8 Underrated Scenic Overlooks Across Ohio

Ohio’s landscape offers more than just flat farmlands. Hidden throughout the Buckeye State are breathtaking overlooks where you can gaze across rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers.

While Hocking Hills gets most of the attention, these eight lesser-known scenic spots deserve recognition for their spectacular views. Pack your camera and walking shoes to discover these hidden gems across Ohio’s diverse terrain.

1. Christmas Rocks Overlook in Lancaster: A Hidden Gem in a Nature Preserve

Named for the holiday-shaped outcrop visible from below, Christmas Rocks Overlook rewards hikers with breathtaking views after a moderate 1.2-mile climb. This secluded nature preserve protects rare plant communities while offering one of central Ohio’s most impressive vistas.

The trail ascends through a forest of towering tulip trees and oak before emerging onto a sandstone cliff overlooking a pristine valley. Black hand sandstone formations create dramatic shapes along the ridge, including the namesake Christmas Rock formation.

Botanists treasure this area for its rare vegetation, including the endangered Bradley’s spleenwort fern that grows nowhere else in Ohio. Visitors in April might spot vibrant patches of wild blue phlox and trillium carpeting the forest floor below the overlook. The preserve’s limited parking ensures you’ll rarely encounter crowds even on perfect weather days.

2. Buzzard Roost Overlook in Shawnee State Forest: Vast Views of the Little Smokies

Perched high above Ohio’s southernmost wilderness, Buzzard Roost rewards hikers with a sweeping panorama that earned this region the nickname “Little Smokies.” The challenging 4.2-mile trail climbs through dense hardwood forests before opening to a rocky outcrop overlooking endless waves of forested hills stretching toward the horizon.

Morning fog often blankets the valleys below, creating a mystical atmosphere as the sun breaks through. Fall visitors witness an explosion of crimson, gold, and orange foliage that seems to go on forever.

The overlook sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, providing one of Ohio’s most remote wilderness views. Bring binoculars to spot hawks riding thermals and pack plenty of water for the moderately strenuous hike.

3. Valley Overlook in Mohican State Park: Forested Hills and River Bends

Standing atop the Valley Overlook feels like stepping into a living postcard of Ohio’s natural beauty. From this wooden observation platform, visitors can trace the lazy curves of the Clear Fork River as it winds through a lush valley flanked by towering hemlock and pine forests.

The overlook sits along the Mohican State Park’s Gorge Overlook Trail, an easy half-mile walk from the main parking area. Summer brings vibrant greens while autumn transforms the valley into a tapestry of warm colors.

Photographers flock here during golden hour when sunlight bathes the valley in warm hues. The platform includes informational signs identifying key landmarks and native tree species visible from this vantage point, making it both beautiful and educational for families.

4. Big Lyons Falls Overlook in Mohican: Waterfall Vista from Above

Few Ohio visitors realize they can view a 80-foot waterfall from above rather than below. The Big Lyons Falls Overlook provides this rare perspective as water plummets into a sandstone grotto surrounded by moss-covered cliffs and ancient hemlocks.

Located along the 2-mile Pleasant Hill Trail, this overlook requires moderate hiking effort but delivers outsized rewards. The path follows an old logging road before descending a series of wooden stairs to reach the viewing area.

Spring snowmelt and heavy rains transform the normally gentle cascade into a thundering torrent. The overlook includes natural stone seating where hikers can rest while listening to the waterfall’s soothing sounds echoing through the gorge. For the most dramatic photos, visit after rainfall when the falls run fullest.

5. Rim Trail Overlook at Conkle’s Hollow: Panoramic Gorge Scenery

A hidden gem even within popular Hocking Hills, the Rim Trail Overlook at Conkle’s Hollow offers vertigo-inducing views from atop 200-foot sandstone cliffs. Unlike the more crowded spots in the region, this overlook attracts fewer visitors despite providing some of the most dramatic vistas in Ohio.

The trail leading to this viewpoint hugs the edge of the narrow gorge, creating thrilling (though safely railed) perspectives down into the chasm below. Ancient black birch trees, some over 400 years old, cling to the cliff faces.

Wildlife enthusiasts should bring binoculars to spot nesting peregrine falcons that make these cliffs their home. The overlook becomes particularly stunning in late October when fall colors reach their peak and the gorge floor transforms into a river of crimson and gold.

6. Mount Jeez Overlook near Malabar Farm: Farmland and Hillside Views

Rising 1,310 feet above sea level, Mount Jeez offers a surprising vista in Ohio’s heartland that inspired Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield. This grassy hilltop provides a 270-degree panorama of the surrounding countryside, including Malabar Farm State Park with its historic buildings and patchwork fields.

A narrow gravel road winds to the summit where visitors can park and stroll along the ridgeline. On clear days, you can see nearly 30 miles across Pleasant Valley and the rolling Allegheny Plateau.

Bromfield often brought famous guests including Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall to this spot to showcase Ohio’s beauty. The overlook becomes especially magical at sunset when golden light bathes the farmland below and during harvest season when combines create patterns in the fields.

7. Lookout Trail Overlook in John Bryan State Park: Limestone Cliffs Above the River

Nestled in western Ohio’s John Bryan State Park, the Lookout Trail Overlook provides stunning views of the Little Miami River carving through ancient limestone cliffs. Unlike eastern Ohio’s sandstone formations, these 40-foot limestone bluffs showcase a different geological chapter in the state’s natural history.

The overlook sits along a relatively flat, accessible trail making it perfect for families and casual hikers. Massive sycamore trees line the riverbanks below, their white branches stark against the blue water.

Kayakers often paddle beneath the overlook, adding movement to the peaceful scene. Spring brings wildflower displays including rare snow trillium that bloom while snow still covers parts of the ground. The park’s location near Yellow Springs makes this overlook a perfect stop when exploring the charming artistic town and its surrounding natural areas.

8. Cantwell Cliffs Overlook in Hocking Hills: Rugged and Remote Beauty

Far from the crowded trails of Old Man’s Cave lies Cantwell Cliffs, home to what locals consider the most dramatic overlook in all of Hocking Hills. Perched atop a horseshoe-shaped rim, visitors gaze down 150 feet into a sandstone gorge where massive rock shelters and ancient hemlocks create a primeval landscape.

Reaching this viewpoint requires navigating the infamous “Fat Woman’s Squeeze,” a narrow passage between towering rock walls. The effort pays off with unobstructed views across the deepest valley in the Hocking Hills region.

Morning visitors often witness a sea of fog filling the gorge below, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The overlook’s remote location in the northernmost part of Hocking Hills State Park means fewer tourists, especially on weekdays when you might have this spectacular vista entirely to yourself.