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.
Dog-friendly hiking trails in Ohio where leashed pets are welcome — metro parks, state park trails, and greenways offering great hiking experiences for hikers with dogs.
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.
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.
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.
Prairie Oaks Metro Park near West Jefferson: 16 miles of easy trails, a dog swim beach, kayaking on Big Darby Creek, and 500 acres of Ohio prairie.
The 10 best dog-friendly hiking trails in Ohio — tested with an actual dog. Metro parks, state parks, river trails, and lake shores. Leash rules, water access, and tips for hiking with your pup.
Pizzurro Park in Gahanna, Ohio: a 23-acre community park on Big Walnut Creek with one of the area's largest fenced dog parks, paved paths, and creek access.
Lori Jordan
King's Hollow Tunnel in Zaleski State Forest: a short, eerie half-mile walk along the old Moonville rail line to a 120-foot timber-lined railroad tunnel.
Lori Jordan
Great Southern Metro Park is Columbus's newest 70-acre Metro Park, on the South Side along the Scioto River. Trails, an obstacle course, river access, and canal history.
Rocky Fork Metro Park near Westerville and New Albany, OH: 1,096 acres in Franklin County with 3-plus miles of easy wooded trails, a dog park and a bridle trail. Full hiking guide and map.
Lori Jordan
Central Ohio Greenways: 120-mi dog-friendly trail system connecting Franklin County parks. Easy terrain, 500 ft gain. Bike & hike through Columbus metro parks.
Lori Jordan
Slate Run Metro Park & Living Historical Farm: 4-mi loop, 150 ft gain, 2 hrs. Historic 1880s farm & wooded trails in Pickaway County, OH. Trail guide & map.
Lori Jordan
Walnut Woods Metro Park in Columbus, OH: 2.8-mi easy loop, 80 ft gain, 1.2 hrs. Wooded trails & wildlife habitat in Franklin County. Hiking guide & trail map.
Lori Jordan