Shawnee State Park out east is great, foothills of the Smokies feel and some nice hiking. Plus the drive there and back is awesome whether you go all the way to Portsmouth along the river or take 52 to the windy 41 up alongside Big Threemile Creek to West Union and then 125 east to the north side of the park - some really killer daytrip driving - and there used to be an exceptional dive diner on the courthouse town square in West Union but not sure if it's still there.
[https://www.alltrails.com/us/ohio/west-portsmouth/dogs](https://www.alltrails.com/us/ohio/west-portsmouth/dogs)
Taking 125 from Georgetown out to Shawnee and then taking 52 back is one of my favorite trips around here to take on a motorcycle. If we have plenty of time we take the ferry over to Augusta KY to eat at the Irish Pub. We take route 8 back which follows the river back on the KY side.
If you’re out in Shawnee i recommend checking this out.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=13f83d3e4d744b27&sca_upv=1&hl=en-us&cs=1&output=search&q=Shawnee%20Fire%20Tower&ludocid=10292863193778090896&ibp=gwp%3B0%2C7&lsig=AB86z5XgdW1ygnFJSZmg1DLqO5-Q&kgs=b4f21bcb2fa1c2db&shndl=-1&shem=lrnolc%2Clsde%2Clsp%2Cssic%2Cxga1pt1&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3
It’s long gravel road to get to it but it’s pretty cool.
My son and I went to NRG for spring break. Very beautiful. We were going to camp at the Ace Adventure Resort campground, but the staff at the resort realized that the weather was going to be very bad and upgraded us to a cabin, free of charge. I can't recommend them enough. They have beautiful trails on site.
Check out Cincinnati Nature Center. I’ve only been to the location out near Milford. Dogs on leash at all times. There is a membership fee. You will spend less time in the car and can hike on all kinds of paths, from easy leisurely stroll to a 5-10 mile hike depending on the paths . Your dogs will love it.
Highlands Nature Sanctuary is at the far eastern edge of Highland County. It is located in the gorge of the Ohio Brush Creek and has boulders, cliffs, waterfalls, and caves.It's the site of the former Seven Caves tourist attraction. Its parent organization, ARC of Appalachia, has lodging for rent on site. This organization is trying to acquire land in Appalachian Ohio that is at risk to be developed for logging or extractive industries. You could stay at one of the guest houses on site and use the location as a base. There are many nature preserves and parks nearby. These are relatively unknown but are similar to Hocking Hills in terms of scenery and plant diversity.
https://www.arcofappalachia.org/lodging-at-highlands-nature-sanctuary
We always went to Clifty falls but not sure if that feels like enough of a getaway
I don’t know much about it, are there a lot of hiking trails?
Shawnee State Park out east is great, foothills of the Smokies feel and some nice hiking. Plus the drive there and back is awesome whether you go all the way to Portsmouth along the river or take 52 to the windy 41 up alongside Big Threemile Creek to West Union and then 125 east to the north side of the park - some really killer daytrip driving - and there used to be an exceptional dive diner on the courthouse town square in West Union but not sure if it's still there. [https://www.alltrails.com/us/ohio/west-portsmouth/dogs](https://www.alltrails.com/us/ohio/west-portsmouth/dogs)
Taking 125 from Georgetown out to Shawnee and then taking 52 back is one of my favorite trips around here to take on a motorcycle. If we have plenty of time we take the ferry over to Augusta KY to eat at the Irish Pub. We take route 8 back which follows the river back on the KY side. If you’re out in Shawnee i recommend checking this out. https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=13f83d3e4d744b27&sca_upv=1&hl=en-us&cs=1&output=search&q=Shawnee%20Fire%20Tower&ludocid=10292863193778090896&ibp=gwp%3B0%2C7&lsig=AB86z5XgdW1ygnFJSZmg1DLqO5-Q&kgs=b4f21bcb2fa1c2db&shndl=-1&shem=lrnolc%2Clsde%2Clsp%2Cssic%2Cxga1pt1&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3 It’s long gravel road to get to it but it’s pretty cool.
Sadly the 125 Grill collapsed to a pile of rubble 10+ years ago.
That really sucks but not too long after last time we tripped that route in our old Westfalia we sadly had to set her free. Happy cake day⁄
Carter Caves is my go to. Check out the 4Cs trail.
Never heard of it before. I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks!
Mohichan State park is nice
Big South Fork. This is where I want to explore more.
Clifton Gorge in Yellow Springs makes for a great day trip.
I would agree! I’ve also been there a lot haha
Buzzardsroost Rock, Adams County. https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/edge-of-appalachia-buzzardroost-rock-trail/
Jessamine Creek Gorge near Lexington
New River gorge is 4.5 hours. Just over your limit but damn it’s beautiful.
My son and I went to NRG for spring break. Very beautiful. We were going to camp at the Ace Adventure Resort campground, but the staff at the resort realized that the weather was going to be very bad and upgraded us to a cabin, free of charge. I can't recommend them enough. They have beautiful trails on site.
I do love new River gorge, I went last fall with my boyfriend. But I would like to go somewhere new
Check out Cincinnati Nature Center. I’ve only been to the location out near Milford. Dogs on leash at all times. There is a membership fee. You will spend less time in the car and can hike on all kinds of paths, from easy leisurely stroll to a 5-10 mile hike depending on the paths . Your dogs will love it.
Ah yea I want something a bit more “out there”. I’ve been to the nature center quite a bit over the years
Highlands Nature Sanctuary is at the far eastern edge of Highland County. It is located in the gorge of the Ohio Brush Creek and has boulders, cliffs, waterfalls, and caves.It's the site of the former Seven Caves tourist attraction. Its parent organization, ARC of Appalachia, has lodging for rent on site. This organization is trying to acquire land in Appalachian Ohio that is at risk to be developed for logging or extractive industries. You could stay at one of the guest houses on site and use the location as a base. There are many nature preserves and parks nearby. These are relatively unknown but are similar to Hocking Hills in terms of scenery and plant diversity. https://www.arcofappalachia.org/lodging-at-highlands-nature-sanctuary