Go on an adventure in a Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Wrangler, or Dodge Hornet to the beautiful state parks near Lancaster, OH. Immerse yourself in nature while hiking, biking, and horseback riding through untouched natural areas, fishing in sparkling lakes, and sleeping in scenic campgrounds under the stars. 1. Buckeye Lake State Park Buckeye Lake State Park, one of the state's oldest parks at 2871 Leibs Island Road in Millersport, is just 15.9 miles from Lancaster. Spend a day exploring the surroundings on four miles of hiking and biking trails used for cross-country skiing in winter. The 3,100-acre Buckeye Lake has several boat ramps and is ideal for paddling, boating, and catching largemouth bass, perch, bluegill, crappie, and channel and bullhead catfish. The lake has two lovely beaches, Fairfield and Crystal Beaches, where you can bask in the sun and cool off in the lake. The lake is a popular winter destination for ice fishing, ice boating, and ice skating. 2. A.W. Marion State Park Take a 20-mile drive to explore the rolling 310-acre woodlands in the beautiful A.W. Marion State Park at 7519 Warner-Huffer Road in Circleville. Hike along the shore around the scenic 145-acre Hargus Lake on the 3.9 Mile Hargus Lake Trail, mountain bike on the 7.3-mile Multi-Use Trail, and wet your hook while catching largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish. The lake has no swimming beaches, but you can boat to one of the designated swimming areas. There is even an off-leash area where your four-legged friend can play in the water. The park's small campground has electric and primitive sites near bathrooms with flush toilets, and your pooch is welcome to camp with you. 3. Hocking Hills State Park The breathtaking Hocking Hills State Park at 19852 State Route 664, 23 miles away in Logan, is the most beautiful of Ohio's parks, voted by Forbes as one of the world's top traveling destinations for 2023. Hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride down miles of trails to admire the lofty cliffs and gaping hemlock-covered gorges and discover picturesque pools with mysterious recess caves shrouded by tumbling waterfalls. Boat and paddle on the beautiful 17-acre Rose Lake and cast your line to hook rainbow trout, bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. The park also has an archery range and an observatory where you can look at the night sky. 4. Great Seal State Park The 1,682-acre Great Seal State Park is 37 miles from Lancaster at 4908 Marietta Road in Chillicothe. Head down 23 miles of multi-purpose trails to gaze over the Scioto Valley below and the ridgetops in the distance, the scenery shown on the Great Seal of Ohio, from which the park derives its name. Play disc golf on the 18-hole course, barbecue at one of the three scenic picnic spots, or pitch your tent in the primitive campground at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. Discover Ohio's natural beauty in the breathtaking wilderness areas around the city. Before you go, stop at Bob-Boyd Chrysler Jeep Dodge today for a vehicle checkup and ensure your ride gets you safely down any road.
