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June
13
13
The Top 10 Most Thrilling Roller Coasters in Ohio
Conquering roller coasters is one of our favorite summertime activities in Ohio — especially since our state is home to several incredibly well-known amusement parks! Up north in Sandusky, we have Cedar Point (famously known as the Roller Coaster Capital of the World), and then in Cincinnati, we have Kings Island (the largest amusement and waterpark in the Midwest). We also love Stricker's Grove, the slightly less well-known, historic, family-owned park in central Ohio that opens to the public only a few times a year!
Of course, the parks can get crowded during the summer months, which means that it's important to have a plan for your visit. We rounded up the top 10 roller coasters in the state so that you know which ones are worth waiting in line for. All of them boast different attributes, ranging from breath-stealing drops to dizzying corkscrews, and they are all worth trying out at least once. Have fun this summer!
The Banshee | Kings Island
At $24 million, the Banshee is Kings Island's largest investment to date. And if you're confused at all by the name, you won't be after riding it. Banshees are mythical creatures known for their screams, and whoops of joy (or more likely, of terror) can be heard on this roller coaster even before the first drop. If you're brave enough, hop on the coaster and scream your way through 4,124 feet of steel track and seven stomach-churning inversions at up to 68 miles per hour — but don't say we didn't warn you.The Beast | Kings Island
Photo courtesy of Kings Island
The Beast is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world at a staggering 7,359 feet! The ride traverses more than 35 acres of spectacular forested terrain at speeds of more than 64 miles per hour. This famed coaster lasts for more than four minutes and features not just one, but two chain lift hills. Try the ride at night for a truly unique experience — the tunnels just seem more dramatic after dark.The Maverick | Cedar Point
The Maverick is one of Cedar Point's newest roller coasters and also one of its claims to fame! With a $21 million price tag, this ride is 4,450 feet in length, has a heartline roll element, and a first drop of 95 degrees — which is about as steep as it gets in the coaster world. The ride's tagline is "The Old West was never this wild" and though we never lived that era, we certainly hope it wasn't!Millenium Force | Cedar Point
At 93 miles per hour, the Millenium Force takes you on one of the fastest, most thrilling journeys in the entire country. Upon its completion in 2000, the ride immediately shattered six world records and was dubbed the world's first "giga coaster," a term coined to represent coasters exceeding 300 feet and completing a full circuit. The ride has been voted as the #1 steel coaster 10 different times in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Awards. Check it out for yourself and see what all the hype is about!Mystic Timbers | Kings Island
Photo courtesy of Kings Island
Mystic Timbers was voted the "Best New Ride in the World" by Amusement Today for 2017. With 16 airtime moments, cool wooden tunnels, fantastic terrain, 3,265 feet of track and speeds over 50 miles per hour, we can see why! Mystic Timbers is definitely one of the best wooden coasters out there.The Steel Vengeance | Cedar Point
The Steel Vengeance is the newest addition to Ohio's impressive roller coaster collection. You might have heard some of the buzz surrounding it, because since it opened to the public this year, it has already crushed several world records and claimed the title of the world's tallest roller coaster. Wowza! The ride drops four times at more than 200 feet per drop and reaches a maximum speed of 74 miles per hour. Just looking at the ride is daunting, but experiencing it is a whole new level of thrill.The Valravn | Cedar Point
The Valravn is the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster in the world — elevating its riders 223 feet into the air and then dangling them at the precipice of a 90-degree drop for more than four seconds. If that isn't thrilling enough for you, maybe the multiple inversions or 270-degree corkscrew will do the trick!The Vortex | Kings Island
The Vortex has maintained its title as one of Ohio's coolest coasters since it was built for $4 million in 1987. Back then, the coaster debuted as the tallest, full-circuit coaster with the highest drop in the United States — and with nearly 40 million rides given, it is one of the most popular rides at Kings Island! The blue and orange steel thriller inverts six different times (including two corkscrews and two vertical loops) for an experience that turns the amusement experience on its head, literally. Classic coaster lovers and thrill-seekers alike will adore the Vortex!The Top Thrill Dragster | Cedar Point
Upon beginning their adventure on the Top Thrill Dragster, riders are advised to "keep arms down, head back and hold on!" The warning should be heeded — the steel accelerator coaster reaches speeds of up to 120 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds. Shortly after reaching maximum velocity, the coaster begins a 90-degree ascent to the clouds to a 130-meter-high "top hat," and then twists back around to where it all began. Hold on to your lunch!The Tornado | Stricker's Grove
Stricker's Grove is a family-owned amusement park that is generally closed to the public, opening its gates just a few days out of the year (including on the 4th of July and Labor Day). Take one of these rare and coveted chances to experience the thrills at Stricker's Grove — and make sure to check out the Tornado while you're there. The Tornado is the larger of the two wooden roller coasters in the park and features great views of the surrounding countryside from the top — if you're brave enough to open your eyes, of course. It's not the tallest, the newest or the steepest coaster in Ohio, but its charm and exclusivity lands it a spot on the top 10 list. Do you have a special occasion coming up? You can also rent Stricker's Grove for weddings and family gatherings. Check out the website for more information.How many of these iconic coasters can you check off of your list?
June
1
1
12 Cincinnati Fourth of July Events + Fireworks Shows Worth Attending This Year
Looking for 2019 Fourth of July events? Check out our most recent guide: 13 Don't-Miss Fourth of July Events in Cincinnati This Year
Independence Day is rapidly approaching, which means the citizens of Cincinnati are gearing up for another year of fireworks, friends, family and freedom! There is so much going on in the Queen City this year to celebrate the occasion. So much, in fact, that it might be difficult to decide which events to attend!
We rounded up some of the most notable Fourth of July events in Cincinnati this year to help you plan your weekend, inclu...
June
1
1
Gorgeous Homes for Sale Near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
When it comes to outdoor adventuring in the state of Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is always at the top of everyone's list. This stunning natural oasis is filled with magnificent waterfalls, lush foliage, striking views and more than 125 miles of hiking trails to enjoy it all. It's a fantastic place for a day trip (or for a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad). In fact, it recently made Thrillist's list of the best national parks in America
May
24
24
Things To Do Over The Fourth of July in the Akron and Canton Area
242 years ago, our founding fathers signed our great nation into existence — giving us one heck of a reason to celebrate! Fourth of July presents the chance to gather with friends and family, enjoy fireworks and barbecues, and venture out to some of the area's celebratory events.
There are so many fun things happening in the Akron and Canton area this year in celebration of our independence, but we rounded up some of our favorites to help you plan. So gather your loved ones, don your patriotic apparel and get ready to make this a holiday to remember!
Military Appreciation Night for the Akron RubberDucks | Akron
When: June 29, 7:05 pm Where:
May
24
24
The 11 Best Hiking Trails Near Columbus
Columbus might not be one of the world's most well-known hiking destinations, but it is a natural wonder in its own right! The city was built around two rivers — the Scioto and the Olentangy — on a lush landscape with breathtaking ravines, rolling hills and colorful foliage. There are plenty of trails and Metro Parks within easy driving distance, allowing for a quick and easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. To help you choose, we rounded up 11 of the area's most popular options.
The best way to appreciate our area's natural beauty, of course, is to immerse yourself in it. So once you're done reading about the best hiking spots in Columbus, tie up those shoes and go try them out. Adventure awaits!
Hocking Hills
Photo courtesy of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association
Hocking Hills State Park is one of central Ohio's most popular wilderness escapes, complete with striking waterfalls, awe-inspiring caves, lush greenery, wildlife and ample trails to explore it all. The park is situated just one hour away and is perfect for a day trip or for camping overnight. Before or after your hike, try one of the other activities offered in the park, including kayaking and zip-lining! The hike we like: Ash Cave is the must-try hike in Hocking Hills. Trek approximately a half-mile across rugged terrain on the high trail to the cave, which is the largest recess cave east of the Mississippi. We also love the trails in the Cedar Falls area, which allow easy access to both the falls and Old Man's Cave.Gahanna Woods
Wildflower aficionados will love exploring Gahanna Woods, which is filled with them during the spring and summer months. The urban getaway is part city park and part state nature preserve, and includes several hiking and walking trails for your enjoyment. It's a popular destination for wildlife photographers and families looking for an easier hike! The hike we like: There are several short loops that are pretty easy to link together here. Since this park's main attribute is its natural scenery and wildlife, we recommend hitting the trails without a plan! You can opt for a quick half-mile walk or a multi-mile trek.Highbanks Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Kim Strosnider via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Nestled between Franklin and Delaware counties, Highbanks Metro Park offers more than 1,000 acres of space and approximately 10 trails. There's a reason it's the most highly visited park in town! Your journey will lead you past shale bluffs, breathtaking vistas of the Olentangy River, and an 100-foot-tall sandstone bluff. The hike we like: Opt to link up the Coyote Run and Overlook trails for more than 5 miles of hiking!Scioto Trail State Park
This 218-acre park is situated within the Scioto Trail State Forest — a lush oasis within the Columbus Metro Area. The trails here boast breathtaking views of the Scioto River Valley, plenty of spots for picnicking, and just enough isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hike we like: The DeBroad Vista Trail to the Fire Tower Trail is reserved for hikers only, which means you won't have to look out for mountain bikers along the way! It's a 2.5-mile trek one way and is rated as moderate.The Denison Biological Reserve
Make a quick trip to Granville (just 30 or so minutes outside of town) to explore the Denison Biological Reserve. The area spans 350 acres across forest, orchards, old plantations, ponds and former agricultural fields, and is commonly used by students for field research! It's a great place to go for a leisurely walk or run in nature, and you will probably encounter one or two deer on your trek. The hike we like: Grab a map towards the beginning of your journey! All of the trails here are scenic (and fairly easy), but the Woodcock Trail is one of the most popular.Alum Creek State Park
Situated just north of Columbus, Alum Creek State Park is a haven for water sport aficionados. The beach is one of the most well-known in the state, but there is plenty more to do in the park other than enjoying the lake! You'll find three different hiking trails as well as a 7-mile multipurpose trail, all skirting the water. There is also a popular disc golf course on site with rental equipment available! The hike we like: The Rocks to Roots trail is the lengthiest hiking trail in the park, covering just over 4.1 miles. The trail is scenic and rated as moderate!Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Mac Albin via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
Located on the far west side of Columbus, this natural oasis offers more than 20 hiking trails meandering through 7,000 acres of prairies, forests and wetlands. It's an ideal place to seek out birds and wildlife — in fact, bison have been reintroduced to the park and roam freely within their spacious enclosed pastures. The hike we like: The Dyer Mill trail is a moderate to difficult hike that winds for 3.2 miles through tall grass meadows and secluded woodlands. You'll pass by the scenic Little Darby Creek, as well! We are also fond of the Fort Ancient Mound Loop.Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Photo courtesy of the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Located just over 30 miles from Columbus in Lancaster, this spectacular nature preserve features two loop trails that can be linked for a scenic hike that totals nearly 5 miles. The hike starts with an old covered bridge and winds through colorful flora and wildlife to eventually end up on a clifftop. The short climb will reward you with picturesque views of the valley below! The hike we like: Link the loops together for the full Christmas Rocks experience. You can find a map to the loop trails here!Mohican State Park
An hour drive will reward you with a scenic getaway spanning thousands of acres. Mohican State Park is a 1,110-acre preserve situated right next to a 4,525-acre state forest. Both are full of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders alike. The hike we like: There are seven hiking trails that traverse the park. The 2-mile Lyons Fall Trail is our favorite, as it follows the Clear Fork Gorge and features two scenic waterfalls. The trail is ranked as moderate to difficult.Slate Run Metropark
Photo courtesy of Jeff Sagar via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
This spot might be most well-known for the Slate Run Living Historical Farm, but the scenery here is equally as breathtaking! Come explore the abundance of tree species, the picturesque fields, the shaded forests and the wetlands! Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and sandhill cranes have been known to nest in the wetland areas. The park is located in Canal Winchester, just a short trek southwest of Columbus. The hike we like: To get a little sampling of everything the park has to offer, we recommend linking the Bobolink, Kokomo and Sugar Maple trails — which totals nearly 5 miles.Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Photo courtesy of Connie Mastenbrook via Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
This popular 643-acre park is located just east of town and features an abundance of forested trails and picnic trails for a convenient escape. You will likely encounter several species of wildlife, including a few varieties of colorful birds! The hike we like: The trails here are short and fairly easy — so they are perfect for families. The Beech, Maple and Buttonbush trails are all just under a mile, so try them each in turn and stop when you're tired!Happy hiking!
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