Top 10 OHventures of 2014

Out of any other year, I feel that 2014 put the most miles on my odometer. I drove to every corner of the state - Toledo to Athens to Geneva to Cincinnati visiting friends, attending weddings, working, and of course adventuring. In doing so, I definitely had a year full of unique experiences. As with every year (see 2012 and 2013), I give to you the Top 10 OHventures of 2014. There were many to choose from, but if you needed to see the best of the best, here they are (in no particular order)!

Use this list to start planning some awesome bucket list items to do in 2015.

1. The Lodge At Geneva-On-The-Lake: The romanticism of Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is encapsulated to perfection at the upscale yet affordable Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. I stayed here for a weekend in June and saw for myself all the fantastic pleasures that can be unearthed while staying at this hot vacation spot.

2. Mohican Tree House Cabins: Halfway between Cleveland and Columbus is an adventurer's paradise, an outdoorsman's dream, and one of the most unique attractions found in all of Ohio: The Mohican Treehouse Cabins. I stayed overnight in these AWESOME accommodations!

3. Bon Appetit Appalachia!: I had the privilege to witness a glimpse (and sample a taste) of this innovative farm-to-fork concept on a visit to Athens - the setting for a large number of these culinary destinations in the state. Follow me as I eat - and drink - my way through Appalachia!

4. Tree Frog Canopy Tours: Another year where a zipline locale makes the list! This time, we made our way BACK to Mohican Country for the tallest, fastest, and longest zip line in all of Ohio! Pictures say 1,000 words.

5. Tough Mudder Ohio: If you think that a 3-mile obstacle course like Warrior Dash is crazy, then you ain't seen nothing yet! The Tough Mudder was 12 miles of muddy mayhem in Mansfield, trumping anything I've ever done before! And how can I EVER forget the arctic enema and the electroshock therapy?! I must be a masochist.

6. Akron Birthday Bash Dash 5K: This was a very special 5K walk/run for me, because it was the first time ever that - instead of running the course -  I ran the ENTIRE event as the race director! The 5K in Stow was a TON of work, but proved to be a success, raising money for Muffins For Mammograms & celebrating the 100th "birthday" of the health system. 

7. Columbus Pedal Wagon: My family & friends hopped aboard this contraption that required us to use our man-power to wheel the wagon from bar to bar to bar in the streets of the Short North one football Saturday in October. Check it out in Cincinnati as well.

8. Kayak The Bay at PIB: Between drinking wine and barhopping on 4th of July weekend in Put-In-Bay, a group of college friends decided to get a workout in and kayak the beautiful waters of Lake Erie surrounding South Bass Island. 

9. Polar Plunge: A polar plunge (also known as a polar bear jump) is for the bravest of brave and the craziest of crazy! I participated in the Polar Plunge at Mosquito Lake State Park in Cortland on January 18 as a benefit for the Special Olympics of Ohio. Even the photos make me shiver.

10. Dragon Boat Festival at Portage Lakes: I competed with my friends Chelsie and Craig in the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Portage Lakes on July 12 in Summit County. We learned just how hard it is for 20 people to paddle in unison to power a dragon boat - but Team Morgan Stanley made it to the FINALS!

Haunted Prison Experience

Photos by OHventures

There’s no setting more perfect for a haunted house than the famed Ohio State Reformatory located in Mansfield in the heart of Richland County. The decaying walls and rusted cells of this 19^th century prison make for an authentically spooky backdrop for the countless shrieks and screams of those passing through.

Even without being filled with grisly monsters and decked out in ghastly decorations, this historic landmark provides an eerie and bone-chilling visit. Add the expertise of award-winning haunted house specialists from Toledo-based Haunted X Enterprises, and you’re in store for one unforgettable Halloween!

For the past 13 years, the Ohio State Reformatory has been offering the Haunted Prison Experience during the fall for anyone brave enough to enter the creepy castle-like structure. In recent years, there have been approximately 32,000-35,000 visitors during the six-week span that the haunted house attraction is open.

This year is no different! Haunted X Enterprises has teamed up once again with the Ohio State Reformatory to present the Haunted Prison Experience: Supernatural II on selected dates from September 26 through November 1. The hours of operation are Thursdays from 7-11 PM, Fridays & Saturdays from 7 PM – Midnight, and Sundays from 7-10 PM. The gates open at 6:00 and the box office opens at 6:30.

Because of the large amount of thrill seekers, it is advised to arrive early and prepare for potentially long lines (which are most definitely worth the wait). You can also consider purchasing tickets online ahead of time (including “speed passes” to help you avoid the wait)! It is important to note that you must be 13 years or older to enter, and that the prison is not handicapped accessible (due to the old age of the building).

Once you are led into the doors of the prison, brace yourself for everything creepy, freaky, and gory to get your heart rate pounding. The smell of fumes from buzzing chainsaws and the sounds of blood curdling screams can be made out through the sometimes pitch black interior of the prison! Stay close to your group, because you never know what will be lurking around the dark corners of this twisting maze. 

Actors, animatronics, and much more is waiting for you at this haunted attraction inside of a real prison (it has not been used as a real prison since it closed in 1990). Because some people believe that the prison is actually haunted by actual ghosts, you might even encounter some real paranormal activity (if you believe in that stuff).Hurry and check it out before it's gone for the year!

If you need your fix of fear during the off-season, you can also consider taking part in a ghost walk or ghost hunt! You can hear the stories  that cause many to believe the prison is haunted and even stay overnight to experience it for yourself. Most ghost hunt admissions are $70 per person, which includes access to the building and a late dinner of pizza and soda. Check out their website for more information on ghost hunts.

READ MORE AT DISCOVER OHIO

Tough Mudder Ohio Photo Blog

Who: You and the thousands who are part of the mudder international craze.
What: Tough Mudder (a 10-12 mile muddy obstacle course)
When: All year 'round in different locations. In Ohio again in May 2015.
Where: All across the globe, including in Mansfield.
Why: To test your mental grit, strength, stamina, camaraderie and endurance. And, to have a fun time!
How: First, sign up, and then start training with TIPS from OHventures.

Photos by OHventures

Tough Mudder Ohio Recap

Photos by OHventures

They don't call it the Tough Mudder for nothing. It's tough - really, really, really tough. And it's muddy - really, really, really muddy! It's the toughest mudder on the planet. And I am not exaggerating. This was 10.25 miles of muddy mayhem, and I am still washing the dirt off of my eardrums.

The Tough Mudder takes place all over the world, from the United States to Germany, the United Kingdom to New Zealand. On May 17 & 18, 2014, Tough Mudder came to Ohio and took over the Mansfield Airport in Richland County. Mother Nature surely delivered, with epic rainstorms threatening the entire state all week long. The rain continued through Saturday, creating an exceptionally mucky experience for the mudders on that day.

Thankfully, the rain stopped in time for the Sunday event, which is when my team, the Mudder Funners, embarked on our adventure. I actually only knew 1 of my teammates prior to the day of the Tough Mudder. My college friend Laurel compiled her team of 7 of her friends from different stages of her life. We all became quick friends, which was necessary since we would be going through such a huge milestone together.

Team Mudder Funners: Jen, Ryan, Jason, Mike, Mikki, Laurel, Mike, & Me!

The start of our heat was at 9:20 AM, so we arrived at the parking lot at around 7:30 AM and took the shuttle to the site of the course. We got our bibs and I soon met up with my pal Johnny (pictured below), a seasoned mudder who would be completing his 15th Tough Mudder this morning!

Each Tough Mudder course is different, but they always start out with a mini team-building exercise which requires all participants to hoist themselves (or be hoisted by others) over a tall wooden wall. And that's BEFORE the official start line! From there, they recognize all of the attendees who are members of the Mudder Legion, who all have done 2 or more Tough Mudders and have different color headbands to indicate how many they've done (Johnny had a black headband to show off that he had done over 10).

It was then time to kick off the wildest event I have ever done before. The course was SO muddy that we all duct-taped our shoes to our feet so that they wouldn't get sucked into the sludge. Below is a synopsis of the obstacles we encountered in Mansfield!

Q&A With A Tough Mudder Expert

The Tough Mudder Ohio 2014 is upon us, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18 in muddy Mansfield! Some people think it's crazy that I am doing this 12-mile mud run full of wild and extreme obstacles, so people must REALLY have their minds boggled when they hear about people like my friend Johnny Madeline. 

In just 2 years (beginning in April 2012), Johnny has completed 14 Tough Mudder laps at 9 different venues. He has run in Ohio twice, but has also traveled to various cities to tackle the Tough Mudder, including: Florida (twice), West Virginia (twice), New York, Chicago, Poconos, and North Carolina. This weekend, Johnny plans to run the Tough Mudder Ohio course THREE times in two days! We will catch up with him on Sunday, but we also wanted to check in with an expert like him and ask a few burning questions!

OHVENTURES: Why did you start running the Tough Mudder?
JOHNNY: I did my first Tough Mudder to challenge myself. It also gives me another workout besides maintaining a healthy lifestyle. As of the beginning of 2014, I run for a different purpose: it's an organization called Hoorah 2 Heroes. Its man goal is summed up in one saying: "only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."

OHVENTURES: What are some tips or words of advice for people who have never done the Tough Mudder?
JOHNNY: The biggest misconception is that you have to be in great shape to do one of these events and that's not true at all. You have to have the mindset and determination to complete the course, because when you cross that finish line you and get that prestigious headband. Have fun and enjoy the moment no matter what. Be sure to carb up the days before and drink plenty of water!

Electroshock Therapy

OHVENTURES: What would you say is the hardest or most difficult challenge or situation you have faced in all of your Tough Mudders?
JOHNNY: The weather can be mentally tough. Cold and rain don't mix well. The hardest obstacles for people are the monkey bars, and "Electroshock Therapy." Electroshock will give you a shock. When it hits you it's almost like your muscles seize up. The key is to cover your head, because when it knocks you in the head you blackout, and when you blackout you face plant. Don't be that person to face plant.

Johnny pictured on far left.

OHVENTURES: What is the most fun obstacle or Tough Mudder situation you've been in?
JOHNNY: The most fun is running with people you know and meeting new people! Everyone there has the same goal in mind - make it to the finish! My Chicago experience was by far my best encounter with new Mudder friends. I was on my second lap of the day when I started to talk with Heather while running. Little did I know she was with a group of three, Renee, Mike and Tom. Once I met everyone I ran the rest of the course with them. Helping them complete all obstacles and crossing the finish line with them. It was a great and memorable experience.

OHVENTURES: Which TM that you have run has been your overall favorite or most memorable?
JOHNNY: I would say that my favorite one overall was with my mom in Florida. She lost a lot of weight a couple years ago and she displayed courage and self discipline throughout the whole process!

OHVENTURES: What would you say to someone who is scared out of their wits about doing a TM to encourage them to do it?
JOHNNY: Tough Mudder isn't meant to scare you, it's meant to help you overcome your fears. So many different kinds of people that are scared do it every year, and when you see them cross the finish line you see the biggest smiles on their face. Don't let being scared hold you back.

OHVENTURES: How long does it take the average person - and how long does it take you - to complete a TM?
JOHNNY: I would say it takes the average person 3-4 hours to complete a TM depending on course length. My average time just depends on length and weather. My fastest lap at a tough mudder was in Chicago this past weekend. I ran my first lap in 1 hour and 40 minutes. My slowest was probably my first TM at around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

OHVENTURES: What are some personal accomplishments or awards you've received along the way?
JOHNNY: TM has started to reward Mudders this season with the Mudder Legion. It rewards multi Mudders with different color headbands that signify how many they've done. I have the highest legion.

25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots (Abridged)

Photos by OHventures

OHventures has compiled a list of 25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots, most from my personal experience and past reviews. And since people don't always have time to read through a ton of text, we made a quick, abridged version of our original list! Be sure to click here for the extended version to read more info on each location!

1. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park (State Route 282, Nelson Township)

2. Shawnee State Park (4404 State Route 125, Portsmouth)

3. Alum Creek State Park (3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware)

4. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Newark)

5. Inniswoods Metro Gardens (940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville)
6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (15610 Vaughn Rd, Breskville)

7. Caesar Creek State Park (8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville)

8. Charles Mill Lake Park (1277 State Route 430, Mansfield)
9. Atwood Lake Park (9500 Lakeview Road NE, Mineral City)

10. Clear Creek Metro Park (185 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge)

11. Hocking Hills State Park (19852 State Route 664 S, Logan)

12. Mill Creek Park (123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown)

13. Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve (7984 Fulton Dr NW, Massillon)

14. Quail Hollow State Park (13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville)

15. Scioto Audubon Metro Park (400 W. Whittier Street, Columbus)

16. Prairie Oaks Metro Park (3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, Harrisburg)

17. Pymatuning State Park (6100 Pymatuning Lake Road, Andover)

18. Gorge Trail Metro Park (1270 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls)

19. Wildwood Preserve Metro Park (5100 W. Central Avenue, Toledo)

20. South Bass Island State Park (1523 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay)

21. Indian Lake State Park (2774 State Route 235 N, Lakeview)

22. Twin Valley Backpacking Trail (9688 Eby Road, Germantown)

23. Little Miami State Park (8570 East State Route 73, Waynesville)

24. Caldwell Preserve (430 West North Bend Road, Cincinnati)

25. Portage Lakes State Park (5031 Manchester Road, Akron)

25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots

View 25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots in a larger map

It's summer in Ohio, and it's the perfect time to embark on a road trip and go on a fantastic, scenic hike in one of the many unique areas of the state!

But where to go?!

OHventures has compiled a list of 25 Great Ohio Hiking Spots, most from my our personal experience and past reviews (and others by asking readers for their favorites). Be sure to click the links below to read our more in depth posts on each location!

 

 

(NOTE: These are NOT ranked in any specific order, nor are these considered the "best" hiking spots in Ohio, just great ones to check out!)

Photos by OHventures

1. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park (State Route 282, Nelson Township): Known by regulars and locals as simply “Nelson Ledges,” the Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park has always been notorious for its eclectic visitors (AKA hippies) and risky rock-strewn terrain (AKA not for novice hikers). Check out the dramatic quartz and sandstone rock formations, such as Old Maid’s Kitchen, Dwarf’s Pass, Fat Man’s Peril, The Squeeze, and Devil’s Icebox. 

 

 

2. Shawnee State Park (4404 State Route 125, Portsmouth): This park gets its name from the Shawnee Indians, who used to hunt in the area. Today, the park does not offer hunting, but does accommodate camping, fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, picnicking, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and golf. Also included in the park is a nature center, bridle trails, and many, many more amenities. Nearby points of interest are the covered bridges,Ted Strickland's childhood home, and Ohio's largest yellow buckeye tree.

 

 

3. Alum Creek State Park (3615 S. Old State Road, Delaware): Having the largest inland beach in all of Ohio's parks, there are two hiking trails and both are ranked as "easy" trails. The Park Office Trail is 1.5 miles, and the Hollenback Trail is about double that length. A Multi Purpose Trail is available for snowmobiling, dog sledding, and cross country skiing. 38 miles of bridle trails also exist.
 

4. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Newark): Ten miles of hiking paths run alongside the magnificent sandstone formations, which are a tremendous sight to see. On the other side of the path is the Licking River, which runs east to west and is responsible for forming the gorge many years ago. The preserve got its moniker from a dark, hand-shaped Indian petroglyph which was engraved on the face of a massive sandstone cliff along the north side of the river.

 

 

5. Inniswoods Metro Gardens (940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville) Inniswood is one of those places that is so gorgeous that it is difficult to find words to accurately encapsulate its beauty (which is why I have dedicated a photo blog solely to this park). The hiking paths found at Inniswood are mostly man-made boardwalks, which makes exploring the area easy for all types of hikers of all ages and abilities. Be sure to go for the cascading waters at the stunning rock garden, the handsome trellises and brick walkways that make up the rose garden, and the bee garden!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (15610 Vaughn Rd, Breskville): Radiant with plants and other wildlife, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio's one and ONLY National Park and is ideal for hiking, biking, cross country skiing, picnicking, fishing, horseback riding, sled riding, and even golfing! Marshes, lakes, meadows, hills, and creeks are right at your fingertips, as well as berry, sheep and tree farms. Education centers, shelter houses, nature centers, and reservations add to the lineup of what the colossal park has to offer. Check out the Kendall Lake hiking trails or the famed Towpath!

 

 

7. Caesar Creek State Park (8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville): Located in the Southwest portion of our state at the crossroads of Warren, Greene and Clinton counties, there are many highlights within Caesar Creek, including an educational Nature Center, and an intricate collection of paths for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Pioneer Village contains 15 authentic buildings from the late 1700s and early 1800s. Many of these buildings are original structures where the founding pioneers of Ohio's earliest years resided.

 

 

8. Charles Mill Lake Park (1277 State Route 430, Mansfield): Pack a picnic to eat at Charles Mill Lake Park's peaceful 1,350-acre reservoir with 2,000 acres of land. Afterwards, hike on designated trails through the woods, but be sure to pack lots of bug spray! The hiking trails are not on difficult terrain and are easily navigable. Afterwards, swing by the marina to rent a boat to enjoy the waters of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District!

9. Atwood Lake Park (9500 Lakeview Road NE, Mineral City): The Atwood Lake Campground in Tuscawaras County is constantly buzzing with activity! Over 500 camp lots are available and 1,500 acres of water surfaces (with 28 miles of shorelines) are an outdoorsman's playground! Each October, Atwood Lake holds its annual "Fall Fest" celebration with fall food, crafts, Native American activities, and more!

 

 

10. Clear Creek Metro Park (185 Clear Creek Road, Rockbridge): This is by far the most strenuous and advanced paths on the list! Perhaps the fact I hiked here during the icy, snowy winter contributed to its difficulty, but regardless, there are plenty of extremely steep hills that will prove challenging (try the Hemlock Trail). Be sure to pack appropriately before heading here for the 12 miles of trails! There is a large barnon site that often holds events for the public.

Hocking Hills State Park

11. Hocking Hills State Park (19852 State Route 664 S, Logan): The holy grail of all Ohio hiking spots! There are 4 "sections" in Hocking Hills State Park. These include: Ash Cave & Cedar Falls, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, and Cantwell Cliffs. They are all based on rock formations that are so unique, you can't find anything like it in the rest of Ohio. Waterfalls, stone stairways, cliffs, and even what is referred to as the "Devil's Bathtub" are just some of the highlights. It is known as the most recognized state park in Ohio! Click here for my photos from Hocking Hills, winter hiking photos, and click here for a map and directions for each section of Hocking Hills! 

 

 

12. Mill Creek Park (123 McKinley Avenue, Youngstown): At 4,400 acres, this is the largest metropark in the entire state!! There are 14 hiking trails, two of which are right by the majestic landmark in the park, Lanterman's Mill. The best are Trails 7 and 8 (East Gorge Walk and West Gorge Trail) which together create a 2 mile loop along Mill Creek. There are massive rocks that exhibit Ohio's geology at its finest. Be sure to grab a trail map and explore! Click here to read about Lanterman's Mill, The Cinderella Bridge, and other attractions at Mill Creek Park.

 

 

13. Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve (7984 Fulton Dr NW, Massillon): This bog is really a sight to see! It is preserved here to keep the ecosystem in tact as well as to educate people about the great importance of bogs. There is a 1.25 mile-long boardwalk trail encompassing the bog as well as a few miles worth of forested dirt paths, which are rather hilly. It's well worth it to see the lily pads and other botanical wonders along the paths. Click here for a list of the 89 preserves throughout the state, courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

 

 

14. Quail Hollow State Park (13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville): Quail Hollow State Park is a multi-functional park that has a variety of trails (14 miles total) accessible to handicapped individuals and experienced hikers alike. There is also a designated horse trail (5 miles) and mountain bike trail (4 miles). One of my favorite aspects of the park is the herb gardens and the Carriage House Nature Preserve, which has educational exhibits and interactive elements. It's a beautiful old house that the hiking path wraps around.
 

15. Scioto Audubon Metro Park (400 W. Whittier Street, Columbus): Of all of the parks listed, the Scioto Audobon Metro Park is the one I frequent most often. There are hiking paths, an educational center dedicated to nature & birds, a dog park, a playground, a small pond, a water tower, and - best of all - an outdoor rock climbing wall. Not to mention, it is one of the best views of the downtown skyline! It's agreat spot for birding and has also been the location for the Run With The Pack dog runs I have participated in.

 

 

16. Prairie Oaks Metro Park (3225 Plain City-Georgesville Road, Harrisburg): This is a very nice location for hiking, fishing, picnicking, andhorseback riding. There are long and winding paths for hiking, and some designated specifically for horseback riding. There are also two big ponds, one of which is specifically for dogs to swim in (or for them to frolic on top of when it is frozen over in the winter). The scenery is fantastic here...the lakes make everything look and feel calm and serene, and the trails have great views. The path crosses over the Big Darby Creek via a pretty impressive bridge.

 

 

17. Pymatuning State Park (6100 Pymatuning Lake Road, Andover): I used to frequent Pymatuning State Park as a teenager, heading that way to camp, hike, and best of all, swim and skimboard along the shore of the lake! Pymatuning is one of the only non-manmade lakes in Ohio, having been formed by glaciers many eons ago. It rests on the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and therefore, some of it is maintained by the State of Pennsylvania. There are a great deal of waterfowl, game birds, and even eagles! There are two easy hiking trails:Whispering Pines and Beaver Dam.

Gorge Trail Metro Park

18. Gorge Trail Metro Park (1270 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls): This northeast Ohio hiking hot spot has beautiful views and everything from gentle to strenuous hiking paths that are approximately 2-3 miles in length. Aside from the picturesque waterfall, the best part of the trail was definitely hiking in between the large canyons and over intricate root patterns.

 

 

19. Wildwood Preserve Metro Park (5100 W. Central Avenue, Toledo): While Toledo has many metroparks, The Wildwood Preserve is a favorite to locals who come here often to utilize the many trails for walking, hiking, running, or biking. There are many open areas for throwing around the Frisbee or just relaxing in the grass. Charcoal grills and picnic tables are also provided so you can have a picnic. On the grounds of the park is The Manor House, a former mansion with beautifully landscaped gardens.

 

 

20. South Bass Island State Park (1523 Catawba Avenue, Put-In-Bay): Sure, there's a lot of bars, wineries, and clubs to keep you busy when you are visiting Put-In-Bay. But there's also a lot of nature to be explored! After enjoying the nightlife on the island, hop in your golf cart and head to the South Bass Island State Park for a hiking excursion atop of the scenic white cliffs of this 33-acre park. Or, for the more adventurous type, take a canoe or kayak ride to the beautiful and unique park!

 

 

21. Indian Lake State Park (2774 State Route 235 N, Lakeview): A hugely popular tourist hotspot, Indian Lake State Park is located in Logan County, with the Ohio Caverns and Mad River Mountain nearby! One of the most beautiful spots for on-the-water fun, Indian Lake offers two hiking trails: The Cherokee Trail and the Pew Island Trail (a one mile path that encircles Pew Island and gives an amazing view). There is also a three mile bike path.

22. Twin Valley Backpacking Trail (9688 Eby Road, Germantown): Set in the rolling hills of the Twin Valley, this trail provides a backpacking experience reminiscent of other wilderness trails with beautiful hills, babbling brooks, abundant wildlife, history and small town charm. Secluded designated camping opportunities are sprinkled throughout this 22 mile trail that includes and connects Germantown and Twin Creek MetroPark.

 

 

23. Little Miami State Park (8570 East State Route 73, Waynesville): This is a new, non-traditional concept for a park: a trail corridor. The park itself runs 50 miles in length along the Little Miami River and goes through four counties: Greene, Warren, Clermont, and Hamilton. There are trails not only for hiking and backpacking, but for horseback riding, rollerblading, and running. You can also enjoy canoeing down the river, or ziplining at nearby Ozone Zipline Adventures.

 

 

24. Caldwell Preserve (430 West North Bend Road, Cincinnati): I have yet to go to this southwest Ohio locale, but I have heard tons about it from readers of the blog. Cincinnati Parks web site says it: "features a Nature Center, an amphitheater, and 3.5 miles of nature trails, including a level-paved trail that makes it possible for wheelchair users to go into the woods, see the flowers, and hear the birds" 

 

 

25. Portage Lakes State Park (5031 Manchester Road, Akron): While most of my time has been boating on the Portage Lakes and drinking at the Harbor Inn with the locals, there are also great hiking trails to take on if you're in the area: Planet Walk Trail, Shoreline Trail, Rabbit Hill Trail, and Pheasant Run Loop.

5 Fun Fall OHventures

Looking for some fall fun for the whole family? OHventures has you covered! Here are 5 fantastic fall adventures across the Buckeye State for you to enjoy before the snow starts up!

1. Circleville Pumpkin Show: The Circleville Pumpkin Show is where families go to make memories and is one of the most highly anticipated festivals in the state. I first became aware of this gourd-tastic event when my college roommate and his family would perform in a band each year, ranting and raving for the weeks leading up to the event. In addition to live entertainment, there is much fun to be had at the annual show, which has taken place for the past 40 years for an entire weekend in October (this year, the fair runs from October 17-20). The Great Pumpkin Weigh-In draws a great deal of excitement, as it finds out who has grown the largest pumpkin in the state that year (these puppies are HUGE, weighing close to 1,500 pounds!). If that isn't enough squash for you, everything imaginable is made out of pumpkin: pies (over 20,000 to be exact), cookies, dips, salsas, burgers, sloppy joes - you name it! Crafts, games, parades, pageants, and more are crammed into the weekend as well!

2. Mansfield Reformatory Haunted Prison Experience: Nothing is spookier in Ohio than the Mansfield Reformatory. I don't mean the "fake spider web and bedsheet ghosts" kind of spooky. I am talking about the "decaying walls, rusted jail cells, and eerily quiet hallways echoing with stories of tortured prisoners" kind of spooky. This now defunct prison is one of the most majestic buildings in all of Ohio, resembling a Transylvanian castle soaring high into the sky. In the fall (RIGHT NOW) the prison is transformed into a haunted house! It is hands down THE SCARIEST haunted house experience I have ever had. I am not afraid to admit, that at age 25, I was jumping and shrieking left and right! The cost is $17 and the lines are incredibly long....but you can guess, it is worth the wait!

3. Camping: I have done a lot of camping at various locations throughout the state, all of which were unique and memorable in their own way. Some places I would suggest for any aspiring camper in Ohio are: The Atwood Lake Campground in Tuscawaras County (where they hold the annual "Fall Festival" each October), Pymatuning State Park in Ashtabula County (and partially in Pennsylvania), and of course Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County (the most famous for hiking, ziplining, and pretty much every other OHventure in the state). However, the fun certainly does not stop at those 3 suggestions. There are HUNDREDS of campsites all over the state, which you can find at Ohio Camper. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!

4. Apple Picking: A sea of apples and a maze of corn lie just minutes away, in every nook and cranny of Ohio, providing a perfect escape for anyone wishing to relive their childhood. For those in Central Ohio, Lynd Fruit Farm, located on the corner of state Route 310 and Morse Road in Pataskala, provides a bounty of fall activities for the young at heart throughout September, October and November. When you're there, it's like walking through a postcard. It's so serene and peaceful here. Coming here makes me almost forget about school and work and bills and all the responsibilities of life. It's also a cheap, or sometimes free, activity. To find the nearest apple orchard for public picking, visit Ohio Apples!

5. Tailgating: Whether you are a Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, or Ohio State Buckeyes fan (or even another college, high school, or peewee team), you are bound to be found hooting and hollering on a weekly basis (sometimes more), rooting for your favorite team to win. This is probably the most common and easiest of OHventures to be had, as it's probably not too difficult to round up some friends to drink some beer, eat a potluck of chili and hot dogs, and throw on some jerseys while gathered around a big screen TV! No matter what way you do it, the pigskin sport brings people together, in sports bars, parking lots, and man caves across the state! Ohio is truly a football-loving sport, so on the off days, you can try visiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton to get your fix and learn some interesting history!

Charles Mill Lake Park

Photos by OHventures

Charles Mill Lake Park
1277 State Route 430
Mansfield, OH 44903

On my many road trips up north on Interstate 71, I often take Exit 176 to U.S. Route 30 East to head to places such as Akron, Canton, or Youngstown. Right when I get on Route 30, I am often met with spectacular views of a beautiful body of water to the south. Curious to catch more than just a drive-by glimpse of the sparkling waters, I recently decided to investigate.

Taking a right onto Route 603 led me right to what I came to discover as being Charles Mill Lake Park, located in Mifflin Township, Ashland County. The lake itself (aptly titled Charles Mill Lake) stretches into Richland County and the City of Mansfield as well. However, the popular park is in Richland County.

Charles Mill Lake Park is part of the larger Muskingum River Watershed Conservancy District, which covers more than 8,000 square miles and drains into the Muskingum River. This is the largest contained watershed in the state of Ohio, covering about 20 percent of the state (also included in the MWCD is Atwood Lake, which we previously featured on the site). Tradition holds that Johnny Appleseed (said to be an Ohio native) made his way through the area, and in 2004, the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center opened nearby.

I visited CMLP near sundown, which provided a gorgeous sunset on the lake. I packed a picnic and met friends to sit down and enjoy the park. We ate along the lake, a peaceful 1,350-acre reservoir with 2,000 acres of land. Afterwards, we hiked on designated trails through the woods. There were a great deal of gnats and insects flying about, which was annoying, since we did not think to bring bug spray. However, the hiking trails were not on difficult terrain and were easily navigable.

After our hike through the woods and along the reservoir, we took a look at the countless boats docked in the marina. Fishing and boating are popular activities at Charles Mill Lake, and the marina rents and sells various watercraft, providing licensing services if needed. It also provides fuel and supplies year-round as well as a launching dock.

Located near the marina is a sandy beach, which is accessible to the public with a fee of $5 per vehicle. The swimming beach also includes a volleyball court, playground, and sheltered picnic area.

Calm and relaxing, the scenic Charles Mill Lake Park is a perfect afternoon getaway for hiking and picnicking. Camping (in cabins or otherwise) is also popular throughout the park for those interested in an extended visit.

Mansfield Reformatory

Photos by OHventures

Mansfield Reformatory
100 Reformatory Road
Mansfield, OH 44905-1208


Nothing is spookier in Ohio than the Mansfield Reformatory. I don't mean the "fake spider web and bedsheet ghosts" kind of spooky. I am talking about the "decaying walls, rusted jail cells, and eerily quiet hallways echoing with stories of tortured prisoners" kind of spooky. This now defunct prison is one of the most majestic buildings in all of Ohio, resembling a Transylvanian castle soaring high into the sky. Built in 1886, the Mansfield Reformatory served as a prison for some of Ohio's first-time offenders. It was looked at as being a progressive step forward for rehabilitation. However, conditions worsened over the years, so much so that it finally shut its doors in 1990. Many say paranormal activity runs rampant at the prison, as improperly treated and abused inmates who died in the jail (which amount to over 200 people) continue to haunt visitors (that is, if you believe in that kind of thing).