Ohio State Parks garner international acclaim



Author's note: We had the pleasure of camping in the Hocking Hills region in 2007, the first summer we had our camper. The video above is from our trip. Although we didn't stay at Hocking Hills State Park, that trip remains one of our most favorite camping trips we've ever taken. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Conkle's Hollow and several other outstanding hikes that ranged from easy to moderate. I highly recommend a camping trip to the Hocking Hills region.

One of our pictures from our trip
to Hocking Hills State Park.
Ohio State Parks was once again identified as having one of the top must-see destinations in the world. Hocking Hills State Park was the only location in the United States identified in Buzzfeed’s list of the “22 Stunning Under-The-Radar Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List in 2014.” The other destinations were scattered across the globe and included exotic locales from Norway, Brazil, New Zealand and French Polynesia.

“We are always excited when people discover what Ohioans have long known, that Ohio is truly home to some of the most beautiful places in the world,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director James Zehringer.

In August, CNN Travel recognized Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, located in northeast Ohio along the southern shore of Lake Erie, as one of 20 ‘can’t-miss’ U.S. beaches. Ohio State Parks have consistently received excellent national recognition for having some of the nation’s greatest natural treasures.

Ohio State Parks offer cabins at 15 state parks. Cabins and cottages offer amenities ranging from fireplaces and microwaves to cable television, WiFi and air conditioning. Ohio State Parks gift cards can also be used at eight of Ohio’s state park lodges: Burr Oak, Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Punderson, Salt Fork and Shawnee. Each lodge boasts an array of amenities, including spacious rooms, fine dining, swimming pools, quality golf courses, as well as traditional outdoor pursuits like hiking and boating.

To learn more about Ohio’s award-winning state park system, visit parks.ohiodnr.gov.