The Great Outdoors

A unique Great Outdoors destination

The Licking County landscape is one of contrast. From the flat land to the west to the gently rolling hills to the north and east, the terrain was made for every type of adventure. We didn't plan it that way. However, thanks to the enormous glaciers that once reached here and then retreated, Ohio's third-largest county was left as a wonder of prehistoric land management.

Fast-forward a million years or so, and you'll find that our great outdoors includes many things people enjoy experiencing: acres of vast open native meadowlands, an ancient river, rock gorges that appear to touch the sky, and hills filled with native trees too tall to see their tops. It is breathtaking and reminds us to linger a bit.

We live with nature and have found ways to incorporate modern enhancements that make it even more friendly. A forty-mile paved multi-use path winds its way through much of it. These paths, perfect for biking and walking, teach us to marry landscape with hardscape. The tallest hill in the county is home to nationally known championship cycling but also Sunday picnickers. If being behind the wheel is more your thing, we encourage you to fill the tank and travel marked routes that zig-zag through much of the natural wonder. It's a lot to take in.

Pack your boots, tennis shoes, canoe, or picnic basket, and get here. Even though the geography has been resting on the land for millennia, you shouldn't wait—it's too beautiful to be put off.