Look no further than Ohio’s State Nature Preserves for a great hike to enjoy nature. Science has proven time and time again the benefits of being outdoors for both our mental and physical health. Breathing the fresh air, seeing new things, testing your coordination while walking over uneven ground… the benefits are endless.
Although many state and local parks are opening up, there still are some that remain closed. The State Nature Preserves have remained open and continue to provide a beautiful opportunity for all to enjoy.
What to bring on your hike
Is hiking new to you? Great! Welcome to the ‘club’. The great thing about day hiking is that people of all ages and abilities can participate. The two most important things to keep in mind are comfort and hydration. Wearing comfortable shoes and clothing will greatly improve your overall enjoyment. I’ve hiked with friends who were wearing long dresses and flip flops. Although they had a great experience, with lots of laughs throughout the hike, I think it would have been more enjoyable if they would have had on shorts and tennis shoes. (to their defense, our 15 minute hike turned into an hour due to getting lost)
Shoes
If you are breaking in new hiking shoes, be sure to do so on short hikes and not one big long hike to avoid getting blisters. There is nothing worse than hiking with a blister! I highly recommend trying on your hiking shoes in the store before buying them. I was surprised at how differently the various styles fit, even from the same brand. Our family purchased our hiking shoes from Columbia and we’ve been very happy with their durability and comfort.
Hydration
Hydration is important before, during and after your hike. Depending on the length of your hike, you have a couple of different options. Carrying a water bottle is the most versatile option. You can carry your bottle, put it in your backpack or hook it onto your belt loop. A second option is to wear a camelback. These are like a small backpack with a bladder inside for the water. You drink out of a plastic tube that come up over your shoulder. These are wonderful for longer hikes because you can bring a lot more water with you, it doesn’t become monotonous carrying it and the weight is equally distributed.
Snacks
You may or may not want to bring snacks such as granola bars, nuts and/or dried fruit on your hike. It’s a good idea to bring snacks along if you’ll be hiking more than an hour. Just remember to pack out what you brought into the State Nature Preserve. Littering has no place in these nature oases.
Finding the right hike
Doing some research online prior to your hike can be very beneficial. Having a little background knowledge on the trails, both their distance and their terrain, can better help you prepare for what you’ll need to bring along. There are also great Facebook hiking groups to be part of that provide a wealth of information and great photos. Warning: This can be dangerous to your Bucket List because after seeing their posts you’ll want to go EVERYWEHRE.
Are you a romantic who loves sitting by a waterfall and being soothed by the energy of the rushing water? Are you a bird watcher looking to practice for your Big Year? Maybe you enjoy seeing the huge boulders and cliffs that were carved out from the glaciers’ movement thousands of years ago. Whatever your interest, Ohio’s State Nature Preserves have just what you’re looking for while hiking.
The other factor to consider is the time of year that you will be hiking. You can take the same hike in June, October and January and feel like you’ve experienced three different places due to the natural changes that take place throughout the year.
Where to find Ohio’s State Nature Preserves
Ohio provides a great map on their website. I have printed out and laminated mine for easy use and convenience so wherever I’m at in the state, I can look to see where a nearby preserve might be located. The google maps that are linked to this site seem to be a bit better at locating some of the more remote preserves versus a general GPS. This obviously varies by device, but having a reliable source is essential.
A few of my favorites
There are over 70 State Nature Preserves in Ohio and I’ve yet to experience even half of them. That being said, I will share a bit of information about some of my favorites.
Rockbridge
This one feels almost like a treasure hunt to me. The natural stone bridge at the end of the trail gives a beautiful destination to be walking toward. Getting to see a few waterfalls, in addition to the bridge, is an added plus. These trails are pretty moderate, but they do have a lot of roots protruding, so watch your step.
Rhododendron Cove
There are two different trails you can take here: orange and blue. If you stay to your left, you will cover both of them. The entire route takes roughly an hour. Rock gorges to walk through and of course all the rhododendrons make this trail very enjoyable.
Christmas Rocks
A trip to the Grand Canyon might not be feasible any time soon, but you can get a small sampling by heading up the orange trail. The elevation can be challenging at times. Once you hit the crest, you’ll be able to look out over a vast valley that takes your breath away. It is stunning both in the summer and autumn alike.
The blue trail will take you on a long loop that goes into an area with a lot of pines. It smells so good! You’ll also pass by a stream which makes a good spot for a picnic if the water level isn’t too high. You’ll see rock outcroppings and various varieties of deciduous trees.
Final Words of Advice
With everything going on in the world right now, I can’t stress the importance of getting out in nature and detoxing your body and mind. Savor the sights, sounds and smells that surround you. Don’t just hike, explore. Take notice of the tiny white flowers growing along the path, the colors of the butterflies at they quickly flutter by and the sounds of the various birds as they communicate throughout the day. Be present. Enjoy the moment.
Be sure to Pin this article for future reference and please share which Ohio State Nature Preserve you have enjoyed in the comments below. Happy Hiking!
