocking Hills State Park, a place flush with enchanting waterfalls and intriguing caves. With massive sandstone cliffs, a new cave, a towering waterfall and a swinging bridge, the new Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave at Hocking Hills State Park is an Ohio adventure you simply have to take this summer. The Hemlock Bridge Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that leads to Whispering Cave, a 300 foot-wide cavern many past visitors have yet to explore. The trailhead is located at 20160 St. Rt. 664 S, Logan, OH, 43138.

Whispering Cave Trail Head, Logan, OH 43138, USA

tde1973/Flickr

Along this short-and-sweet, 0.2-mile Cleveland Metroparks trail, you’ll observe beautiful stonework from the 1930s, gorgeous flowers and wildlife. The trail is located near the Metroparks’ maintenance center on Garfield Parkway. Garfield Heights officially opened as a park in 1895, and its campus has grown more beautiful since; this trail lets you revel in the beauty of this inspired place!

Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Garfield Heights, OH 44125, USA

Ohio Hiking Trails and Historical Sites./Facebook

This quiet, 66-acre park was originally designed to attract waterfowl. Today, it’s an unbelievably beautiful park to hike, fish and bird watch in Ashland County. Explore everything here from the marsh footbridge to deep woods. (There’s also a large observation tower that overlooks the entire park.) In fact, we love this hidden gem so much, we think it’s home to some of the best hikes in Ohio – and the world! Hurdle Waterfowl Park is located at 297 Township Rd 581, Sullivan, OH, 44880.

Hurdle Waterfowl Park, 297 Township Rd 581, Sullivan, OH 44880, USA

What is arguably Ohio’s most scenic hiking trail is approximately one mile long and can be completed in about an hour. In addition to the caves and waterfalls, you’ll encounter several interesting foot bridges along the way, many of which look straight out of a storybook. Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You’ll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the headlining Old Man’s Cave. This truly is a must-do Ohio trail! Hocking Hills State Park is located at 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH, 43138.

Hocking Hills State Park Visitor Center, 19988 OH-664 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138, USA

Jess/Flickr

Youngstown’s metro park features some beautiful scenery and landmarks. The 1.5-mile asphalt surface East Cohasset Hike/Bike Trail features a scenic route above Lake Cohasset and a beautiful “Cinderella Bridge.” It’s perfect for a leisurely day hike.

Mill Creek Park - South End, Boardman, OH 44512, USA

cdenoi/Trip Advisor

Maumee Bay State Park has over 1,300 acres of gorgeous landscapes, and the Boardwalk Trail is arguably the best trail to hike at Maumee Bay State Park. It’s a 2.2-mile loop trail, so it’s perfect for a short day hike when you only have a few hours to explore. What makes this trail especially unique is the fact that it traverses swamp and marsh wetlands. You’ll find it at 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon, OH, 43616.

Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616, USA

Harry Wagner/Flickr

This recreational trail in Licking County is located on the old Penn Central Railroad right-of-way, just south of the village of Hebron. It is approximately 2.7 miles long, and features farmland scenery and a charming covered bridge along the way.

Ohio Canal Greenway, Unnamed Road, Hebron, OH 43025, USA

The most underrated natural wonder in Ohio, the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve in the small town of Rockbridge features a looped trail that takes you to a natural bridge that stretches more than 100 feet long – and it’s truly incredible. (After steady rainfall, the water trickling down into the ravine increases and forms what locals call “Rockbridge Falls” beneath the bridge.) Rockbridge State Nature Preserve is located at 11475 Dalton Rd., Rockbridge, OH, 43149.

Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, 11475 Dalton Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA

One of the state’s most underrated hikes is hiding in Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville, Ohio. Part of a larger trail, the trek to Horseshoe Falls is an easy, eventful journey that’s perfect for a short day hike. Along this 1.2-mile portion of the trail, you’ll encounter gorgeous views, a swinging bridge, and a waterfall. The Flat Fork Ridge Recreation Area, (where you’ll find the trailhead), is located on Clarksville Rd., close to the Caesar Creek Visitor’s Center (which is located at 4020 N Clarksville Rd., Waynesville, OH, 45068).

Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA

Cincinnati Nature Center/Facebook

The Rowe Woods Edge Trail at the Cincinnati Nature Center is a must-hike trail, no matter the season. With just .66 miles to explore, this easy trail features gorgeous views of Powel Crosley Lake. Unlike most waterfront trails, the Rowe Woods Edge Trail takes you right out onto the lake via boardwalk paths. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along this trail, as you never know what friendly faces you’ll stumble upon. Our favorite find at the Cincinnati Nature Center, however, might be this old-growth forest! Who knew Ohio had its very own old-growth forest?! Cincinnati Nature Center is located at 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH, 45150.

Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd, Milford, OH 45150, USA

For more fairy tale hiking adventures in Ohio, check out our previous article: This Secret Garden Hike In Ohio Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Ohio April 02, 2022 Sarah M. What are some fairy tale places in Ohio? The Buckeye State is a magical place, and there are many places you can visit that will make you feel as though you’re in a real-life fairy tale! In Southwestern Ohio, the Loveland Castle, Highfield Discovery Garden, Cincinnati Nature Center, Smale Riverfront Park, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park, and Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens are all places that will make you feel as though you’re living a fairy tale fantasy. In Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory is one of our favorite hidden gems. Located mere minutes from our state’s bustling capital, Franklin Park Conservatory is a landmark that everyone should experience at least once per year, though we recommend exploring this lovely place in each season. This attraction always has a seasonal show going on, whether it’s botanical based (the orchid shows are sublime!), a whimsical topiary exhibit, or even a fusion of art and nature (there was a Dave Chihuly exhibit once that was mind-glowingly awesome!). Learn more about this enchanting attraction in Columbus, Ohio, in this feature.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Ohio

April 02, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some fairy tale places in Ohio? The Buckeye State is a magical place, and there are many places you can visit that will make you feel as though you’re in a real-life fairy tale! In Southwestern Ohio, the Loveland Castle, Highfield Discovery Garden, Cincinnati Nature Center, Smale Riverfront Park, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park, and Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens are all places that will make you feel as though you’re living a fairy tale fantasy. In Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory is one of our favorite hidden gems. Located mere minutes from our state’s bustling capital, Franklin Park Conservatory is a landmark that everyone should experience at least once per year, though we recommend exploring this lovely place in each season. This attraction always has a seasonal show going on, whether it’s botanical based (the orchid shows are sublime!), a whimsical topiary exhibit, or even a fusion of art and nature (there was a Dave Chihuly exhibit once that was mind-glowingly awesome!). Learn more about this enchanting attraction in Columbus, Ohio, in this feature.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Buckeye State is a magical place, and there are many places you can visit that will make you feel as though you’re in a real-life fairy tale! In Southwestern Ohio, the Loveland Castle, Highfield Discovery Garden, Cincinnati Nature Center, Smale Riverfront Park, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park, and Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens are all places that will make you feel as though you’re living a fairy tale fantasy. In Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory is one of our favorite hidden gems. Located mere minutes from our state’s bustling capital, Franklin Park Conservatory is a landmark that everyone should experience at least once per year, though we recommend exploring this lovely place in each season. This attraction always has a seasonal show going on, whether it’s botanical based (the orchid shows are sublime!), a whimsical topiary exhibit, or even a fusion of art and nature (there was a Dave Chihuly exhibit once that was mind-glowingly awesome!). Learn more about this enchanting attraction in Columbus, Ohio, in this feature.