8 Best Small Towns In Ohio For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Several things put the Buckeye State on the map, from the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame and world-class stadiums to being the home of the Wright Brothers. However, there is no disputing the state's natural beauty. Its fertile soils have nurtured lush forested surroundings with pristine waterways, resulting in a charming variety of flora and fauna. Furthermore, the Appalachian Plateau, which makes up a huge chunk of the state, is dotted with lovely nature spaces, presenting endless outdoor opportunities.
Skipping big cities like Cleveland and Columbus and heading to the rural localities raises the prospect of experiencing the state's natural side. The small towns harbor the best outdoor adventures in Ohio's open spaces, thanks to sprawling park grounds, nature preserves, and abandoned farmlands. Whether planning to hike, camp, swim, or sightsee, these are the best towns in Ohio for the outdoorsy vacationer.
Loudonville
The "canoe capital of Ohio" delights visitors with a range of river adventures. This little locality boasts multiple canoe liveries, including Mohican Adventures Canoe Livery & Fun Center. Visitors can choose from kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and tubing for a fun trip down the Mohican River. But this is only the tip of the iceberg. At Mohican State Park, you can enjoy a vibrant recreation hub with opportunities for hikers, hunters, anglers, campers, skiers, and snowmobilers. The park is surrounded by the dense Mohican-Memorial State Forest, allowing you to get lost in the belly of Mother Nature.
If hiking sounds like too much work, you can get behind the wheel for a trip along the Wally Road Scenic Byway to soak in breathtaking scenes of the fertile Mohican and Walhonding Valleys. The route traverses forested hilltops, wetlands, and deep ravines, showcasing Loudonville's beauty and diversity. After the tedious adventure, you can stop by Ugly Bunny winery to sample the finest wines in Ohio while admiring its rolling, hilly landscapes.
Westerville
Westerville came into prominence during the prohibition era, with strict laws against the sale of alcohol earning it the moniker "The Dry Capital of the World." But tourists no longer come to Westerville looking for booze; the town is a bustling recreational center with numerous parks and endless outdoor opportunities. You can start at Inniswood Metro Gardens, which features a relaxed atmosphere with quiet walking paths perfect for a stress-free stroll. Hoover Reservoir Park is another lovely nature space to visit. Spanning more than 4,000 acres, the park is a hub for anglers, boaters, and bird watchers looking to spot the exciting bald eagle.
For a more family-friendly alternative, you can check out Hoff Woods Park, which boasts a lively atmosphere with kid-friendly amenities like a playground, play sets, and lots of space to run around. But you won't explore the outdoors forever; when you crave indoor pursuits, you can walk into Good Vibes Winery in the historic downtown to sip the best wines while listening to good music.
Chillicothe
Small towns like Chillicothe make weekend getaways in Ohio such a remarkable experience. Sitting in the foothills of the Appalachian region, this historic town charms newcomers with its historical heritage and breathtaking natural surroundings. You can commune with nature at Great Seal State Park, which covers over 1,800 acres and presents opportunities like hunting, hiking, camping, and biking. While exploring the beautiful open spaces, you can use the opportunity to sample the rich history and Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. The area is riddled with Native American burial mounds and earthworks dating back nearly two millennia.
If your focus is exclusively on Chillicothe's storied past, the Ross County Historical Society provides a deep dive into the region's history. It houses a collection of artifacts, relics, and other memorabilia chronicling the county's role in Ohio's and America's history. Finally, theater enthusiasts will feel at home catching a live performance at Majestic Theater, which stages concerts, plays, movies, and other shows.
Athens
This small college town in Athens County comes to its own during fall when red, orange, and yellow hues punctuate its forested surroundings. When you add this to the clean, crisp air, there's no better place to be outdoors. You can get a feel of Athen's delightful open spaces at Athens West State Park. The venue boasts a family-friendly vibe, with amenities like a kids' playground, baseball fields, biking trails, and a dog park. But if you're keen on something more primitive, you'll find wild and rugged trails at Strouds Run State Park, perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The park also features a beautiful lake for swimming, boating, and canoeing enthusiasts.
Athens also hosts a nationally renowned local food scene with several quaint restaurants dotting its vibrant downtown. You can walk into the popular Miller's Chicken joint to sample tasty fried chicken and seafood with classic accompaniments. Meanwhile, Athens Farmers Market offers one of the best experiences in the town, with a chance to mingle with the locals and shop for fresh-from-the-farm produce.
Cambridge
Cambridge lies in the fertile Appalachian Plateau and houses a small community of about 10,000. It offers an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, but Cambridge City Parks is an easy winner for the outdoor inclined. With five parks offering at least 110 acres of recreational space, the town is a perfect playground for picnicking, hiking, fishing, and snowshoeing. You can also hop on two wheels to experience Cambridge's green backcountry along the Great Guernsey Trail. The scenic route stretches approximately seven miles and is designated a National Recreation Trail.
While in the open, you can have a captivating spiritual experience at Living Word Outdoor Drama. This unique set tells the story of Jesus Christ featuring talented actors. Lastly, you can't leave the town without stopping by the National Museum of Cambridge Glass. This downtown establishment offers a look into activities at the Cambridge Glass Company back in the 1950s.
Sandusky
This picturesque town on the shores of Lake Erie delights with a mix of family-friendly attractions. From fun amusement parks and delightful nature spots to adorable animal sanctuaries, it is among the best towns in Ohio for an easygoing family getaway. Roller coaster enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in Sandusky, thanks to venues like Millennium Force and Gatekeeper, all within the popular Cedar Point amusement park. Besides the adrenaline-inducing rides, the park presents other fun activities like water slides, dining, playgrounds, and swimming on a sandy beach.
The kids will love the experience at Lagoon Deer Park, where they will have an opportunity to watch cute rescued species, such as deer and llamas. They also get to enjoy up-close encounters through feeding and petting sessions. After a day full of adventure, you can take them to Toft Dairy Ice Cream Parlor to enjoy a sweet scoop of their favorite ice cream flavors.
Geneva
Many people mistake Geneva for Geneva-on-the-lake, but they are two different small towns despite being about ten minutes apart. Geneva has an impressive range of attractions to charm tourists, highlighted by the 698-acre Geneva State Park. This popular activity center on the shore of Lake Erie draws hikers, anglers, swimmers, and boaters in the summer and cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, and ice fishers in the winter. The town also lies in Ohio's Wine Country and houses several wineries producing the finest wines in the state. You can sample a fresh glass at Laurello Vineyards, home to multiple award-winning varieties. For sporting enthusiasts, you'll find one of the world's largest multi-sport competition and training facilities in Geneva. The SPIRE institute indoor complex covers over 750,000 square feet and houses swimming pools, athletics fields, gyms, and more. If you get the chance, remember to shop at Robinson's Apple Farm for some freshly baked and harvested goodies while interacting with the friendly locals.
Marietta
Every September, more than 30,000 tourists converge in this small southeastern Ohio village on the banks of the Ohio River to witness what has come to be its biggest attraction. The Ohio River Sternwheel Festival is an excellent time to be in Marietta, with the chance to partake in fun, family-friendly events. But if you visit outside the festival season, you can get a sense of the fun with Valley Gem Sternwheeler tours. This relaxed trip along the calm waters of the Ohio River allows you to explore the town from the water.
Meanwhile, you can discover rich local history at Campus Martius Museum. The venue is a replica of an 18th-century stockade, representing America's first organized settlement. Finally, theater lovers can cap off the day with a moving live show at the historic Peoples Bank Theater, which has been captivating locals since the early 20th century.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous things to see and do in Ohio, but some of the best experiences await in the outdoors. Home to diverse natural landscapes, featuring the Great Lakes and pristine rivers to sprawling parks and dense forests, the small towns in Ohio present the ultimate playground for lovers of the open spaces. Whether a hiker, biker, camper, angler, snowshoer, or explorer, there is enough to go around.
