Ohio Hikes and Sights

There’s something incredibly peaceful about wandering through a forest filled with ferns. It’s like nature’s own soothing retreat. 🌿✨

Gorgeous summer views from Jacobs Ladder trail at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve. This 4.1 mile trail with stunning views is a favorite of mine.

2340 Meister Rd SW, Lancaster, OH

Throwback photo from June 2020.

Lake Katherine State Nature Preserve.

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lake-katharine-state-nature-preserve

Visit from a year ago today!

We are lucky to have so many gorgeous parks in Ohio! It is an always a good day to visit Blendon Woods in Columbus, Ohio. Check the link below for trail info.

Blendon Woods Metro Park
https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/trails/

Discover the hidden gems of Vinton Furnace State Forest! Such a cool place to explore! This area was a major iron producer, featuring blast furnaces during the Civil War. Today, the remnants show stories of its industrial past!

From 1854 to 1883, the furnace smelted iron ore, evolving from charcoal to coke fuel as timber dwindled. The remnants of 24 Belgian coke ovens still stand, a testament to the industrial legacy that shaped this landscape.

We loved this hike…. it’s been on my bucket list for years and we finally made it! 

🌲🏞️

🚘 Parking is side of the road pull off.
39º12'57" N 82°24'16" W

🥾The hike was only about a mile with the route we took. Started by crossing a VERY sketchy bridge right by our parking spot. Then there was a trail back to the furnaces. If you don’t want to cross the bridge, you’ll have to walk to a different spot on the creek to cross. It was quite deep here. I’m sure in the summer or fall the water would be much lower. 

⬇️Coke Oven Info⬇️
Alternate 5.6 mile trail Info ℹ️
https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/belgian-coke-oven-ruins

The Blaine Hill "S" Bridge is a historic stone arch bridge that spans the Wheeling Creek near the town of Blaine. The bridge was built on the National Road , US 40, in 1828 and is known for its unique "S" shape.

The Blaine Hill "S" Bridge is considered one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the USA and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a rich history and has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its structural integrity. The bridge was replaced by a modern concrete bridge in the 1990s.

Belmont County Tourism
The historic bridge is open to pedestrians.

Visited 2 years ago 📸

The Showy Lady's Slipper is Ohio's largest native orchid and stands up to 2 1/2 feet tall! They are blooming now at Cedar Bog Nature Preserve. It blooms at the beginning of June and has hairs on the leaves and petals that can cause an itchy rash. Walk along the mile log boardwalk and catch a glimpse of the skink lizards and lush foliage.

ADA accessible. No pets.

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve
$5.00 Admission
980 Woodburn Rd, Urbana, OH

Overlooking the Big Darby Creek the people of the Fort Ancient Culture constructed a large circular village with a central plaza. You can see the remaining mound on the Ancient Trail at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. The location of the site is unique because it is one of the most northern sites of the Fort Ancient people. Known as the Voss site, it was occupied between 1100 and 1400 A.D.
This trail is 2 miles long, flat, grassy and gravel, and no pets. West of Columbus.

There are many more miles of trails at this park, an amazing nature center and a herd of bison 🦬 🦬 🦬

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Park map link in comments.