Ohio's Beauty is Off the Beaten Path

There are many breathtaking places in Ohio to visit that are off the beaten path. Everyone knows about Kings Island, Cedar Point, The Columbus Zoo and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However if you want to truly experience the beauty of Ohio you have to travel outdoors. A walk through beautiful forests, sandstones cliffs, and wildflower covered valley floors, animal filled farms and water fun can all be had in Ohio. The true beauty of Ohio lies down the less traveled path.

Highlands Nature Sanctuary

The sanctuary use to be Seven Caves. While Seven Caves was definitely a beautiful place to see and explore at the time there was only 13 acres to explore. Even though you can no longer explore the caves besides a short walk into Marble Cave on the Valley of the Ancients trail, there are now 2000 acres of breathtaking forested scenery to explore. It is well worth your time to stop by the sanctuary and see nature's beauty up close and personal.

On your visit you will get to see beautiful rock walls and formations along the Rocky Fork gorge. Walk beneath towering hemlocks and rare white cedar trees. You can walk down a long flight of stairs into the canyon, below giant hemlocks, and up to the water, where one can see the beauty of the three sisters which is three giant slumpblocks. There are 14 miles of trails to hike and see the beauty of nature. There is no food to be purchased at the sanctuary so bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the provided picnic tables and have a time in nature that you will never forget. Admission is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. The sanctuary is open September and October and April and May on weekends only and everyday June thru August. The sanctuary is open 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. To find out more information visit http://www.highlandssanctuary.org/Caves/Caves.htm

Cantwell Cliffs

Cantwell Cliffs is located in the Hocking Hills on S.R 374. This is a place that anyone visiting Ohio should visit. Cantwell Cliffs is absolutely stunning in the beauty it hides deep in the forest. There are steep cliffs and deep valley floors that are breathtaking. Upon visiting Cantwell Cliffs you can almost envision the Indians riding along the tops of the cliffs and the valley below.

Lookout Point gives you a stunning view of the cliff and the rock shelter. In the gorge below Cantwell Cliffs, if you look up you will see a sandstone cliff that looks like a horseshoe. Be careful exploring the cliffs you must watch where you walk and make sure to keep your children close by. Accidents can happen if you are not careful; however with just a little caution your visit to Cantwell Cliffs will be one you will talk about for a very long time. It is free to visit the cliffs and if you decide to stay a while there are many places to stay whether you want a hotel, cabin or tent camping. To find out more visit http://www.1800hocking.com/hocking_hills_cantwell_cliffs

Conkel's Hollow

Conkel's Hollow is another spot in the Hocking Hills that you will not want to miss. The hollow is a rocky gorge that is the deepest in Ohio. The floor of the hollow is filled with wildflowers and ferns and huge hemlock among many other hardwood trees tower above you. There are some spots in the hollow where the growth of nature is so thick that hardly any sunlight reaches the valley floor. You may want a flashlight on hand, especially if it is a cloudy day when you visit. There are also cliffs that surround the ravine and all this makes for a breathtaking experience in the beauty of nature.

There is no admission charge for Conkel's Hollow and as with Cantwell Cliffs there are many places to stay if you decide to spend the night in the area. For more information visit http://www.hockinghills.com/parks/p_conkh.htm

Stearns Homestead

Stearns Homestead is the place for the animal lover. This is a forty acre farm in Parma, Ohio. There are lots of animals to see among many other things to see and do. There is a Yankee barn that has antiques and so much more. Through the summer months there is a farmers market that has some of the best tasting foods anywhere. You can purchase lots of baked goods and more made from fresh goat's milk, you can also purchase fresh honey and eggs. Locally grown produce that is organic and delicious is always ready for you take home for the family meal.

Stearns Homestead is free and open Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4pm. In the winter they have special events. For more info visit http://www.stearnshomestead.com/

Longs Retreat

Longs Retreat Family Resort is a great place for a family vacation or just a day enjoying the beach. Located in Latham Ohio this place is sure to please everyone. You can swim, enjoy two giant waterslides, a beach swimming area with diving boards and splash pad, along with canoeing, paddle boating, fishing and so much more. Make a day of it or make a vacation of it.

Camping starts at $22 and higher depending on what you are looking for. Swimming is $2.50 a day unless you are camping then you need to check the package deals they offer. Whether you want to stay in a tent, bring a camper or rent a cabin Longs Retreat as what you need. Enjoy Nature at its best Come and Play for a Day, a Weekend or a Week. Long's Retreat Family Resort is Family Fun at its best! For more info visit http://www.longsretreat.com/