Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Located in northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley is the only national park in the state of Ohio and has long been a place of refuge and recreation for in-state residents. A drive of a little more than two hours from central Ohio takes you to the national park where adults and children alike can go on a scenic train ride in vintage rail cars; explore the Ritchie Ledges, where the 105-foot-high rock walls tower over 300 million-year-old rock formations that have broken off and remain on the forest ground; and walk the historical Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail that is open 24 hours.
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
The longest known cave system in the world, this central Kentucky national park is a 301-mile, five-hour drive from central Ohio. While most of the visitors partake in the variety of cave tours offered, other popular attractions include the Cedar Sink sinkhole and the Green River Bluffs Overlook.
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Almost 40 percent of Shenandoah is wilderness, while the park makes up part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A 420-mile, almost seven-hour drive from central Ohio, this park features many cascading waterfalls and a 105-mile Skyline Drive, where visitors are able to catch a glimpse of a host of woodland animals that call Shenandoah home.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Mountain chain, the Smokies are a little more than seven hours and 310 miles from central Ohio. Approximately 1,500 black bears live in the park, making bear sightings common. Head to Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap to watch the sunrise or the sunset, and for good hiking options, visitors can consider Deep Creek and Roaring Fork.
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
The largest bottomland hardwood forest in southeastern United States is in South Carolina, less than nine hours away and 540 miles from central Ohio. To revel in the green expanse of the wilderness, visitors can canoe and kayak on Cedar Creek and paddle on the 50-mile recreational Congaree River Blue Trail.
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The name of this national park is an indicator of what makes it attractive to visitors. Nicknamed “The American Spa,” this park is 779 miles away from central Ohio, and it is unlike the other national parks due to its location in an urban area. The eight historic bathhouses are a big part of the reason visitors frequent this national park, but also part of the park are scenic mountain roads for adventure seekers to explore.
Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
To get to this national park, visitors must travel by boat or seaplane from Michigan or Minnesota. Located in the northwest corner of Lake Superior and on an isolated island, the island forbids wheeled vehicles because of its roadless backcountry. Engage in a four- to five-day hike on the 40-mile Greenstone Ridge Trail. The park’s serene surroundings and remote campgrounds contribute to its appeal to people who seek solitude and adventure at the same time. The nearest departure point from central Ohio to the island is in Houghton, Mich., which is 724 miles away.
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Visitors access the majority of the park, which is a notable water resource, by boat, or by snowmobile, ski and snowshoe during the winter. Both water and land trails make up the park. Some attractions include the Echo Bay Trail, the Beaver Pond Overlook and the Little American Island. The park is almost 1,000 miles and over 15 hours from Columbus.
Nen Lin Soo is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
