Ohio might have a reputation as a flyover state, but the midwestern gem is full of underrated destinations. With a number of charming small towns and the budget-friendly Midwest city of Cleveland, there’s a lot to see and do here. To immerse yourself in Ohio’s natural beauty, head to Findley State Park — it’s free to visit, and it offers a number of fun outdoor activities like biking and hiking in an area that was once a state forest. The park is full of woodland, such as stately pine and hardwoods, and is centered around a 93-acre lake for boating and fishing.
Findley State Park is about an hour’s drive from Cleveland, making it a great day trip destination or weekend getaway from the Forest City. The nearest major airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is about 45 minutes away. As this is a rural area, you’ll want your own vehicle to get here and explore the park.
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What to do at Findley State Park
Trees by lakeshore – Judy J Peak/Shutterstock
Outdoor activities reign supreme at Findley State Park. There are about 10 miles of hiking trails here; the most popular is the 3-mile loop around Findley Lake. Impressively, the long-distance, 1,400+ mile Buckeye Trail — which loops around the state of Ohio — also passes through Findley State Park for 1.6 miles. Then, there’s the moderately challenging 9-mile Thorn Mountain Bike Trail, which is a great choice for bikers; reviews on AllTrails praise the well-maintained trail for its beauty and wildlife.
The lake itself offers a number of recreational activities, too. There’s a 435-foot beach for swimming, plus two launch ramps for boating; you can rent canoes and rowboats at the marina. Anglers can try casting a line for large-mouth bass, crappie, and bluegill in the lake — although keep in mind that fishing here requires an Ohio Fishing License. As you explore the park, look for woodpeckers, hawks, and — in spring and fall — migratory songbirds, as it’s a good location for bird-watching.
If you want to spend the night in the great outdoors, set up camp at one of Findley State Park’s campsites. There are both sunny and shaded non-electric pitches here, and amenities include showers, flush toilets, laundry facilities, a camp store, and a games room. Three camper cabins are available to rent if you don’t want to pitch a tent. For exploring more hidden gems around Cleveland, head to the underrated Punderson State Park; it’s under an hour’s drive from the city.
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Read the original article on Islands.