If you’re not afraid of heights, an up-high view is downright inspiring. From cityscapes to secluded forests, here are 12 scenic overlooks in Ohio that are sure to leave you breathless.

  1. Ledges Overlook (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)

Yi-Lang (Lucas) Liu/Flickr Ohio’s national park features an approximately 1,170 ft. tall peak, which lies southeast of the I-77 and I-80 intersection. You can hike to the Ledges Overlook via a 4.1 mile figure-eight trail in the park. Ledges Overlook, Boston Township, OH 44264, USA

  1. Kalberer Family Emergent Tower (Kirtland)

Erik Drost/Flickr

Erik Drost/Flickr The Kalberer Family Emergent Tower at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland takes you up 120 ft. above the trees. (Additionally, the nearby Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk features a 500 ft. long elevated walkway suspended 65 ft. above the forest floor.) Kalberer Emergent Tower, Kirtland, OH 44094, USA

  1. Terminal Tower Observation Deck (Cleveland)

theunquietlibrarian/Flickr

Erik Drost/Flickr Cleveland is such a beautiful city, and the Terminal Tower Observation Deck allows you to observe the whole city from above. Rising 771 feet above Public Square in Downtown Cleveland, the Terminal Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings in Cleveland’s skyline. Much like New York’s Empire State Building, this iconic landmark offers beautiful, sweeping views of the city. During the spring and summer months, guests can ride an elevator to the observation deck to behold the view. Terminal Tower Observation Deck, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

  1. Mount Jeez (Monroe Township)

arlenesenser/Flickr Within the Mohican Hills in Monroe Township, you’ll find one of Ohio’s most stunning summits. At 1,310 ft. tall, Mount Jeez offers a wide open, beautiful view of Ohio’s countryside. (You can find the path for Mount Jeez Overlook off of Pleasant Valley Road.) Mount Jeez, llc, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA

  1. Old Man’s Cave Gorge Overlook (Hocking Hills State Park)

April Dray/Only In Your State

April Dray/Only In Your State If the view from Old Man’s Cave itself isn’t inspiring enough for you, you can always take the nearby Gorge Overlook Trail for another overlook perspective of the Hocking Hills region. Old Man’s Cave Campground, 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA

  1. Conkle’s Hollow (Hocking Hills State Park)

David Grant/Flickr

Raymond Wald/Flickr This rugged, rocky gorge is often considered one of the deepest in Ohio, according to the state park’s website. The Rim Trail at the top of the 200 ft. cliffs features breathtaking views of Conkle’s Hollow. Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA

  1. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (Put-In-Bay)

Alvin Trusty/Flickr

Sean Munson/Flickr Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a popular destination on South Bass Island. It commemorates the significant Battle of Lake Erie that took place during the War of 1812. The memorial pays tribute to the brave people who fought during the Battle of Lake Erie, and it also serves as a symbol of peace among the USA, Canada, and Great Britain. Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (Put-In-Bay)

  1. Mt. Pleasant at Rising Park (Lancaster)

Robert Batina/Flickr Also known as “Standing Stone,” this breathtaking view from Mt. Pleasant awaits you after a steep hike. Mount Pleasant in Rising Park, 1000 N High St, Lancaster, OH 43130, USA

  1. Carew Tower Observation Deck (Cincinnati)

Jim Pater/Flickr

Jim Pater/Flickr The observation deck of Carew Tower in downtown Cincinnati allows you to see the whole city from above. While no longer the tallest building in the Queen City, the views from the top are breathtaking. You can enjoy 360-degree views if you walk around the entire observation deck. You’ll tower above the other buildings that will now seem small compared to their street level appearance. Carew Tower Observation Deck, 41 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

  1. Kings Island Amusement Park Eiffel Tower (Mason)

ike4014/Flickr This 1/3 scale replica of the Eiffel Tower enables you to see the entirety of Kings Island from a bird’s eye view. It’s even more spectacular come Christmastime! Eiffel Tower, 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA

  1. Marblehead Lighthouse (Marblehead)

Counselman Collection/Flickr

Counselman Collection/Flickr Ohio’s oldest lighthouse in continuous operation is a bucket-list must. Take in breathtaking views of Lake Erie and the nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park. Marblehead Lighthouse, Marblehead, MA 01945, USA

  1. Buzzard’s Roost Nature Preserve (Chillicothe)

April Dray/Only In Your State This 600 ft. overlook of the Paint Creek Valley can be found within the Ross County Park District. Buzzard’s Roost is one of the best overlooks in Ohio for fall foliage viewing! Buzzard’s Roost, 514 Red Bird Ln, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA

What other scenic overlooks are there in Ohio? Share your experiences (and photos) with us!

Yi-Lang (Lucas) Liu/Flickr

Ohio’s national park features an approximately 1,170 ft. tall peak, which lies southeast of the I-77 and I-80 intersection. You can hike to the Ledges Overlook via a 4.1 mile figure-eight trail in the park.

Ledges Overlook, Boston Township, OH 44264, USA

Erik Drost/Flickr

The Kalberer Family Emergent Tower at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland takes you up 120 ft. above the trees. (Additionally, the nearby Judith and Maynard H. Murch Canopy Walk features a 500 ft. long elevated walkway suspended 65 ft. above the forest floor.)

Kalberer Emergent Tower, Kirtland, OH 44094, USA

theunquietlibrarian/Flickr

Cleveland is such a beautiful city, and the Terminal Tower Observation Deck allows you to observe the whole city from above. Rising 771 feet above Public Square in Downtown Cleveland, the Terminal Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings in Cleveland’s skyline. Much like New York’s Empire State Building, this iconic landmark offers beautiful, sweeping views of the city. During the spring and summer months, guests can ride an elevator to the observation deck to behold the view.

Terminal Tower Observation Deck, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA

arlenesenser/Flickr

Within the Mohican Hills in Monroe Township, you’ll find one of Ohio’s most stunning summits. At 1,310 ft. tall, Mount Jeez offers a wide open, beautiful view of Ohio’s countryside. (You can find the path for Mount Jeez Overlook off of Pleasant Valley Road.)

Mount Jeez, llc, Perrysville, OH 44864, USA

April Dray/Only In Your State

If the view from Old Man’s Cave itself isn’t inspiring enough for you, you can always take the nearby Gorge Overlook Trail for another overlook perspective of the Hocking Hills region.

Old Man’s Cave Campground, 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138, USA

David Grant/Flickr

Raymond Wald/Flickr

This rugged, rocky gorge is often considered one of the deepest in Ohio, according to the state park’s website. The Rim Trail at the top of the 200 ft. cliffs features breathtaking views of Conkle’s Hollow.

Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, 24858 Big Pine Rd, Rockbridge, OH 43149, USA

Alvin Trusty/Flickr

Sean Munson/Flickr

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a popular destination on South Bass Island. It commemorates the significant Battle of Lake Erie that took place during the War of 1812. The memorial pays tribute to the brave people who fought during the Battle of Lake Erie, and it also serves as a symbol of peace among the USA, Canada, and Great Britain.

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456, USA Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (Put-In-Bay)

Robert Batina/Flickr

Also known as “Standing Stone,” this breathtaking view from Mt. Pleasant awaits you after a steep hike.

Mount Pleasant in Rising Park, 1000 N High St, Lancaster, OH 43130, USA

Jim Pater/Flickr

The observation deck of Carew Tower in downtown Cincinnati allows you to see the whole city from above. While no longer the tallest building in the Queen City, the views from the top are breathtaking. You can enjoy 360-degree views if you walk around the entire observation deck. You’ll tower above the other buildings that will now seem small compared to their street level appearance.

Carew Tower Observation Deck, 41 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

ike4014/Flickr

This 1/3 scale replica of the Eiffel Tower enables you to see the entirety of Kings Island from a bird’s eye view. It’s even more spectacular come Christmastime!

Eiffel Tower, 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA

Counselman Collection/Flickr

Ohio’s oldest lighthouse in continuous operation is a bucket-list must. Take in breathtaking views of Lake Erie and the nearby Cedar Point Amusement Park.

Marblehead Lighthouse, Marblehead, MA 01945, USA

This 600 ft. overlook of the Paint Creek Valley can be found within the Ross County Park District. Buzzard’s Roost is one of the best overlooks in Ohio for fall foliage viewing!

Buzzard’s Roost, 514 Red Bird Ln, Chillicothe, OH 45601, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Scenic Overlooks in Ohio December 16, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other scenic overlooks in Ohio? While the Buckeye State might not be known for majestic mountains or canyons, there are a surprising number of scenic overlooks that offer glorious views of Ohio. Here are some of our favorite hidden gem overlooks in Ohio:

Summit Park Observation Tower. Just north of Cincinnati, there is a wonderful attraction that boasts beautiful views of the area. Standing 153 feet tall (equivalent to the 27th floor of the Great American Building), Summit Park’s Observation Tower is impossible to miss. It overlooks Summit Park’s expansive Great Lawn and offers breathtaking views of Hamilton County. If you didn’t know, Summit Park is the site of the old Cincinnati-Blue Ash Airport, and Blue Ash is one of the highest points in Hamilton County. Campbell Hill. Beautiful Bellefontaine is home to the highest point in Ohio. At just over 1,549 feet, Campbell Hill might not be the Colorado Rockies, but the views from the top are pretty swell! Devou Park. This spot in Northern Kentucky actually boasts some of the best views of Ohio! In Northern Kentucky, Devou Park is a treasure of a place, encompassing 700 acres of beauty and offering up iconic vistas of the Cincinnati skyline. Also in the area, the nearby Eden Park has a scenic overlook that looks out over the Ohio River, with picnic tables and a picturesque pond and playground, too.

Brandywine Falls Viewpoint at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Brandywine Falls Loop Trail is a scenic hike that leads to an iconic and dramatic view of the park’s famous falls.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Scenic Overlooks in Ohio

December 16, 2022

Sarah M.

What are some other scenic overlooks in Ohio? While the Buckeye State might not be known for majestic mountains or canyons, there are a surprising number of scenic overlooks that offer glorious views of Ohio. Here are some of our favorite hidden gem overlooks in Ohio:

Summit Park Observation Tower. Just north of Cincinnati, there is a wonderful attraction that boasts beautiful views of the area. Standing 153 feet tall (equivalent to the 27th floor of the Great American Building), Summit Park’s Observation Tower is impossible to miss. It overlooks Summit Park’s expansive Great Lawn and offers breathtaking views of Hamilton County. If you didn’t know, Summit Park is the site of the old Cincinnati-Blue Ash Airport, and Blue Ash is one of the highest points in Hamilton County. Campbell Hill. Beautiful Bellefontaine is home to the highest point in Ohio. At just over 1,549 feet, Campbell Hill might not be the Colorado Rockies, but the views from the top are pretty swell! Devou Park. This spot in Northern Kentucky actually boasts some of the best views of Ohio! In Northern Kentucky, Devou Park is a treasure of a place, encompassing 700 acres of beauty and offering up iconic vistas of the Cincinnati skyline. Also in the area, the nearby Eden Park has a scenic overlook that looks out over the Ohio River, with picnic tables and a picturesque pond and playground, too.

Brandywine Falls Viewpoint at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Brandywine Falls Loop Trail is a scenic hike that leads to an iconic and dramatic view of the park’s famous falls.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

While the Buckeye State might not be known for majestic mountains or canyons, there are a surprising number of scenic overlooks that offer glorious views of Ohio. Here are some of our favorite hidden gem overlooks in Ohio:

  • Summit Park Observation Tower. Just north of Cincinnati, there is a wonderful attraction that boasts beautiful views of the area. Standing 153 feet tall (equivalent to the 27th floor of the Great American Building), Summit Park’s Observation Tower is impossible to miss. It overlooks Summit Park’s expansive Great Lawn and offers breathtaking views of Hamilton County. If you didn’t know, Summit Park is the site of the old Cincinnati-Blue Ash Airport, and Blue Ash is one of the highest points in Hamilton County.
  • Campbell Hill. Beautiful Bellefontaine is home to the highest point in Ohio. At just over 1,549 feet, Campbell Hill might not be the Colorado Rockies, but the views from the top are pretty swell!
  • Devou Park. This spot in Northern Kentucky actually boasts some of the best views of Ohio! In Northern Kentucky, Devou Park is a treasure of a place, encompassing 700 acres of beauty and offering up iconic vistas of the Cincinnati skyline. Also in the area, the nearby Eden Park has a scenic overlook that looks out over the Ohio River, with picnic tables and a picturesque pond and playground, too.
  • Brandywine Falls Viewpoint at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Brandywine Falls Loop Trail is a scenic hike that leads to an iconic and dramatic view of the park’s famous falls.

Brandywine Falls Viewpoint at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Brandywine Falls Loop Trail is a scenic hike that leads to an iconic and dramatic view of the park’s famous falls.