BringFido’s Best of Ohio

Posted by Lauren Barker

Looking for the dog-friendliest things to do in Ohio? Well, you've come to the right place. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the most dog-friendly places to visit in the Buckeye State, as well as the rest of the country. In the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, you'll find our collection of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. You can order a copy today for just $10.00 (a savings of 63% off the retail price) when you use the discount code BEST.

Read on to learn about some of the Ohio attractions that rose to the top of our list this year.

Best Dog-Friendly Brewery

Photo by @philthethrillcle

The most dog-friendly brewery in Ohio, Terrestrial Brewing in Cleveland, is usually teeming with Terriers on the gated patio and inside the brewery itself. Bring your best friend along to the brewery’s bi-weekly dog-friendly brunch, which offers treats for humans and canines alike, and donates a portion of proceeds to local animal organizations. Terrestrial Brewing’s obsession with dogs includes hosting an annual Puppy Bowl and events throughout the year dedicated to socializing pups and raising money for great causes. Walk from the brewery to the dog beach at Edgewater Park.

Retire for the night at Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown, just a short drive away.

Most Dog-Friendly State Park

Photo by @sark9ember

Experience four seasons of fun at Hueston Woods State Park, the most dog-friendly state park in Ohio. In the springtime, take a hike on one of the eight dog-friendly trails running through the nearly 3,500-acre park, and go fossil hunting or geocaching along the way. When the weather heats up in summer, Acton Lake offers boating, canoeing, and fishing for catfish and bass. Fido can splash around at the dog beach or let loose inside the park’s three-acre, fenced-in dog park. The fall is a great time to witness the leaves change, and in the winter, visitors can sled, cross-country ski, and ice fish with their pups.

With so much to see and do, you’ll want to spend a night (or more!) in the state park. The Hueston Woods Lodge & Conference Center provides efficiency cabins by the lake.

Most Dog-Friendly Attraction

Photo by @sarahappleby.photography

Situated along the Scioto River in the shadow of the Columbus skyline, Ohio’s most dog-friendly attraction, The Scioto Mile connects 145 acres of stunning parks, water features, and scenic lookouts that you and your four-legged friend are welcome to explore. The Scioto Audubon Metro Park is the most ‘pupular’ of the attractions, with an on-site dog park equipped with agility stations and a digging area. Continuing north, you’ll pass by the interactive Scioto Mile Fountain en route to Battelle Riverfront Park, a beautiful campus filled with monuments memorializing firefighters, war veterans, and historic moments. When your pup is ready for a break, stop for lunch at the nearby BrewDog Franklinton and sample a pint from one of the bar’s 48 taps, while Fido hydrates with a bowl of water.

You and your good boy won’t mind spending a night in the doghouse at BrewDog’s DogHouse Hotel & Brewery in Canal Winchester. Wake up in the morning to the aroma of barley and hops, grab a beer-paired breakfast, and then let Fido play in the on-site dog park.

Most Dog-Friendly Campground

Photo by @andrew_o99

Teach your old dog some new tricks at Willow Lake Campground in Geneva, OH. The most dog-friendly campground in Ohio features a large, fully fenced dog park with a playground of agility equipment for Fido to test his skills or just run free, and plenty of picnic tables and benches under shade trees for humans to supervise. Your pup can also join you for a hike on the nature trails, a fishing trip to the stocked fishing lake, or at the dog beach of nearby Geneva State Park. Wind down the day back at your RV site, roasting marshmallows over the campfire while stargazing with your pooch. Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee.

Best Dog Park

Photo by @matthewstandridge

Four-legged aquanauts flock from miles around to hang out with other water-obsessed pups at Bow Wow Beach in Stow. This 3-acre park has an inviting lake at its center that’s usually full of dogs splashing and dashing, making it the best dog park in Ohio. The water is surrounded by stretches of sand that make a great canvas for diggers. Fortunately, there are dog wash stations for cleaning up when the fun gets a little messy.

Book this lakeside cottage for soothing water views and plenty of green space to explore nearby.

Top Trail to Hike With Your Dog

Photo by @mikesansano

Hocking Hills State Park in Logan attracts visitors from all over The Buckeye State in search of Ohio’s top trail to hike with your dog. The trail highlights the region’s waterfalls, creeks, and curious caves. Upper Falls to Lower Falls via Buckeye Trail stops by some of the park’s most revered natural formations. You’ll see Old Man’s Cave, named after a hermit who once lived there, and two beautiful waterfalls. Part of the hike features a section of The Buckeye Trail, which is over 1,400 miles and connects all four corners of Ohio. Upper Falls to Lower Falls via Buckeye Trail is just over a mile loop and is rated moderate due to carved stone stairs offering a challenge.

Reserve The Overlook for a fun-filled stay nearby. This cool cabin is on a lake and has a hot tub for soaking sore muscles after a day of hiking.

Best Pet-Friendly B&B

Photo by Facebook.com/Heartland-Country-Resort-Petting-Zoo

The most dog-friendly B&B in Ohio, Heartland Country Resort & Lodge in Fredericktown is a country escape that welcomes moseying mutts. Bring your dog along and soak up the beauty of the Ohio countryside together on a ten-acre farm with winding trails, a petting zoo, rolling hills, streams, and woodlands to explore. For the safety of farm animals who live on the resort, always keep Fido leashed when he’s roaming. He can still get his zoomies out when he plays off leash in the on-site fenced dog run.

Heartland Country Resort & Lodge allows two pets of any size for an additional fee of $25 per pet, per night.

Can’t Miss Dog Event

Photo by Facebook.com/wagfestival

Fido is sure to have a doggone good time at Ohio’s can’t miss dog event, WAG! A Dog Friendly Festival, an event aimed at providing fun and entertainment to all pups and the people who love them. Head to the Darby Bend Lakes area of Prairie Oaks Metro Park in Hilliard for pet-centric games, contests, and exhibits. There are trails to wander and lakes to splash in, and the route to activities leads past booths for shopping from some of the area's best dog-related product and service providers.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Columbus West is one of the area’s most popular pet-friendly hotels on BringFido thanks to a low pet fee and convenient grassy areas.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Life’s “ruff.” Photo by Linda Segerfeldt

If our Best of Ohio preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!

What are your favorite dog-friendly places to visit in Ohio? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @matthewstandridge.