Mary Jane Thurston State Park
The Mary Jane Thurston State Park is located in McClure, Ohio. This is a great location for those looking for multiple outdoor activities. Included at this park is a campground with 31 primitive campsites and cabin rentals for those wishing for an extended stay. Boating also is prevalent in the area with a boat dock and launch on the Maumee River. For fisherman, there is plenty of small mouth bass, catfish, walleye and northern pike in the area. The park also hosts six hiking trails all ranging between a 0.6 and 3 miles in length. The trails offer some backcountry hiking for those wishing to explore the area.
Mary Jane Thurston State Park
1466 State Route 65
McClure, Ohio 43534
(419) 832-7662
Salt Fork Resort and State Park Area
In Lore City, the Salt Fork Resort has plenty of outdoor activities for the trekker looking for an adventure. It offers a horseman's camp on primitive campsites for those wishing to bring along their hoofed friends. Also included is a 192 site campground for those wanting to stay at the park. Swimming is a popular activity at this park. There is 2,500 feet of beach frontage that welcomes swimming and canoeing, along with a pavilion area and snack bar for convenience. This location is also packed with more than 15 off-road trails ranging from one to 19 miles, for those looking for a challenging and fulfilling hike of the grounds.
Salt Fork State Park
14755 Cadiz Road
Lore City, Ohio 43755
Hatch Otis State Nature Preserve
This 8- acre preserve is located in Willoughby Hills, Ohio. The highlights of the area are the attraction of the Chargin State Scenic River. There is a 1.5 mile trail system that meanders through the forest and along the riverside offering a challenging hike to visitors. This property is a protected bird sanctuary to area birds such as the great horned owls, pileated woodpeckers and bank swallows.
Hatch Otis State Nature Preserve
37142 Skyline Drive
Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
Scioto Trail State Forest
This 9,600-acre region offers a great getaway for those who enjoy the more natural side of Ohio. This is a great place for hikers and horseback riders. There is more than 26 miles of trails for horse and mountain bikes. There is also 6 miles of paved roads for speed bikes and strollers. The 18 miles of gravel roads are open to all and take visitors to hidden scenic gems in the park that include towering bluffs overlooking forests below. Spring is a popular time at the park as many mushroomers flock the area in search of the treasured morel mushroom.
Scioto Trail State Forest
2731 Stoney Creek Road
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
(740) 663-2538
Lake Hope State Park
This park in McArthur, Ohio, is a hiking and outdoor enthusiasts' dream. The park has a lot to offer including 141 primitive camping sites, which many hikers and bikers utilize to take the time to explore the area further. There are seven trails with the Habron Hollow Trail offering 1.5 miles of moderate to difficult terrain. The many biking trails welcome cyclists who enjoy a moderate hilly and remote path. There is also a 21-mile trail designed especially with backpackers in mind that also has primitive camping available. There also is a bridle trail and a 23-mile bike trail that travels around Lake Hope.
Lake Hope State Park
27331 State Route 278
McArthur, Ohio 45651
Article Written By Julie Boehlke
Julie Boehlke is a seasoned copywriter and content creator based in the Great Lakes state. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Boehlke has more than 10 years of professional writing experience on topics such as health and wellness, green living, gardening, genealogy, finances, relationships, world travel, golf, outdoors and interior decorating. She has also worked in geriatrics and hospice care.
