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20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Ohio To Visit in 2024

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Dogster Team

male hiker with siberian husky dog

20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Ohio To Visit in 2024

Ohio is a beautiful state with stunning landscapes and picturesque hiking trails. It has lakes, rivers, grassy plains, wetlands, and four seasons for your dog to enjoy. If you’re a dog owner, you probably know that finding dog-friendly hiking trails can be a challenge. But don’t worry, we have you covered! Here are 20 dog-friendly hiking areas with trails in Ohio that are sure to give both you and your furry friend an amazing time.

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The 20 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Ohio

1. Glen Helen Nature Preserve

️ Address: 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Hours: 9 AM–7 PM
Fee: None
Off-leash: No
  • Corry Street entrance leads to a waterfall
  • Most trails are shaded and thus perfect for hot summer days
  • Comprised of 1,040 acres of forests, glacial wetlands, limestone cliffs with over 25 miles of trails
  • Wildlife, including birds, turtles, and frogs can be seen
  • Leads to the Historic Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, a popular day hike in the area

2. Hocking Hills State Park

️ Address: 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138
Hours: Sunrise–10 PM
Fee: $2
Off-leash: No
  • Six major hiking areas (Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Cantwell Cliffs)
  • Breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, rock formations, and cliffs
  • Extensive trail system for varying degrees of difficulty
  • Picnic areas and cabins available for overnight stays
  • Frequent wildlife sightings, such as deer and wild turkey

3. Lake Hope State Park

️ Address: 27331 OH-278, McArthur, OH 45651
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Beautiful lake views along the hiking trails
  • Over 25 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking
  • Various accommodations, including camping sites and cabins
  • Abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and Canadian geese
  • Scenic beach area and paddleboat rentals available

4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

️ Address: 15610 Vaughn Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141 
Hours: 24 hours
Fee: None
Off-leash: No
  • America’s 11th most-visited national park
  • Over 100 miles of trails that vary in difficulty
  • Impressive waterfalls and natural features
  • Historical landmarks such as the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Boston Store Visitor Center
  • Hiking options ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes

5. Mohican State Park

️ Address: 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Scenic views of the Clearfork Gorge
  • Access to the Mohican River for fishing and canoeing
  • Over 13 miles of hiking trails
  • Campsites, cabins, and lodges available for overnight stays
  • Abundant wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles

6. Shawnee State Park

️ Address: 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
Hours: 6 AM–11 PM
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • The park’s trails consist of a variety of terrains, from rocky hillsides to lush, green forests
  • Great opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting
  • Over 60 miles of hiking and bridle trails
  • Lake Roosevelt offers fishing, boating, and swimming
  • Cabins and camping available for overnight stays

7. Great Seal State Park

️ Address: 4908 Marietta Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: None
Off-leash: Yes
  • Trails for varying degrees of difficulty, including flat and rocky terrains
  • Abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer and wild turkey
  • Off-leash policy for well-behaved dogs
  • Picnic areas and playgrounds for children
  • Interpretive signage along the trails provides information about the local flora and fauna

8. Alum Creek State Park

️ Address: 5905 Lewis Center Rd, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: Yes
  • Over 4 miles of trails specifically designated for dog walking
  • Access to a dog beach and swimming area
  • Picnic areas and playgrounds
  • Boating opportunities on Alum Creek Lake
  • Wildlife sightings such as turtles, herons, and beavers

9. Caesar Creek State Park

️ Address: 9000 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Over 50 miles of trails ranging in difficulty
  • Beautiful lake views and opportunities for swimming and boating
  • Campsites and cabins available for overnight stays
  • Frequent wildlife sightings, including deer and birds of prey
  • The iconic Pioneer Village offers a glimpse into Ohio’s past

10. Highbanks Metro Park

️ Address: 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Hours: 6:30 AM–10 PM
Fee: None
Off-leash: No
  • Over 10 miles of trails with scenic river views
  • Observation decks to view local wildlife, including bald eagles
  • Educational programs and nature center
  • Picnic areas and playgrounds
  • Canoeing opportunities on the Olentangy River

11. Scioto Grove Metro Park

️ Address: 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123
Hours: 6:30 AM–10 PM
Fee: None
Off-leash: Yes
  • Over 7 miles of trails that take you through fields, woods, and along the Scioto River
  • Opportunities for fishing and kayaking
  • Dog-friendly picnic areas
  • The Arrowhead Picnic Area offers stunning views of the river
  • Multiple playgrounds for children

12. Indian Lake State Park

️ Address: 12774 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Over 10 miles of trails that take you around the lake
  • Numerous camping and cabin options for overnight stays
  • Opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming
  • Picnic areas and volleyball courts
  • A popular spot for viewing bald eagles during the winter months

13. John Bryan State Park

️ Address: 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Over 10 miles of scenic trails
  • Stunning views of the Little Miami River
  • The Clifton Gorge offers unique geological formations and wildflowers
  • Picnic areas and fishing opportunities
  • The historic Clifton Mill is nearby for additional sightseeing

14. Salt Fork State Park

️ Address: 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, OH 43755
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Over 14 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking
  • Opportunities for fishing and boating
  • Multiple camping and cabin options for overnight stays
  • Scenic overlooks to view the lake and surrounding wildlife
  • The Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center offers dining options and recreational activities

15. East Fork State Park

️ Address: 3294 Elklick Rd, Bethel, OH 45106
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Over 20 miles of trails that take you around the lake and through stunning woods and meadows
  • Boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities
  • Picnic areas and playgrounds for families
  • Frequent sightings of local wildlife like beavers, muskrats, and geese
  • The canoe livery offers guided tours of the lake and its tributaries

16. Findley State Park

️ Address: 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH 44090
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: None
Off-leash: No
  • Over 11 miles of hiking trails
  • Beautiful lake views and opportunities for picnicking
  • Campsites and cabins for overnight stays
  • Abundant wildlife, including deer and herons
  • A fantastic disc golf course

17. Mount Airy Forest

️ Address: 5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: None
Off-leash: Yes
  • Over 30 miles of trails, perfect for dogs who love long hikes
  • Conveniently located in the heart of Cincinnati
  • Disc golf courses and mountain biking trails
  • Great opportunities to see wildlife, including deer and wild turkeys
  • Multiple picnic areas and playgrounds

18. Dillon State Park

️ Address: 5265 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, OH 43830
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: $5
Off-leash: No
  • Over 12 miles of hiking trails through wooded areas and along the lake
  • Opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming
  • Multiple camping options for overnight stays
  • Excellent birdwatching opportunities
  • Unique rock formations created by glaciers thousands of years ago

19. Sippo Lake Park

️ Address: 5300 Tyner St NW, Canton, OH 44708
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: None
Off-leash: No
  • Over 6 miles of trails, perfect for a morning or afternoon walk with your dog
  • Scenic lake views
  • Opportunities for fishing and boating
  • The Exploration Gateway offers exhibits on local wildlife and history
  • Multiple picnic areas and playgrounds

20. Lake Erie Bluffs

️ Address: 2901 Clark Rd, Perry, OH 44081
Hours: Sunrise–Sunset
Fee: None
Off-leash: No
  • Over 600 acres of hiking trails and stunning lake views
  • The Observation Tower and Lakefront Lodge provide breathtaking views of Lake Erie
  • The beach area is perfect for swimming or simply soaking up the sunshine
  • The Steven A. Mather Woods is a designated wildlife habitat
  • The park is also perfect for birdwatching activities

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Final Thoughts

These are only a few of the many dog-friendly hiking trails available in Ohio. Whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll through nature, Ohio has something for everyone. So, grab your furry best friend and head out for a day of adventure on these incredible hiking trails.

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Featured Photo Credit: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock

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