Being only the 34th-largest state but the seventh most populated, you might see the stats and think that Ohio is a little bit crowded. Of course the truth is that two million of those inhabitants live in the greater metropolitan area of the capital, Columbus. Elsewhere, the landscapes of rolling hills, deep valleys, soaring mountains and densely wooded plains are blissfully devoid of human activity and you can walk, cycle, canoe or camp without seeing another person for hours. For some, this is the perfect reason to visit Ohio’s parks and forests, such as the Hocking Hills, which are only an hour’s drive from Columbus. Elsewhere in Ohio is Wayne National Forest, home to the impressive Tinker's Cave rock shelter. St Mary's State Park and many more sites of exquisite natural beauty can be found across Ohio's 45,000 square miles.
For other visitors, the bright lights of the city’s bars, restaurants, shops and attractions are the main draw. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo each showcase a range of unique charms. Toledo and Cleveland enjoy positions on Lake Erie, which makes it easy to combine city pursuits and beach fun.
If you do stay in Toledo, consider the short one-hour hop across the state border to see Detroit in Michigan, particularly if you are into motors or Motown. Visit the Henry Ford Museum and the Motown History Museum.
As states go, it might be small, but that just means that car hire in Ohio is a great way to see it all.
