As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, we love to run, hike & explore the great outdoors and all that Ohio has to offer. Previously we posted about…

• Ten favorite places to run & enjoy the great outdoors in central Ohio
• Cbus Park Tour // Exploring Columbus Metro Parks (Part 1 of 3)

We wanted to continue our tour of Ohio, this time from a “hiking” perspective and seeking out waterfalls which you can find at all of these parks (seasonally). Being parents, we dragged the littles along to all of these places, so yes, they are all family friendly too! This part 1 of a 2 part series includes the following three waterfalls…

1. Indian Run Falls // Dublin, Ohio (Central)
2. Hocking Hills State Park // Logan, Ohio (Southeastern)
3. Honey Run Highlands Park // Howard, Ohio (Central, Knox County)

 

Indian Run Falls, Dublin Ohio 

Good for:  trail running, walking, hiking, wading/creeking

Overview:  This park is only a half mile from our house so we frequent it regularly and it’s our kids’ favorite summer spot! Located in our hometown, Dublin, this park is great for short hikes, wading/creeking and sightseeing. You can get almost a mile hike in on the dirt path, but stairs and uneven trails do NOT make it stroller friendly… so put that babe in a hiking backpack! There are three entrances and parking areas – Shawan Falls drive, Sells Middle School and then closer to the Dublin Library – so if you are meeting friends, make sure you specify which end. There are no bathrooms nearby so go before you arrive.

This last gorgeous pic is from @TomLaStrange via Instagram – an Ohio based Nikon shooter with many beautiful waterfall shots – check out his account for more! 

Although not much “hiking” is available, if you want to make an entire day out of chasing waterfalls in Dublin, other must see falls include the Hayden Falls and the Glick Park Overlook (below). More on these falls can be found at VisitDublinOhio.com!

Hayden Falls

Glick Park Overlook 

 

Hocking Hills State Park(s), Southern Ohio 

Good for:  trail running, walking, hiking, wading/creeking

Overview: Whether you do a day trip (only a little over an hour from Columbus) or spend the weekend, you will not be disappointed!  When #adulting & coming from Cbus, we stopped at Rock Mill Brewery & Hocking Hills Winery on one of our trips and loved both. We have been in the spring, summer & fall – the views never disappoint. The Hocking Hills area offers a wide variety of paths, both easy or hard, as well as breath-taking scenery including natural rock structures and lots of waterfalls. Many paths offer a “boardwalk” so you can bring a stroller if you prefer. Most main entrances have restrooms. A few of our favorite paths/trails were…

• Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail
• Old Man’s Cave
• Ash Cave
• Cedar Falls

There are lots of different outdoor activities including zip lining and canoeing, you could easily spend an entire weekend here. So much to see and do!

Hocking Hills State Park – summer 2017

Hocking Hills State Park – Thanksgiving Weekend 2018

Honeyrun Highlands Park, Howard, Ohio

Good for:  running, walking, hiking, boating, swimming & creeking (known as one of the cleanest lakes in Ohio!)

Overview:

We actually just went to Apple Valley Lake for the day with friends to swim & boat, but ended up finding a great place to also hike and creek at Honey Run Highlands Park & Waterfall! So don’t judge our bathing suits and flip flops – not the best for “hiking,” but we made due. 🙂 There were no restrooms on site, so go before you come.

Spring is only a week away so get out there and start exploring!

In our “Waterfall hikes in Ohio // Part 2” we plan to feature…

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park // Cuyahoga region
  • The Ledges Trail (listed on best places to hike)
  • Brandywine Falls & Stanford Trail (listed on best places to hike)
• Mohican State Park //Hemloch Gorge to Lyon Falls
• Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve // Yellow Springs

And then we’ll keep exploring Ohio…

• Continue our Columbus Metro Parks Passport 
• John Bryan State Park – western Ohio near Dayton
• Glenn Helen Nature Preserve – near Clifton Gorge and John Bryan, recommended by a friend
• Some of the hikes on this “Best Hiking Trails” list
• Some of these Best Camping Spots in Ohio by OhioExplored

Have a favorite hike or waterfall in Ohio? Tell us about it!