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We Love to Hike
We just aren't great at it...
Welcome to our blog!
We were married in 1984, and from the beginning we loved hiking. We have trekked in State Parks, National Parks, Metro Parks, anywhere we could find. From hikes on the beach to climbing mountains, we would go anywhere to see new things or to face a new challenge. With all our travels and explorations around the country though, we would always end up back home, hiking in Ohio.
Now that we are retired, we have decided to share our experiences with everyone. We will write about our experiences, both past and present, of everything Ohio has to offer in nature. In addition, to blog entries, we will add pictures and videos and maybe even try our hand at live streaming! There will be new posts weekly, be it visiting our favorite spots in the Hocking Hills or exploring new parts of the state that will be a new experience. We would love it if we received requests to check out something new.
National Parks
When most people think of "hiking in the United States" they don't generally think of Ohio in their top states. But, that is where most people get it wrong, because Ohio has great hiking spots scattered all around.
There are different types of places to hike in Ohio including national parks, state parks, and county/city parks. There are also preserves and reserves, some of which require a permit to access. Parks consist of all types of protected areas and vary in size, purpose and governance.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio. National parks are usually very large and scenic. Each national park has its unique ecosystem and geological features. These parks are managed by U.S. National Parks Services and are intended to provide education, conservation and enjoyment.
State Parks
State parks are very similar to national parks; however, they are managed by state governments. In the case of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources manages state parks. State parks vary in size and purpose. But most provide recreational resources for people to enjoy.
There are 75 state parks in Ohio. Ohio's system of state parks officially was formed in 1949 when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was created. However, it has roots in the 19th century. When the canal era ended in Ohio, there were a number of artificial lakes and surrounding lands that became family destinations for recreation and adventure.
Currently there is no entry fee or parking charge at state parks in Ohio. Ohio remains one of the few states in the country that does not charge for state park access. Day use of facilities including trails, beaches, picnic areas, boating and fishing facilities are free of charge.
Buckeye Lake
In 1949 Buckeye Lake became the first state park in Ohio. The lake served as a feeder lake for Ohio's canal system during the early 1800s. At the start of the 20th century, it was transformed into the "Atlantic City of the midwest" with such attractions as arcades, amusement rides, a skating rink and a 20,000 square foot swimming pool.
The Crystal Ballroom and the Lake Breeze Pier Ballroom was the place that you could enjoy the best entertainment of the time. Performers such as Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra could be heard alongside bands such as Tommy Dorsey and Guy Lombardo.
The demise of the Buckeye Lake Amusement Park started during the Great Depression when the rail line went out of business. Most of the visitors would travel to the lake by train so between this and the hardships of the time, attractions started to close. The Amusement Park officially closed in 1070.
Today, the 3,100-acre lake is a popular spot for water sports such as boating and fishing. Many people love to relax on the banks of the lake where you can still enjoy the fountain, the only remnant of a time gone by.
Metro Parks
Another park system in Ohio is County and City Metro parks. They are usually smaller in size than state parks and national parks. Whereas national parks and state park's purpose is to protect cultural and natural resources, Metro parks are focused on communities and often include picnic areas, playgrounds, sports facilities (football, baseball, soccer, etc.) and natural areas for walking and hiking. We mostly enjoy the Columbus Metro Park System with its 20 natural areas.
State Preserves
Part of the State Parks are 145 State Nature Preserves and natural areas that have been dedicated in Ohio. These diverse areas include remnants of Ohio’s past.
A nature preserve is a designated area where plants and animals are protected and there are few buildings or homes. There is a permit application available on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves at least 14 days in advance of visit. The permits are mailed 7 days before the visit. The permit is valid for 10 days. There are rules for every preserve that are preserve specific. Also, there are usually no restrooms, picnic areas or playgrounds.
Nature Reserve
A nature reserve is a protected area of importance for features of geological or special interest which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for research. It can also be land set aside for indigenous peoples or land set aside to re-introduce wildlife protected by law. A reserve can be part of a state park, county/city and metro park. The area designated as a nature reserve usually has few amenities as well.
Here are some of the places we have hiked, but there are a lot more, and plenty more to come!
Thanks for reading and please consider becoming a subscriber! We are going to post weekly about our excursions and lots of other topics related to hiking.
If you have questions, feel free to contact us.
