8 Scenic Autumn Hikes in Central Ohio
Looking for different ways to get out and stretch your legs as the temperatures begin to lower this autumn? There are various hiking and walking trails located in central Ohio near the Buckeye Lake region that are perfect for easy exercise, wildlife photography, and fall foliage viewing! Check out these 8 scenic autumn hikes in central Ohio.
Buckeye Lake State Park Walking & Biking Trail – Buckeye Lake & Millersport, Ohio
Whether you’d like a relaxing lakeshore amble or a brisk walk, the 4.1-mile multi-purpose, paved path at Buckeye Lake offers beautiful shoreline views. Stretching from the north end of the lake to the west, you may enter the path at either the North Shore boat ramp located in the village of Buckeye Lake or at Liebs Island in Millersport.
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve – Newark, Ohio
(Approximately 30 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Old locks of the Ohio and Erie Canal are surrounded by the 956 wooded acres in Newark that are home to the awe-inspiring Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve. Bring your gear for hiking, biking, or bird-watching on the 4.26-mile trail.
The Dawes Arboretum – Newark, Ohio
(Approximately 15 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
*Paid admission
First established in 1929, The Dawes Arboretum offers 2,000 acres of plant collections, gardens, and natural areas. The site includes approximately 12 miles of hiking trails and roadways for a four-mile driving tour. Located north of Buckeye Lake, you can enjoy a visitors center and gift shop as well!
Finck’s Nature Preserve – Somerset, Ohio
(Approximately 15 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
With four different hiking trails, Finck’s Nature Preserve is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. Located within just a two-minute drive from the charming downtown village of Somerset, Ohio, enjoy this hidden gem with hiking and birding opportunities too!
Perry State Forest – New Lexington, Ohio
(Approximately 30 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Perry State Forest features 4,706 acres in Perry County with 24 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of bridle trails, and 16 miles of Ohio’s most popular APV trails. Enjoy beautiful autumn views and wildlife at this popular state forest.
Rising Park & Mount Pleasant – Lancaster, Ohio
(Approximately 30 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Rising Park is an expansive recreation destination featuring a playground, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and some magnificent hilltop views. Enjoy a serene day of hiking, picnicking, sightseeing, and fishing at Lancaster’s Rising Park — one of the county’s most beloved local spots. Situated in Rising Park, Mount Pleasant is one of the crown jewels of the Lancaster Parks System. This hill rises almost 300 feet above the city of Lancaster offering views of the Columbus skyline on a clear day.
Smeck Park – Baltimore, Ohio
(Approximately 20 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Smeck Park is a 48-acre park offering trails, a playground, and a beautiful picnic shelter patterned after the Rock Mill Covered Bridge. Enjoy birding and nature watching, photography, hiking or walking, dog walking, and picnicking. Admire the late 1800s windmill that was moved and restored in 2016.
Taft Reserve North & South – Newark, Ohio
(Approximately 20 minutes from Buckeye Lake)
Taft Reserve North – Enjoy over nine miles of multi-use trails through deep forests and meadows, historic Indian mounds, open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Connects to Taft Reserve South.
Taft Reserve South – This 425-acre nature reserve, with mostly meadows and woodlands, offers over three miles of multi-use trails through rolling meadows, open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. Connects to Taft Reserve North.
Book your stay.
With multiple short-term rentals all around the lake, you’ll find the best stay for your autumn getaway! Find lakefront cottages and photo-worthy homes with beautiful waterfront views to make your trip as memorable as possible. Plus, discover local eateries and check out events happening around the lake including live music, entertainment, and more!
