Fun Things to Do in Central Ohio

William T. Trobaugh, Jr.

Central Ohio is mostly farm country and hills, with Lake Erie to the north and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and Ohio River to the south. The contrasts in the terrain provide a wide range of outdoor activities for many skill levels and interests. Columbus, the capital and largest city in Ohio, is a good starting point. It is in the middle of the state and offers fine dining, nightlife and entertainment.

Hiking in Hocking Hills

Less than an hour southeast of Columbus, the Hocking Hills area of central Ohio has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. Hocking Hills State Park, which contains the well-known Old Man's Cave, is a part of the statewide Buckeye Trail. Its trails are each less than a mile and as many as 10 miles long. Many of these can be combined for lengthier hikes, and the degree of difficulty ranges from easy to difficult. The trails take you through pristine hemlock forests, by waterfalls dropping over 100 feet, and to beautiful cliffs and gorges. The hiking is so varied and abundant, you'll need more than one trip.

Hocking Hills State Park Office
19852 State Route 664 S
Logan, Ohio 43138
(740) 385-6842
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/743/Default.aspx

Water Adventures at Mohican

North of Columbus, near the town of Loudenville, is Mohican State Park and Forest. Outfitters offer canoe and kayak rentals and tours on the rivers and streams that run through it. Trips run from a few hours to several days, and can include food and cabin rentals. Some offer night trips and stops in town for shopping or meals. There are several different waterways that offer everything from a placid trip down a lazy stream to rapids through primitive forests.

Mohican State Park Office
3116 State Route 3
Loudonville, Ohio 44842
(419) 994-5125
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/mohican/tabid/769/Default.aspx

Horseback Riding

The varied terrain of Central Ohio is perfect for all skill levels of horseback riding, and there are plenty of stables where you can go on tours or learn to ride. If you have your own horse, there are several horse campgrounds with nearby riding trails. Alum Creek provides latrines and campsites, while Deer Creek also offers group camping. Both have nearby dining and shopping as well.

Alum Creek State Park
3615 S. Old State Road
Delaware, OH 43015
740-548-4631
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/alum/tabid/711/Default.aspx

Deer Creek State Park Office
20635 State Park Road 20
Mt. Sterling, OH 43143
(740) 869-3124
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/deercrk/tabid/725/Default.aspx

Article Written By Catherine Rayburn-Trobaug

Catherine Rayburn-Trobaugh has been a writer and college writing professor since 1992. She has written for international companies, published numerous feature articles in the "Wilmington News-Journal," and won writing contests for her poetry and fiction. Rayburn-Trobaugh earned a Master of Arts in English from Wright State University.

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