9. Chapin Woods Reservation  Overlook

Nestled in Northeast Ohio, Chapin Woods is a beautiful reservation with thick forests and ledges. Its main attraction though, is its overlook, which looks out over the city of Cleveland and Lake Erie.

photo by Nick Hoeller (@nickhoeller)

2. Mohican State Park Overlook:

There are actually two overlooks in Mohican State Park, the fire tower overlook and the gorge overlook. Personally, I like the fire tower overlook better, because it gives you amazing 360 degree view of the rolling hills in every direction, compared to the gorge overlook, which only gives you views of the Clear Fork Gorge. The fire tower overlook is not for those afraid of heights though, as you have to climb up 80 feet of extremely sketchy stairs. The gorge overlook is simply fantastic as well though. It sits atop the Clear Fork gorge and gives you open views into the 200 foot deep valley

3. Conkle's Hollow overlook trail:

Although Hocking Hills is more known for its waterfalls and caves, the Overlook Trail at Conkles Hollow gives some of the best views in the state. Conkles Hollow is one of, if not the deepest gorge in all of Ohio, being nearly 200 feet deep at points. The overlook trail will constantly reward you with views of the hollow below as well as several massive rock outcroppings.

6. Tinkers Creek Overlook

Located in the Bedford Reservation and a natural national landmark, the Tinkers Creek Gorge overlook is one of the most captivating overlooks in all of Ohio. The overlook's best season is definitely fall, where the whole valley is covered with bright orange and red colors.

8. Hell Hollow Wilderness Overlook

Even if it didn’t have this overlook, Hell Hollow would still be one of the best parks in all of Northeast Ohio. Hidden off trail are dozens of waterfalls, ranging from a few feet tall to over 30 feet tall. The overlook is a dramatic view of Paine Creek and its valley. From the overlook, you are over 120 feet above the creek. Stairs can be taken down into the creek if you want to get up close.

7. Highbanks Metropark Overlook

Rarely does the phrase “steep cliffs” come to mind when thinking about Central Ohio, but Highbanks Metropark’s 100 foot bluffs along the Olentangy River are just that, massive steep cliffs. While it does take a few miles of hiking to get to it, Highbank’s overlook is far and away the best view you can get anywhere in Central Ohio (except for the view from top floor of the Ohio State Library, that view might have this one beat)

1. Buzzard Roost overlooks:

Possibly nothing in Ohio matches the amazing overlooks located at Buzzard Roost Nature Preserve. The preserves lowest point is 600 feet below the parks highest point, if that gives any indication of how rugged this place is. One of the overlooks gives you views into a beautiful river gorge from atop steep cliffs, while the other overlooks takes you to one of the highest points in the park and gives you views of the surrounding landscape. This park is really as must see for any Ohioan.

Ohio is not necessarily known for having majestic overlooks. We don’t have 14,000 foot tall mountains like the states out west or even 5,000 foot tall mountains like those of the appalachian states. What Ohio does have is beautiful overlooks situated on the tops of gorges and foothills. No, they might not match up to the views you get from atop a “fourteener” but many of them are quite amazing and will take your breath away. Without further ado, these are the top 9 overlooks in the Buckeye State.

5. Ledges Overlook:
This is a very popular place for people to watch the sunset. You can usually expect a decent crowd of people if you go on a nice day. The overlook is perched on 100+ foot tall cliffs and looks out over the entire Cuyahoga Valley. The area that sounds the overlook is simply incredible. Dramatic ledges, caves, and hemlock forests are just a fraction of what makes the ledges so incredible

Jacob Teed

December 7th, 2015

4. Cascade Valley Overlook:

Sometimes called the “Grand Canyon of Ohio” the Cascade Valley Overlook is the best and most dramatic overlook in all of Northeast Ohio. What makes the overlook so amazing isn’t the view (even though it is fantastic) but the actual overlook itself. A boardwalk extends nearly 10 feet out over the edge, and it feels like you are towering over the river

The 9 Best Overlooks in Ohio

photo: oldmanscavechalets.com

Natural Ohio Adventures