Fall is my favorite time of year.
I love the crisp cool morning air, the falling leaves, and yes, all things pumpkin spice. Fall is also an amazing time to get outdoors, enjoy some beautiful weather, and take a hike. There are some really great hiking trails in and near the 419.
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, situated just outside of Toledo in between Whitehouse and Swanton, is the Toledo Metropark’s largest park and a true Northwest Ohio gem. It features a treehouse village, camping, cabins, and over 70 miles of hiking trails for all abilities. There are paved trails, a trail that will take you along sand dunes, and a 15.3-mile long-distance hiking trail located within the park.
Oak Openings is located at 4139 Girdham Rd in Swanton. It is open every day from 7 am until dark. For more information visit: https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/oak-openings-preserve-metropark/
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve is part of the Wood County Park District and is located in Perrysburg. Tucked right in the middle of a neighborhood, the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve offers family-friendly hiking trails and boardwalks that will take you through wetlands and prairies.
W.W. Knight Nature Preserve is located at 29530 White Road in Perrysburg. It is open daily from 8 am until 30 minutes past sunset. For more information visit: https://www.wcparks.org/parks/ww-knight-preserve/
Maumee Bay State Park
Maumee Bay State Park is located along the shore of Lake Erie in Oregon. It offers trails with views of the lake while you hike. They have a boardwalk trail that is ADA accessible as well as trails that will take you into marsh areas or grass prairies.
Maumee Bay State Park is located at 1400 State Park Road in Oregon. It is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm. The boardwalk trail, however, is only open from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset. For more information visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/maumee-bay-state-park
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is located south of Columbus in Logan. It has seven different hiking trail areas that will suit any level of hiking skill. There are some really cool rock formations, waterfalls, and caves to explore on the beaten path.
Hocking Hills State Park is located at 19852 State Route 664 S in Logan. The park is open all year from dawn until dusk. For more information visit: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located a short drive East from the Toledo area just outside of Cleveland in Brecksville. This National Park has trails to suit every kind of hiker- from ADA Accessible, stroller friendly, casual walking, and experienced hikers. The trails offer a variety of scenery including waterfalls, rock formations, and plenty of wildlife.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located at 15610 Vaughn Road in Brecksville. The park is open year-round 24-hours a day. Some of the trails do close at dusk so be sure to check before you lace up your hiking boots. For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/cuva/index.htm
What is your favorite hiking spot?
