outdoors

One of our state’s natural resources is the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in northwest Ohio on the shore of Lake Erie. The refuge was established in 1961 to provide a habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds as well as endangered and threatened species.

Aimed at beginners, Ohio Women’s Outdoor Adventures is a three-day program to introduce women of all ages to outdoor skills such as boating, fishing, hunting and nature programming. It all takes place the weekend of Sept. 13-15 at Mohican State Park. You learn new skills in a relaxed setting.

No matter where you live in Ohio, you’re bound to find a sandy beach. Our state has miles of beaches waiting to be explored, and the warm weather should last through September. Lake Erie has more than 300 miles of shoreline, and there are more miles of public beaches throughout our state parks.

Grab your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and head to Cincinnati on Aug. 3. That’s when more than 2,000 fellow paddlers will congregate for the Ohio River Paddlefest, recognized as the nation’s largest paddling celebration. You can bring your own gear or rent it at the festival.

There’s a unique place you can go this summer to relax in constant 54-degree temperatures. It’s Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, just northwest of Columbus.

Whitewater paddling is a bit much for me; flat-water paddling is my speed. If you’re of the same inclination, add the near-shore waters of Lake Erie to your destinations. Six paddling events will take place on the lake and its tributaries.

For many hunters, spring brings the unmistakable sound of gobbling wild turkeys as Ohio’s annual hunt of this popular game bird begins.

Now that spring is officially here, it’s time for some outdoor activities to work off those winter calories. And if you’re a biker, what better way to see our state than cycling through the Ohio to Erie Trail spanning 330 miles from Cincinnati to Cleveland.

Which state boasts the second-highest number of covered bridges in the country? It’s Ohio with 125 of the eye-catching structures, which span a multitude of rivers and waterways around the state. We found this list of all the bridges and locations for your driving pleasure.

Schools across Ohio recently experienced a snow day, mostly because of cold temperatures. You know what that means: Get outside with a sled, toboggan or skis.