By: Diana Hoffman, contributor
Ready to you ready to get out of town and explore? Does your urge to travel make you long for a dream vacation but your wallet doesn’t? Cincinnati’s convenient location on the southern Ohio border opens a variety of road trip options that are budget-friendly, full of exploration, fulfill that bit of wanderlust in all of us. Check out these options to get out and explore:
Clifton Gorge State National Park Drive time: 1 hour 22 minutes (73 miles)
Do you have a passion for hiking? This is the place for you! Clifton Falls State Park covers 1416 acres in Jefferson County, Indiana. In addition to many exciting hiking trails and gorges, it also contains a well-known limestone gorge along the Little Miami River that is a sight to see. Website: Clifty Falls State Park
Columbus: Drive time: 1 hour 42 minutes (107 miles)
Learn, experience, and discover at the COSI Columbus. This science technology center offers over 300 interactive learning experiences, nine galleries, and live shows for all ages. Website: COSI
Hocking Hills State Park: Drive time: 2 hours 22 minutes (136 miles)
Located in southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills is one of the top parks to visit in Ohio. Packed with hiking trails, forests, campsites, waterfalls, gorges, and more, this is nature’s playground for all ages. They also offer yoga retreats, cabin reservations, and tours. Website: Hocking Hills
Indianapolis: Drive time: 1 hour 50 minutes (112 miles)
No matter if you go alone, with a friend, family, or group, Indy is a city full of exploration. Make sure to check out the Indianapolis Zoo, the world’s largest auto racetrack in the world, the White River State Park, the World’s largest Children’s Museum, a city market, a canal walk, and much more! Website: Visit Indy
Ohio Caverns: Drive time from Cincinnati: Drive time: 1 hour 48 minutes (105 miles)
Known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns”, The Ohio Caverns is the destination to take in nature. Discover crystals and more through two guided tours called the Historic Tour and The Natural Wonder Website: Ohio Caverns
Red River Gorge: Drive time: 2 hours 19 minutes (146 miles)
Designed as a National Natural Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Red River Gorge is a destination not to miss. Over 29,000 acres of hiking trails, gorges, canyons, and more allow for a get-away full of hiking, trail running, ziplining, and underground paddling or kayaking. Website: RedRiverGorge and SUP Kentucky
Yellow Springs: Drive time: 1 hour ten minutes (68 miles)
Just north of Cincinnati, Yellow Springs boasts over 75 small eclectic shops, galleries, restaurants, pubs, and street fairs. Check out, The John Bryan State Park. Located one mile outside of Yellow Springs for over 750 acres of nature for hiking, climbing, repelling, canoeing and fishing.
Website: Yellow Springs, Ohio
