Indiana Dunes National Park | Credit: Gigin Krishnan
From sandy dunes and rushing waterfalls to thick forests, Ohio and Indiana have a range of environments that offer so much to see. Below is a quick look at the top outdoor destinations in Ohio and Indiana.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Credit: Ally Griffin
Indiana Dunes National Park, IN
Indiana Dunes National Park was only recently designated a national park in 2019, but it has long been one of Indiana’s most beautiful destinations. This sprawling park on the shores of Lake Michigan is an incredible example of the area’s biodiversity. In addition to beaches and dunes, Indiana Dunes also has woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. Stunning native birds can be spotted throughout these landscapes.
Indiana Dunes National Park | Credit: Madison Oren
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Turkey Run State Park, IN
With more than one million visitors every year, Turkey Run State Park is one of Indiana’s most popular natural areas. This scenic, densely forested area is an ideal destination for an overnight trip, with a large inn, several cabin options, 213 electric campsites, and two youth tent campsites. Visitors explore the 14 miles of hiking trails that accommodate all experience levels, horseback riding trails, and the pleasant Sugar Creek, a boating and fishing hub.
Turkey Run State Park | Credit: Courtney Cook
Clifty Falls State Park, IN
The sprawling Clifty Falls State Park occupies over 1,416 acres in the southern region of Indiana. Its lush forests, accessible via hiking trails, provide a tranquil escape into nature, but the park’s many waterfalls are its main attraction. These gorgeous waterfalls change according to the season, and spring and winter are the ideal times to view them at their best.
Turkey Run State Park | Credit: Harold Wainwright
Wayne National Forest, OH
Wayne National Forest is a massive stretch of protected land in Ohio’s Appalachian region. This vast expanse is perfect for losing yourself in unspoiled natural serenity. Covering more than 244,000 acres, Wayne National Forest has incredible landscapes, including rivers, meadows, wooded hills, and more. It is a hotspot for outdoor recreation, ranging from off-road vehicle rides to laid-back hikes.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is only a short drive from Cleveland and Akron, but this stunning national park feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of these major cities. The Cuyahoga River and a railroad pass through the park’s forests, hills, and grassy plains. Popular activities there include biking, fishing, and walking along its 125 miles of hiking trails.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Credit: Jason Runnells
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, OH
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park boasts the unique beauty of Ohio. This picturesque park is best known for its stunning geologic formations and rushing waterfalls. Four trails in the park, all relatively short and accessible, highlight some of its top sites.
John Bryan State Park, OH
John Bryan State Park is known for its views of the famous limestone gorge created by the Little Miami River. Ten different hiking trails run through the park’s 700 acres of protected nature, and a nearby boat launch provides access to the Little Miami River’s waters.
