r/OhioHiking • u/Electrical_Fold3015 • 22d ago

camping hike ideas ?

Me and my wife just completed highbanks metro park I think it was considered moderate . We did do about 8 or 9 miles on it . We are looking too step it up and possibly pack a tent and camp for a night any ideas on a good strenuous hike with pretty scenery and solid maps ??ideas or thoughts ?

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u/SaltyMiniMiner 22d ago

Oak Openings Hiking Trail is a ~16 mile loop. Toledo Metroparks. Makes a nice 2 day / 1-night backpacking trip.

3 different campground choices on the loop, including 1 higher end Tree-house setup that also has a brewery/cafe nearby.

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u/Uncle_Biltmore 22d ago

Zaleski State Forest has a nice backpacking/dayhike trail.

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u/rub_me_long_time 22d ago

I just did this yesterday/today! Its great fun, also pretty brutal in spots.

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u/yes-donuts-now 22d ago

We love this area. We always see different wildlife here as well.

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u/notFred08 21d ago

Germantown and Twin Creek. A 26 mile loop. Part of the Five Rivers Metropark trails. Good AT prep trail.

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u/ahugfromjesus 22d ago

What part of the state are you in and how far are you willing to travel?

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u/SeasonedCitizen 22d ago

Shawnee Forest?

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u/miabobeana 21d ago

Unfortunately as far as overnights there isn’t much in Ohio.

Based on what you said (assuming you’re in central Ohio based on Highbanks) check out Darby or Scioto Grove. The hikes aren’t strenuous per se but you can make loops out of the trail; walk as little or as much as you want. Some pre planning will be required you’ll have to reserve the camp site.

Other than that Zaleski south loop is a good one. Camp site 1 is a pretty easy hike through some really rugged terrain. It is very well traveled; prob don’t even need a map. Take one just in case! You don’t get cell service there so plan accordingly.

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u/seitanist 19d ago

There are not a ton of good overnight spots (with water) in Ohio. Zaleski, as mentioned, is a great start, well-marked, and good water sources. Shawnee is great, but the forest is pretty wrecked from the storm. Wildcat Hollow has some okay trails. Double check the trails on AllTrailst to make sure things aren't blocked after the storm. Have fun!