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

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Dogster Team

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

/ Lifestyle / By

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’ve got 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: 9am – 7pm
Fee: None
Off-leash: No
  • Corry Street entrance leads to a waterfall
  • Majority of the 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 – 10pm
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: 6am – 11pm
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 bird watching 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: Yes
  • 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: 6:30am – 10pm
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: 6:30am – 10pm
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: Yes
  • 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: Yes
  • 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 bird watching 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: Yes
  • 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: Sunset
Fee: None
Off-leash: Yes
  • 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 bird watching 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.

See Also:

Featured Image Credit: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock

Contents

About the Author

Nicole Cosgrove

Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.

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