Ohio Vacation Ideas
As part of the Great Lakes region, Ohio has long been a cultural and geographical crossroads.
Native Americans, French and English all laid claim to this land.
To the North, Lake Erie gives Ohio 312 miles of coastline which allows for numerous seaports. Ohio's southern border is defined by the Ohio River.
Much of Ohio features glaciated plains, with an exceptionally flat area in the northwest being known as the Great Black Swamp.
Backpacking
The Buckeye Trail winds around Ohio for nearly 1444 miles reaching into every corner of the state so bring your map and compass.
From a beachhead on Lake Erie near Cleveland, to an hilltop overlooking the Ohio River in Cincinnati, a hiker can experience anything that Ohio has to offer.
Buckeye Trail has evolved into a large loop, branching both north and east from Cincinnati. The separate legs rejoin in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Cleveland, and complete the trip to lake Erie. Because it is a loop, it is also in essence, endless.
The trail is identified by blue blazes, 2" wide by 6" high, on trees or poles. A single blaze marks the trail where the route is fairly straight or obvious, while a double blaze marks a turn with the upper blaze offset to indicate the new direction. A double blaze with no offset simply means pay attention - the trail route may not be obvious.
Rock Climbing and Caving
Rock climbing has long been popular pursuits for Ohioans despite there being very few sites that are open to the public for the sport. However, steep limestone cliffs that form gorge's are popular destinations. In 1992, designated rock climbing sites were identified in John Bryan State Park. These sites are available to the public and a great place to visit while you are in Ohio.
Caving is also popular throughout the midwest states. Ohio has 6 major caves where tours can be taken for the novest. Places like Crystal Cave, Perry's Cave and Olentangy Indian Caverns are great spots to spend the day.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away even though it is near urban Ohio. The Cuyahoga River was named by American Indians and means "crooked river".
Deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands are characteristic of the area. The park is a refuge for flora and fauna and gives a sense of times past.
The Towpath Trail follows the historic Ohio & Erie Canal route.
Twenty miles of the trail occur in Cuyahoga Valley National Park but the trail extends beyond the park into the Ohio and Erie Canalway. This fully accessible trail provides a delightful outing for people of all ages and abilities.
Camping
Family campgrounds accommodate all types of tents and trailers and provide, at a minimum, drinking water, restrooms or latrines, pads for parking a car or trailer, picnic tables and fire rings.
Many campgrounds offer much more, including electrical hookups, showers, laundry facilities, camp stores and playgrounds, as well as special campers' beaches, boat launch ramps and boat docks or tie-ups.
A few campgrounds offer full-service sites for RV's including 50-amp electrical service, sewer and water hookups.
Ohio State Park lakes range in size from 13 acres to 14,000 acres.
Many lakes accommodate all types of boating from kayaking to speed boating and water skiing. The many Ohio rivers are also great places to stretch out and relax.
For campers who prefer no frills, several parks offer walk in tent sites with minimal facilities.
Wildlife
The network of Ohio trails skirt lakeshores, stream beds, open fields, weave through forests and provide rich and diverse habitats for resident wildlife, as well as appealing rest stops for migratory birds.
Some parks offer decks or observation blinds on the trail. A number of species that are uncommon elsewhere in Ohio, such as bald eagles and wild turkey, are finding refuge in Ohio State Parks.
Camping in Ohio is a great opportunity to teach yourself and the children about the planets and the night sky. One of my favorite things to do is look for constellations and for just a few dollars you can pick up a star finder. It's not hard to do and it is a lifetime of knowledge and fun for everyone.
Ohio is a great place for backpackers and hikers. Take a week and explore the great history that Ohio has to offer you.
Enjoy your vacation.