7 Underrated Destinations in Ohio to Avoid Summer Crowds
Bordered by Lake Erie and home to 75 state parks and nature trails, it is no surprise that Ohio is a popular summertime destination. It is an amazing place to enjoy the great outdoors, soak up the sun, and truly make the most of the summer months. While the state is home to many well-loved attractions, such as the beautiful city (and state capital) of Columbus, the Cedar Point amusement park, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, there are plenty of underrated destinations that deserve a spot on any bucket list.
From inviting small towns to forgotten picturesque locations and postcard-worthy state parks, the list of remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Ohio is endless.
Lake Erie Islands
Lake Erie is the fourth-largest lake of the Great Lakes of North America. The lake is also home to the Lake Erie Islands, including Kelleys Island, Erie Island, Gull Island, the Bass Islands, and more, most of which are under the sovereignty of Ohio. The islands are a great destination for beach-goers and water sports lovers, and with so many to choose from, there is a good chance they won't be overrun by tourists! Many of the islands are just a 45-minute ferry ride from downtown Toledo, so visitors can enjoy a taste of city life before delving into the beauty of the great outdoors. There are lighthouses, hiking trails, and campgrounds scattered throughout the islands, and travelers can even go island hopping with a boat of their own!
Springfield
Though Springfield is a city, it is one of the most underrated destinations in Ohio and doesn't get nearly as much attention as Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Toledo. Some of the top things to do include visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House, built in 1908, wandering the Springfield Museum of Art, and exploring the Heritage Center Museum. The Heart of Ohio Antique Center is the ideal destination for antique lovers, filling about 116,000 square feet and making it the country's largest indoor antique mall. In terms of outdoor recreation, visitors enjoy canoe trips along the clear waters of Mad River, admiring the Hartman Rock Garden, and hiking through Buck Creek State Park with a trip to its 2,120-acre lake. There are many charming locations to stay that capture the town's inviting essence, including Simon Kenton Inn, Red Roof Inn, and Colonial Manor Bed & Breakfast.
Hocking Hills State Park
An ideal destination for a three-day weekend in Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park houses some of the best hikes in Ohio, with over 25 miles of trails passing through numerous waterfalls, creeks, and scenic views. There are also unique rock formations and recess caves, perfect for exploration and an unforgettable photo op! As wonderful a spot it is to explore and swim in the summer, the state park offers year-round beauty, featuring breathtaking ice formations and frozen waterfalls in winter, gorgeous wildflowers and greenery in spring, and vivid fall foliage in autumn. On top of its beauty, there are several cabins and cottages available for rent throughout the park, as well as campgrounds, making for an especially charming and rustic stay.
New Plymouth
Nestled between the cities of Cincinnati and Parkersburg, the small town of New Plymouth often goes unnoticed by city goers and travelers. Fortunately, that makes it an oasis for summer adventurers in search of a quaint and quiet escape.
Etta's Lunchbox Cafe and Museum is a great spot to enjoy a meal and learn all about an interesting niche as the museum features over 100 years of lunchbox memorabilia. Ravenwood Castle also offers a unique opportunity, with several themed rooms, such as fairy tale cabins, gypsy wagons, and medieval cottages. For a taste of the great outdoors, visit Ash Cave Recreation Area, just 15 minutes outside of town and part of the Hocking Hills State Park, home to a large recessed cave, short trails, and a breathtaking waterfall.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park sits along the Cuyahoga River, dubbed the "Crooked River'' because of its winding nature. Within the park, discover 33,000 acres of vast forests, wide open plains, and breathtaking flora and fauna. Hiking, kayaking, and even historic train rides are all popular in the area. For those in search of a location where history and nature collide, visit the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the restored section of the original towpath of the canal of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can enjoy camping nearby at locations such as Heritage Farms, Valley Overlook, and Silver Springs Park, or even stay overnight in one of the nearby cities, including Cleveland and Akron.
Nelsonville
Tucked away 60 miles south of Columbus, Nelsonville offers a serene and relaxing escape in the Hocking Hills area. The charming location houses a historic public square, alive with the brightness of local businesses, artists, and street performers. Stuart's Opera House is a top destination in the town, ideal for catching a great performance. Explorers may find themselves drawn to Wayne National Forest, a park well-known for its deep hollows, winding streams, and towering trees. For those with an especially adventurous spirit, Hocking Hills Adventures offers kayaking and canoeing tours ranging from two hours to two days in length. Visitors can extend their stay in charming locations such as The Little B, The Hyde House Bed and Breakfast, and Evergreen Place.
Mohican State Park
A 1,110-acre public recreation, Mohican State Park sits on the shoreline of Pleasant Hill Lake, surrounded by the 4,525-acre Mohican-Memorial State Forest. The dynamic park offers incredible views of land and water, with hiking destinations such as Clear Fork Gorge, Lyon's Falls, and the Mohican State Scenic River. The Wolf Creek (Pine Run) Grist Mill is an especially enchanting stop, originally constructed in 1831 and reconstructed in 1975. Fishing, hunting, mountain biking, picnicking, camping, and of course, s'more-making are all popular in the area.
An affordable vacation spot, visitors can choose to immerse themselves in the beauty of the state park and camp in one of the many campgrounds available, as well as a full-service lodge and vacation cabins.
Enjoy a Trip to Ohio!
While the beauty of Ohio is undeniable, as is the attraction of spots like the big cities and popular tourist destinations, there is something to be said about the beauty, quietness, and charm of a more remote and still-to-be-discovered vacation. From the picturesque camping on the Lake Erie Islands to the welcoming community of the small town of New Plymouth, Ohio offers endless possibilities for summer adventures. Ohio is a popular summer destination, but visitors won't find themselves in a sea of people when traveling to these underrated locations!
