Waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, scenic overlooks and shady hemlock groves make Hocking Hills one of Ohio's most popular state parks, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
But maybe you're looking to avoid the crowds, soak in some solitude and see something new. Ohio is one of seven states that don't charge admission to its state parks so attendance data isn't available.
More:Natural social distance, gorgeous scenery awaits at Ohio's Hocking Hills
Based on overnight camping numbers, though, here are six of the least-visited, off-the-beaten path parks in the Ohio state park system.
North Bass Island State Park
North Bass Island State Park on Lake Erie is accessible only by boat or aircraft. It is 18 miles from the Ohio mainland and three miles from the lake border with Canada. It hosted overnight campers for just 19 nights in 2020 and 42 nights in 2019. All camping is backcountry -- carry in and carry out all equipment, supplies and trash. There is also a state-owned guest house that has been renovated and is available for rentals. The island popular among Lake Erie fans as well as migratory songbirds that stop over in the spring and fall.
Address: North Bass Island, Isle St. George.
Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching.
Sycamore State Park
Sycamore State Park had just 81 overnight visitors last year. A state park since 1979, it covers more than 1,500 acres of former farmland. The Five Rivers Metro Park bikeway borders the northeastern edge of the park.
Address: 4675 N. Diamond Mill, Trotwood.
Activities: camping, picnicking, archery, hunting, paddling, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling and horseback riding.
Independence Dam State Park
Independence Dam State Park sits along the banks of the Maumee State Scenic River. It offers day-use activities and 25 primitive campsites so it logged 360 overnight camping visitors in 2020. A three-mile dirt trail, once part of the towpath of the Miami and Erie Canal, offers views of Ohio's canal era.
Address: 27722 County Road 424, Defiance.
Activities: canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, fishing, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, biking and birdwatching.
Blue Rock State Park
Blue Rock State Park campground had 1,505 overnight visitors last year. The park sits on 322 acres just south of Zanesville. Human-powered and electric-motor boats are allowed on the 15 acre Cutler Lake. It has three miles of hiking trails and three miles of bridle trails, plus access to 26 miles of bridle trails in the adjacent 4,573-acre Blue Rock state forest. And if you like heights, you can climb the 100-foot Blue Rock Fire Tower, which was built in 1937.
Address: 7954 Cutler Lake Rd., Blue Rock.
Activities: boating, hiking, swimming, camping, picnicking, archery, fishing, sledding and ice fishing.
Beaver Creek State Park
Beaver Creek State Park campground hosted 831 overnight visitors in 2020 and 2,142 visitors in 2019. It is in eastern Ohio, south of Youngstown. The park sits on 2,722 acres of forested lands and includes access to the Little Beaver Creek scenic river and 10 miles of hiking trails. Gaston's Mill built in 1837 is restored and grinds wheat and corn for demonstration purposes. A pioneer village, adjacent to the mill, includes a log home, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and a church.
Address: 12021 Echo Dell Rd, East Liverpool, OH
Activities: hiking, fishing, paddling, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, sledding, cross country skiing.
Forked Run State Park
Forked Run State Park, which is southeast of Columbus, hosted roughly 2,500 overnight visitors in 2020. It has 120-acre lake with two launch ramps and a 400-foot sand beach. The park is adjacent to the 2,600-acre Shade River State Forest.
Address: 63300 State Route 124, Reedsville.
Activities: boating, camping, disc golf, fishing, hunting, picnicking, swimming, hiking, sledding.
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