Hocking Hills State Park ranked among Ohio’s best outdoor workout spots

From the iconic Central Park in NYC to the scenic paths of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and along the bustling Lakefront Trail in Chicago, the U.S. is home to an array of stunning outdoor workout locales. These spots are more than just a place to exercise; they are destinations offering breathtaking views that elevate the fitness experience.

To provide a definitive guide to these scenic sweat spots, Lift Vault canvassed the opinions of 3,000 fitness enthusiasts. Their mission: to identify the nation’s best outdoor workout destinations that offer more than just exercise — they promise an enhanced fitness experience through their natural beauty. The result is a curated list of the top 150 locations for fitness in the great outdoors.

The top five were as follows:

#1 Chautauqua Park, Boulder, Colorado

Nestled at the foot of the Flatirons, Chautauqua Park is Boulder’s front-row seat to nature’s grandeur. Fitness enthusiasts flock here to challenge themselves on the myriad of trails that wind through the park, offering both rigorous hikes and tranquil walks. The elevated vistas making it a premier destination for those looking to enrich their physical and mental well-being.

#2 Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Nevada

Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a gem of the High Sierra, presenting a diverse landscape that caters to a range of outdoor activities. Whether it’s trail running through pine-scented forests, cycling along the lake’s panoramic shore, or practicing pilates on its sandy beaches, the park’s natural beauty provides an invigorating environment that makes every workout feel like a retreat from the ordinary.

#3 Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine

Acadia National Park’s rugged coastlines and verdant forests are a playground for the active soul. The park’s trails offer everything from the challenging Precipice Trail to the more accessible Ocean Path, allowing visitors to tailor their workouts to their desired intensity. The sight of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks and the scent of spruce trees create a sensory experience that amplifies the benefits of outdoor exercise.

#4 Olympic Discovery Trail, Olympic Peninsula, Washington

The Olympic Discovery Trail stretches across the Olympic Peninsula, a testament to the Pacific Northwest’s enchanting wilderness. This continuous pathway meanders through dense rainforests, alongside expansive lavender fields, and offers views of the distant Olympic Mountains. It’s a favorite for long-distance runners and cyclists who seek solitude and scenery as companions in their endurance pursuits.

#5 Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park’s awe-inspiring landscape, with its towering peaks and crystalline lakes, offers a natural fitness arena like no other. The park’s trails, ranging from flat lakeside jaunts to steep mountain climbs, invite fitness enthusiasts of all levels to test their limits against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty. It’s a place where the spirit of adventure meets the zeal for health, ensuring that every visit feels like a new challenge to conquer.

Ohio’s most popular outdoor workout locations were:

#41 Alum Creek State Park, Delaware

This state park is centered around Alum Creek Lake, making it a prime spot for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The park also features over 40 miles of trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, plus a beach area perfect for swimming and volleyball. The trails provide beautiful lake views and are suitable for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts looking for an active day in a natural setting.

#86 Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville

Located between Cleveland and Akron, this national park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with over 125 miles of hiking trails, including portions of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This trail is particularly popular for biking, running, and walking, as it follows a historic route with gentle grades alongside the Cuyahoga River, through wetlands and forests. The park also offers challenging terrain for more intense hiking and trail running, with scenic waterfalls and river views.

#119 Hocking Hills State Park, Logan

Famous for its stunning rock formations, caverns, and waterfalls, Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio provides a picturesque setting for hiking and photography. The park’s trails, such as the Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave trails, offer a variety of difficulty levels, winding through dense forests and along cliff tops and gorges. It’s a great place for a physically engaging hike or a tranquil walk in nature.

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