Field Notes: Wildlife, Crooked Trees and Night Skies in Ohio
Field notes from our Ohio trails: field-camera wildlife, deer by the bridge, a Hocking Hills night-sky time lapse, and our favorite crooked trees.
Ryan Jordan
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Ryan Jordan
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Hiking Tips
Hiking During Ohio Hunting Season: 2026-27 Dates and Safety
Ohio's deer seasons overlap the best hiking months. The 2026-27 dates, where hunting happens, what to wear, and where to hike during gun week.
Ryan Jordan
The Complete Columbus, Ohio City Parks Directory (A-Z)
All 251 City of Columbus parks from A to Z in one directory, with addresses and amenities from the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Ryan Jordan
Hiking Boots vs. Trail Runners on Ohio Trails
Boots or trail runners on Ohio trails? It depends on the ground, from limestone greenways to gorge climbs and metro-park mud. Here's when each one wins.
Ryan Jordan
Lake Katharine Preserve: Hidden Gorges and Rare Magnolias
Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County hides two sandstone gorges, cool hemlock ravines, small waterfalls, and Ohio's rare bigleaf magnolias.
Ryan Jordan
Tar Hollow State Park: Fire Tower Views and Ridge Trails
Tar Hollow State Park is one of Ohio's most remote hikes: a climbable fire tower, the 15-mile Logan Trail, and miles of quiet ridge-and-hollow forest.
Ryan Jordan
Great Seal State Park: The Hills on the Ohio State Seal
Great Seal State Park near Chillicothe hides Ohio's most rugged ridge hiking. Climb Sugarloaf Mountain to the view that inspired the state seal.
Ryan Jordan
Lake Hope State Park: Iron Furnace Ruins and Deep Forest
Lake Hope State Park in remote Vinton County: a quiet forest lake, the 1850s Hope Furnace ruins, a ghost town, dark night skies, and legendary Ohio fall color.
Ryan Jordan
Gorge Metro Park: A Cuyahoga River Gorge Near Akron
Gorge Metro Park between Akron and Cuyahoga Falls: a Cuyahoga River gorge with sandstone ledges, Mary Campbell Cave, huge boulders, and a dam now being removed.
Ryan Jordan
Oak Openings Preserve Metro Park: Ohio's Rare Oak Savanna
Oak Openings Preserve near Toledo: a rare oak savanna of scattered oaks, sand dunes, wild lupine, and 50-plus miles of trails including the 16-mile Scout Trail.
Ryan Jordan
Gahanna Woods Nature Preserve: A Quiet Swamp Forest Loop
A guide to Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve near Columbus, Ohio — spring vernal pools, buttonbush swamps, boardwalk trails, and rare wildflowers.
Ryan Jordan
What to Pack for an Ohio Day Hike: A Tested Gear Checklist
A practical day-hike gear checklist for Ohio trails — boots, water, layers, and the safety items that matter, with no overpacking.
Ryan Jordan