Hockhocking Adena Bikeway biker (photo by Joel Prince)
Travel

Hike & Bike: 25 Great Trails in Ohio

Embrace the outdoors this season with these can’t-miss day hikes and bicycle rides. 

There are very few problems that a long walk in the woods won’t make at least a little bit better. The same goes for a long bicycle ride on a smooth and flat trail — past wetlands and woodlands, marshes and rivers — as you follow the same routes Ohio’s historic rail lines and canal boats once did. We’ve assembled a hiking and biking guide to 25 great trails across the state of Ohio. Whether you want to visit one of the most beautiful spots in Cuyahoga Valley National Park or hit a trail that touches a trio of Hocking Hills State Park’s most famous sites, pedal from Athens to Nelsonville on the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway or ride through the heart of Columbus, we have ideas that’ll help you cover more miles this summer — on foot or behind the handlebars. 

Ritchie Ledges sunset
Hike and Bike in Northeast OhioHike one of the most photogenic spots in the Cuyahoga Valley, try three trails at Mohican State Park and pedal a portion of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Edge of Appalachia Preserve System Portman Trail overlook (photo by Randall Schieber)
Hike and Bike in Southwest OhioExplore Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs, hike the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System and ride a portion of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. 

Olentangy Trail (courtesy of Experience Columbus)
Hike and Bike in Central Ohio: Hike the Darby Creek Greenway Trail, try three trails at Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center and ride through Columbus along the Olentangy Trail.

Oak Openings Fern Forest
Hike and Bike in Northwest OhioExplore Oak Openings in Swanton, hike the shoreline habitat of East Harbor State Park and ride a stretch of the Wabash Cannonball Trail. 

Hockhocking Adena Bikeway bikers (photo courtesy of Athens CVB)
Hike and Bike in Southeast OhioTackle the trail that visits Hocking Hills State Park’s most famous sites, try three hikes in Wayne National Forest and ride the Adena Hockhocking Bikeway