Plan the ultimate Ohio group getaway—iconic Hocking Hills hikes, scenic state parks & colorful caverns in one itinerary.
By Erin Karasewski
Hocking Hills State Park is a great place to hike
A lot comes to mind when you hear the word Ohio. The Ohio State University, Cedar Point, Lake Erie, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, small towns, the Cleveland Browns, to name a few. Regrettably, the plentiful natural wonders the state has to offer often get left out. A majority of the southwest of Ohio is a part of the Appalachian Mountains, the second largest mountain range in the US. Combined with the natural prairies and impressive underground wonders that make up the Ohio landscape, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t considered Ohio for your next group adventure before.
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Hocking Hills State Park
Voted Forbes top place to travel in 2023, Hocking Hills State Park is a must-do on your next group trip. Featuring waterfalls, gorges and cliffs, there’s truly something for everyone. The park’s memorable landmarks are completely made up of Black Hand Sandstone, which was deposited over 350 million years ago. Over time, the bedrock has been chiseled away into the stunning gorges and cliffs present today.
Some of the landscapes you can observe are Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave and Cantwell Cliff. The second largest cave in the region, Whispering Cave, can be found at Hocking Hills. It showcases a 105-foot seasonal waterfall.
Voted Forbes’ top place to travel in 2023, Hocking Hills State Park is a must-do on your next group trip
Beaver Creek State Park
In the northeast corner of Ohio, your group will find Beaver Creek State Park. This park is known for its rugged terrain with over 2,700 forest acreage and offers your group a chance to step into the wilderness. The campground has no shower house or toilet plumbing but has more than enough beautiful scenery to make up for its lack of modern amenities.
The only stream valley in the United States, it’s characterized by steep walls, high rock cliffs and gentle rapids. Because of its unique geological features, Little Beaver Creek has one of Ohio’s most enjoyable canoe trips. You can also see the park by way of hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
Blues Creek Park
Found in central Ohio, Blues Creek Park is 139 acres and perfect for a day trip or if your group is looking for a slower outdoor excursion. In the center of the park, there are prairies home to native flowers that bloom yellow, purple and white in late summer and early fall. You can also reserve either of the two shelters found in the park for groups smaller than 20.
Surrounding the fields of flora is plenty of woodland that can be explored by the Shagbark Loop Trail. It meets guidelines for outdoor accessibility with only a slight elevation change, making it a perfect stroll for the whole group. If visiting in the winter, cross-country skiing and sledding are two options for enjoying the crisp winter weather.
Seneca Caverns
Looking to expand your Ohio trip? Visit our FREE arts and culture guide for Ohio!
Buzzard’s Roast Nature Preserve
Named after the donor’s late husband, Earl H. Barnhart Buzzard’s Roost hosts over 1,500 acres of land. It has seven hiking trails that allow your group to see ponds, cliffs of sandstone and deteriorating remains of old homes. The park is found just south of Hocking Hills, so your group can tack it on before or after visiting the state land.
Lookout Trail will give magnificent views of the Paint Creek Gorge and even has a waterfall along its route while the Hoggard Trail will display the Hoggard Family Cemetery and other signs of previous homesteading. If your group has kids, the Kid’s Nature Zone Trail, a smooth. 4-miletrek, has 24 stations of Storywalk books that change on a monthly basis.
The Ohio Caverns are a sight to behold
Ohio Caverns and Cave Cluster
If you wanted to add even more geological wonders to your group’s Ohio outdoor exploration, consider these centrally located caves and caverns.
In Bellevue, there is the Seneca Caverns Ohio, a cave system with various levels, the lowest being 110 feet deep. It’s been open to the public since 1933, after accidentally being discovered by two boys hunting rabbits with their dog in 1872. They offer one hour guided tours for a fee. However, the caves are not handicap accessible.
Further south in West Liberty, you’ll find the Ohio Caverns, which have been named “America’s Most Colorful Caverns.” These caverns are open year-round, with two tours being offered in the summer and one in the winder. All tours run for an hour and are more accessible than the Seneca Caverns. The depth of this natural wonder will be anywhere from 30 to 103 feet.
Lastly, just east in Delaware, Ohio, lie the Olentangy Caverns. This experience is more kid-friendly with a self-guided tour available, but the cave itself is only accessible by stairs. But don’t despair, there are plenty of activities for the group above ground as well. You can gem mine, mini golf or venture on the Bigfoot walking trail. Certainly not the most stunning cavern in the state, but a must-do if your group is bringing the kids along.
With plenty of caves and waterfalls to be seen, Ohio shouldn’t be overlooked for your next group adventure. Just believe this state made it to the top of your group’s must-see list.
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