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The Best Backpacking in Ohio

Looking for the best backpacking in Ohio? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Ohio. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Ohio

  • Swanton, Ohio

    Hike the Scout Trail at Oak Openings Preserve

    4.0
    The Scout Trail at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Swanton, Ohio is an easy hike that covers a lot of beautiful ground! I love this hike and do it several times each season (REALLY recommend the fall for the gorgeous colors!). I am constantly surprised by how few people take advantage of this ...
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  • Washington County, Ohio

    Hike to Irish Run Natural Bridge

    9.5 mi
    To begin, park next to the cemetery located on T-411 in Wayne National Forest. The trail begins on the north side of the cemetery and leads into the woods from there. In less than a 1/4 mile the trail forks into two separate trails, being both the beginning and terminus of the Archers Fork Loop T...
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  • Grove City, Ohio

    Hike through Scioto Grove Metro Park

    4.0
    7 mi
    New in May 2016, the Scioto Grove Metro Park has about 600 acres of land in Grove City, OH. There are more than 7 total miles of connecting trails as well as picnic areas and jungle gyms.Easy to navigate, there are park maps at all major trail junctions, which makes this hike enjoyable for all. ...
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  • Independence, Ohio

    Hike Lost Man Pass via Independence Lake

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Park at the pull out just west of independence pass. From there, begin on the Linkin's Lake Trail. The trail is generally easy to follow (although it can be muddy as it is a wet area) and climbs 900 feet in the 1.8 miles to independence lake. From Independence lake it is about 0.5 miles and 400 f...
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  • West Portsmouth, Ohio

    Shawnee State Park North Loop

    19.82 mi / 3806 ft gain
    Shawnee State Park North Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near West Portsmouth, Ohio.
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  • Yellow Springs, Ohio

    Glen Helen Nature Preserve Loop

    2.77 mi / 367 ft gain
    Glen Helen is located just next to downtown Yellow Springs, a small but well-known town popular for its eclectic and artistic community. This preserve was set to close permanently in 2020 due to lack of funding, but the former owner Antioch College sold the preserve to the Glen Helen Association ...
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  • West Portsmouth, Ohio

    Shawnee Backpacking Trail Loop

    8.55 mi / 981 ft gain
    Shawnee Backpacking Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near West Portsmouth, Ohio.
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  • Glouster, Ohio

    Burr Oak Reservoir Lakeview Trail

    21.04 mi / 2641 ft gain
    Burr Oak Reservoir Lakeview Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Glouster, Ohio.
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  • Perrysville, Ohio

    Lyons Falls, Hemlock Gorge and Pleasant Hill Trail Loop

    5.0
    10.08 mi / 1060 ft gain
    Lyons Falls, Hemlock Gorge and Pleasant Hill Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Perrysville, Ohio.
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  • Matamoras, Ohio

    Archers Fork Trail

    12.8 mi / 1998 ft gain
    Archers Fork Trail is a loop trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near New Matamoras, Ohio.
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  • Blue Creek, Ohio

    Shawnee Backpacking Trail Camp 6 Loop

    7.61 mi / 1148 ft gain
    Shawnee Backpacking Trail Camp 6 Loop is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Stout, Ohio.
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  • Glouster, Ohio

    Buckeye Trail: Dock 1 to Burr Oak

    5.3 mi / 709 ft gain
    Buckeye Trail: Dock 1 to Burr Oak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Glouster, Ohio.
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  • Franklin, Ohio

    Twin Creek Orange Loop Trail

    6.03 mi / 571 ft gain
    Twin Creek Orange Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Franklin, Ohio.
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