10 Outdoorsy & Romantic Weekend Getaways from Cincinnati, OH

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway from Cincinnati, you’re in the right place! We all could use a peaceful escape from time to time, and there are so many beautiful options within a few hours of Cincinnati.

Each destination on this curated list of weekend getaways offers outdoorsy activities such as hiking, white water rafting and waterfalls. You’ll find treehouses, historic hotels, quaint towns and other types of destinations.

I hope this gives you some ideas of where to take your next couples trip from Cincinnati!

10 Outdoorsy & Romantic Weekend Getaways from Cincinnati, OH

Every destination is under 6 hours from Cincinnati. They are listed from the closest to furthest.

1. Yellow Springs, Ohio

Yellow Springs is known as “Ohio’s hippie town” and is located just north of Cincinnati. There are some fun hiking trails just outside of the town and the town itself is full of colorful murals and cute shops and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Yellow Springs, Ohio:

• Stay inside the former town jail at the Jailhouse Suites.
• Stay at the elegant Mills Park Hotel, which has a nice restaurant and a huge porch.

The Best Things To Do in Yellow Springs, Ohio:

• Hike in Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which is home to the town’s “yellow spring.”
• Hike in nearby Clifton Gorge.
• Visit the Clifton Mill, a historic hill that has a restaurant and gift shop.
• Eat and shop in downtown Yellow Springs.

Read my guide to visiting Yellow Springs, Ohio

2. Nashville, Indiana

Nashville, Indiana is a quaint town known for its artisan and antique shops. Plus, it’s right next to the picturesque Brown County State Park, which is especially lovely in the fall. It’s a lovely area either way, but the close proximity to the Postcard Cabins makes it especially romantic!

Fun Fact: My husband proposed to me at a Postcard Cabin (formerly Getaway Cabins) in Texas!

Where to Stay in Nashville, Indiana:

• The Postcard Cabins are a romantic place to spend time together. Each tiny cabin has a large window into nature, a fire pit and other amenities. Their Indiana location is located about 30 minutes from Nashville and Brown County State Park.

The Best Things To Do in Nashville, Indiana:

• Take a scenic drive in Brown County State Park. This is especially nice in the fall!
• Hike in Brown County State Park. Trail 8 offers scenic views and a bit of a challenge.
• Explore Little Nashville. A few places to visit include Nashville Daily Grind, the Nashville General Store and OoeyGooey Cinnamon Rolls and Café.

3. Hocking Hills, Ohio

Hocking Hills is a scenic state park located in Southeast Ohio. The park has several picturesque hiking trails that lead to caves, waterfalls, natural bridges and more. It’s also one of the best places to rent a cabin in Ohio.

There are several unique stays in Hocking Hills, from A-frames to domes to a home built into a cave. Plus, you can find amenities such as saunas, your own private waterfall and more. Hocking Hills is a fantastic destination for any couple that loves the outdoors!

Where to Stay in Hocking Hills:

• The Inn at Cedar Falls, which has a mix of lodging including yurts, geodomes and cabins.
• The Chalets at Hocking Hills, which own a variety of cabins in the area.
• Cantwell Lodge, which has its own waterfall.
• Dunlap Hollow, which is inside a cave.
• Canopy Ridge Cabins, which offers a treehouse.

The Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills:

• Go hiking! A few of my favorite trails include Rock House, Old Man’s Cave and Conkle’s Hollow.
• Reserve some time in a Sauna Pod.
• Go ziplining at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours.
• Try out rock climbing or rappelling with High Rock Adventures.

Read my guide to visiting Hocking Hills, Ohio

4. Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Red River Gorge is my favorite place to hike near Cincinnati! This scenic region is perfect for camping, backpacking, hiking and rock climbing. There are hiking trails for all levels and a huge concentration of natural bridges and arches.

This is a great place to stay in a cozy cabin or camp under the stars with your loved one.

Where to Stay in Red River Gorge:

• There are many cabin rentals available in Red River Gorge. One unique stay is the Cliff Dweller, a treehouse that sits on a cliff.
• Discover the Hideaways has some stunnings cabins, including A-Frames and cabins with huge windows.

The Best Things To Do in Red River Gorge:

• Kayak underground at the Gorge Underground.
• Go hiking! A couple of my favorite trails are the Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier Ridge Loop, and the Chimney Top trail.
• Soar through the trees at Red River Gorge Zipline.

Read my guide to Red River Gorge, Kentucky

5. French Lick, Indiana

Step back in time at the French Lick Resort. When the original West Baden Hotel was built in 1901, it had the largest free-standing dome in the country. After falling into disrepair, the stunning atrium and hotel were rebuilt and the hotel reopened in 2007.

The resort has many amenities, including a golf course, a casino and several restaurants. There are also some lovely hiking opportunities nearby.

Where to Stay in French Lick Indiana:

• The French Lick Resort offers 3 different hotels - the West Baden Springs Hotel, the French Lick Springs Hotel and the Valley Tower Hotel. I recommend the West Baden Springs Hotel if you’d like to experience the ambiance of the giant atrium. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the lobby.

The Best Things To Do near French Lick, Indiana:

• Ride the French Lick Scenic Railway. They have different events throughout the year, such as Wine and Bourbon Tasting Trains.
• Take a historic tour of the West Baden Springs Hotel.
• Hike nearby at Hemlock Cliffs, the Patoka Lake Nature Center or Yellow Birch Ravine.
• Visit Patoka Lake Winery and Patoka Lake Brewing.

6. The Mohicans Treehouse Resort, Ohio

If you’ve ever dreamt of staying in a treehouse, The Mohicans is a great place to do it! The property has a mix of treehouses and cabins, and they have a commitment to sustainability with elements such as radiant heat and environmentally friendly soaps and toiletries.

Things To Do Near The Mohicans Treehouse Resort:

• Hike at Mohican State Park. One picturesque trail is the Gorge Overlook Loop.
• Visit Mount Jeez, which offers one of the best summit views in Ohio.
• Have a drink at Sunny Slope Winery.
• Go horseback riding at Equestrian Valley Farm.

7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Ohio’s national park is a beautiful place for hiking, biking or taking a scenic train ride. The park is home to waterfalls, rocky ledges, marshlands and more. The variety of sceneries, along with historic sights, make this a peaceful place to enjoy for a weekend.

Where to Stay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

• The Inn at Brandywine Falls is a historic property that was first built in 1848. It’s a bed and breakfast and they even offer a High Tea around the holidays.

The Best Things To Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

• Go hiking! A few beautiful trails in the park include the Ledges Trail, Brandywine Falls, Blue Hen Falls and Beaver Marsh.
• Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It’s especially beautiful in the fall!
• Bike the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath. You can rent bikes from Century Cycles.

Read my guide to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

8. New River Gorge, West Virginia

America’s newest national park is a great place for adventure and striking views. The park is famous for the epic New River Gorge Bridge and the river that flows underneath. However, there are also beautiful rock formations, historic sights and thrilling adventures.

Where to Stay near New River Gorge:

• I absolutely loved my stay at Five Spring’s Farm, a guesthouse on a working farm. You can wake up to cows out your back window and take a tour to see the animals.

The Best Things To Do in New River Gorge:

• Enjoy the various overlooks around the park, such as the Canyon Rim and Concho Rim Overlooks.
• Explore the Thurmond Ghost Town.
• Go white water rafting on the New River or the Gauley River.
• Explore the town of Fayetteville.
• Go hiking! A few of my favorite trails are the Long Point Trail, Kaymoor Miners Trail and the Castle Rock Trail.
• Walk on the catwalk below the New River Gorge Bridge on the Bridgewalk.

Read my guide to New River Gorge National Park

9. Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

Ohiopyle is a small Pennsylvania town with lots of adventure nearby. Adventurous couples will love hiking in Ohiopyle State Park, white water rafting on the Lower Yough River or biking the Great Allegheny Passage. And if you’re at all interested in architecture, you should visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob.

The area has a variety of cabins, plus some unique stays. You can stay at the Ohiopyle Hobbit House or the Ohiopyle Treehouse.

Where to Stay in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania:

• Stay at the Ohiopyle Hobbit House if you love Lord of the Rings, or the Ohiopyle Treehouse for something unique. The properties have the same owners and are full of beautiful details, and even have private hiking trails.
• Vacation Ohiopyle offers several serene cabin stays around the area, and many of them have hot tubs!

The Best Things To Do in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania:

• Hike the Ferncliff Trail and to Cucumber Falls.
• Slide down the Natural Water Slide in Ohiopyle State Park.
• Take tours of Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob, famous homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
• Explore the shops and restaurants in downtown Ohiopyle.

Read my guide to visiting Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

10. The Bolt Farm Treehouse, Tennessee

The Bolt Farm Treehouse is a Tennessee property that offers a luxurious experience. Not only do they have unique lodging (treehouses, domes and mirror cabins), but they also have a spa, a private hiking trail and other amenities. One of their treehouses even overlooks a waterfall! This is a perfect getaway for couples looking for something unique and special.

The Best Things To Do near Bolt Farm Treehouse:

• Enjoy the spa, where they offer couples massages, facials and more.
• Partake in one of their yoga classes or workshops.
• Hike nearby at Fosters Falls, Snoopers Rock or South Cumberland State Park.
• Spend some time in Chattanooga and visit Ruby Falls and Rock City Gardens.

Final Thoughts

I hope this gives you some great ideas for romantic trips from Cincinnati! From luxurious tree houses to historic hotels, there is plenty of variety without needing to hop on a plane.

For more travel guides near Cincinnati, check these out:

• 21 Day Trips from Cincinnati
• The Best Things To Do in Warren County, OH
• The Best Hikes near Cincinnati
• A Guide to Exploring Hocking Hills
• Top 10 things To Do in Cincinnati
• 100+ Date Ideas in Cincinnati, Ohio
• The Best Things To Do in Cuyahoga Valley
• The Best Hikes in Yellow Springs, Ohio
• The Best Things To Do in Red River Gorge, KY
• The Best Hikes in Indiana
• The Best Things To Do in Ohiopyle, PA

Thanks for Reading!