By Alicia Kelso

All right, you’ve spent the past few months indoors, hanging out on the couch or getting in a quick workout at the gym. Well, it’s time to get outside for some fresh air. Take a hike. What easier – and cheaper – activity can you think of?

Ohio’s diverse landscape provides a perfect canvas for hiking enthusiasts and beginners alike. Here’s a brief guide to get your trailblazing started.

Central Ohio
Fun challenges abound in Central Ohio, providing plenty of colorful aesthetics this time of year.

Sneak a peak at history along the Heritage Rail-Trail, a 7-mile stretch between Hilliard and Plain City. The trail begins at Main and Center streets in Old Hilliard and passes by the Northwest Historical Village, which portrays pioneer living specifically from 1850 to 1900.

Intrigued by waterways? Sharon Woods (6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville) flanks Schrock Lake, with 1.5- and 3.5-mile trails. Three Creeks is located at the confluence of Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick creeks (3860 Bixby Rd., Groveport) and boasts wildlife that ranges from owls to beavers; and Prairie Oaks (3225 Plain City-Georgesville Rd., West Jefferson) winds through more than 500 acres of prairies and grasslands, leading to Big Darby Creek and around Beaver Lake.

There are many options for hiking at Clear Creek (185 Clear Creed Rd., Rockbridge), with 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 milers. Soak in a little history along the Highbanks (9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center), from prehistoric Native American earthworks and pioneer artifacts to a constructed wetland and an outlook to the Olentangy River. Visit www.metroparks.net for a complete listing of hiking trails in the Columbus area.

Or venture out a little farther to the Blackhand Gorge Trail, 8 miles east of Newark. The trail follows the scenic Licking River, and provides plenty for the eye, courtesy of serene, mature forests, rock formations and diverse wildlife. Get a glimpse of the beginnings of the majestic Appalachian foothills at Chestnut Ridge in Fairfield County, with 1.4- and 2-mile tours available that are short but intense.

For a more educational perspective, visit Flint Ridge State Park, southeast of Newark near Brownsville. This bastion of high-quality flint once made into knives, arrowheads and other primitive tools is deemed an archeological site because of its historical significance.

Southeast Ohio
Southeastern Ohio has a backdrop inspired by fairytales. Because of its geographical makeup that encompasses the Appalachian foothills, the Hocking Hills area – which includes nine state parks – has some of the most breathtaking trails in the country, starring caves, cliffs, gorges, waterfalls and much, much more.

Old Man’s Cave is the most-hiked area in the region, and is located on State Route 664. It includes the 6-mile Grandma Gatewood Trail through three park areas, Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls and Ash Cave, the largest recess cave in Ohio.

Conkles Hollow, off of State Route 374, is a rugged gorge with a cornucopia of wilderness to explore. In the northern parts of the region, also off of State Route 374, Cantwell Cliffs is relatively remote, and incredibly picturesque. Don’t forget to check out Cedar Falls, the largest-volume waterfall in the Hocking region, among many other adventure opportunities. Both guided and self-guided hikes are available.

If you’re really ambitious, join the Hocking Hills Adventure Tour June 6 through 8. The weekend includes hiking, kayaking, climbing and more, including the Midwest’s only zip line canopy tour. Visit www.hockinghills.com to get started.

Northeast Ohio
The American Hiking Society ranked the Ohio and Erie Canal Trail, outside of Cleveland, as one of the best low-impact, family-friendly trails in the country. Located about 30 miles from downtown, the path follows a section of the famous Ohio and Erie Canal, including the Boston Store and the Station Road Bridge. The canal was the third-longest ever built in the country, and operated from 1827 to 1913.

One of the best hiking areas in the state is the Mohican State Park vicinity, which includes the Lyons Falls Trail, ranked a 5-star trail on www.backpacker.com. Located on State Route 3, just south of Loudonville, the scenic journey entails a gorge, waterfalls, a dam, and a covered bridge. There are plenty of miles to explore in this area. Visit www.mohicantrails.org to check them out.

Save the Date!
On June 7, the American Hiking Society and hikers across the country will celebrate the 16th annual National Trails Day, a long-standing celebration of American’s magnificent trail system. The slogan this year is “Join Us on the Trail.” The event is open to the public. Visit www.AmericanHiking.org.