5 Great Hiking Trails in Driving Distance of Heath, OH

At Coughlin Toyota, we believe in making a difference both on and off the road. This year, we proudly joined the fight against cancer by participating in Pelotonia 2024, a community-driven fundraising event dedicated to supporting innovative cancer research. With over 6,500 riders participating annually, Pelotonia brings together individuals and organizations united by a common goal: to end cancer. Team Coughlin's Impressive Contribution Our Team Coughlin showed up in full force, with 23 dedicated riders covering an impressive 1,403 miles in support of this important cause. Together, we raised an outstanding $64,052 to accelerate groundbreaking research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James (OSUCC – James). We are incredibly proud to share that two of our riders achieved High Roller status, reflecting their extraordinary fundraising efforts. more Long-Term Impact Since our involvement, Team Coughlin has collectively raised an all-time total of $365,037 for cancer research. This year's contribution was part of the larger community effort that raised $26,200,095 in 2024 alone—an incredible testament to the power of unity and purpose. Committed to Positive Change The impact of Pelotonia goes beyond just financial contributions. It fosters hope, resilience, and solidarity within our community. At Coughlin Toyota, we are honored to play a part in this inspiring event and remain committed to supporting causes that bring positive change to the lives of those around us. Join the Fight Against Cancer We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every team member, rider, and supporter who helped make this year's Pelotonia a success. Your passion and commitment drive us to keep pushing forward, both in our business and our community efforts.To learn more about Pelotonia and how you can get involved, visit Pelotonia.org.

Heath, OH, maintains ten parks, offering a wide range of exciting outdoor experiences. Grab your keys, get in a Toyota RAV4, Camry, or Highlander, and enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, taking a dip at the water park, and learning more about the town's history in the fantastic open spaces around town. 1. John C. Geller Park The John C. Geller Park at 480 Cynthia Street in Heath covers 51.77 acres of rolling green lawns, woodlands, and sports fields. A two-mile walking path winds through scenic areas in the park and past the two softball fields, two sand volleyball courts, and various play structures. The park has a shelter for shade in summer, and in winter, the hill is a popular sledding destination. It's also a community gathering place where many events are hosted throughout the year, including the annual Star Spangled Banner Celebration at the beginning of July. more 2. Hoback Park The 20.52-acre Hoback Park, east of South 30th Street on Dorsey Mill Road, is a beautiful green space along the South Fork Licking River. A scenic trail runs along the river, with plenty of lovely spots along the banks. The park boasts a basketball court and five Little League fields where the Heath Sertoma Club hosts the Little League program, which includes the farm and varsity baseball, girls' farm, varsity softball, and T-ball each summer. 3. Canal Lock Park Canal Lock Park on State Route 79 in Heath is a wonderful historic destination to explore. The park is home to two historical landmarks: the original canal lock from where the Ohio and Erie Canal was dug by primarily German and Irish immigrants, and the charming 1861 Gothic Revival Davis-Shai House, built by Jackson Davis along the Canal. It's also where Heath's first Oktoberfest was held in 2015 as a fundraiser for the Heath Community Arts Council. 4. The Heath City Water Park In summer, the Heath City Water Park is the splashiest spot in town, with everyone, young and young at heart, flocking to the park to cool off. The water park features an Olympic pool, diving and learning tanks, and diving boards. Plus, there is an exhilarating 30-foot speed slide, a 30 feet high, 229 feet long water slide, two tall drop slides, and a relaxing lazy river. One of the highlights is the enormous water playground featuring tumble buckets, water cannons, and a spray ground complete with geysers and sprayers. There are "funbrellas" and a shelter for shade, basketball courts, and a playground. 5. Taft Reserve Taft Reserve is a breathtaking natural area at 10250 Flint Ridge Road in Heath that spreads 425 acres over meadows and woodlands. You can wander down more than eight miles of marked trails through the beautiful surroundings on foot or in the saddle and spot birds and wildlife along the way. The park has horse-trailer parking, and you are welcome to enjoy the trails with your leashed four-legged friend. Heath offers many recreational activities for sports and nature enthusiasts alike. While exploring Heath's green spaces, stop at Coughlin Toyota to find the ideal vehicle for outdoor adventures.

Whether you're passing through or looking for a new experience in town, we've got you covered. Check out these local attractions you can drive to from Heath, Oh. 1. Newark Earthworks & Great Circle Museum Behold the beauty of the geometric earthworks preserved at 455 Hebron Rd, where you will learn about 3 ancient patterns and how they are connected to Native American history. The National Historic Landmark is regarded as a sacred site due to its importance to the Native American culture, which you will learn about as you walk along the paved path and through the museum. The architectural wonder acted in many facets between A.D. 1 and A.D. 400, including a cathedral, an astronomical observatory, and a cemetery. It is comprised of 3 major landmarks: the Great Circle Earthworks, the Octagon Earthworks, and the Wright Earthworks. After viewing the ancient enclosures, step into the museum to learn more. more 2. National Heisey Glass Museum The impressive glass collection housed at 169 W Church Street celebrates the works of A.H. Heisey & Company. Whether you're a member of the dedicated Heisey Collectors of America or simply appreciate breathtaking glass art and glassware, this museum won't disappoint. Inside you will find Heisey vases, glasses, plates, glass molds, cordials, animals, and much more. 3. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Park Grab the family and park your 2023 Toyota Tundra Platinum at 2200 Gratiot Rd SE. The 775-acre nature preserve is an incredible sight to behold, featuring a narrow gorge cut by the Licking River, leaving behind the breathtaking Blackhand sandstone formation. The natural sandstone formation was named after a dark hand-shaped petroglyph engraved on the face of the sandstone cliff. Bring your mountain bikes and plenty of water to explore the 4-mile bike trail that traverses the preserve. Hiking through the preserve will take you on a scenic route with beautiful trees like oak-hickory, Virginia pines, Eastern Hemlock, and cherry birch. 4. The Dawes Arboretum Five miles up the road in Newark, the arboretum at 7770 Jacksontown Rd boasts nearly 2,000 acres with more than 15,400 different types of plants and flora. The smattering of trees includes some native to central Ohio and some sourced from around the world, including sugar maples and other hardy trees. Download a map or choose from three audio tours through various sections of the arboretum. Relax in the tranquil Japanese Garden, hike through miles of magnificent landscape, or witness the stunning view from the Observation Tower. 5. The Licking County Historic Jail Also in the neighboring town of Newark, the historic building sitting at 46 S 3rd Street used to be a jail. Now it's believed to be haunted! If you're brave enough, sign up for a spooky tour through its old hallways. When you've found your zen at the arboretum or caught a ghost on camera, swing by Coughlin Toyota to see what's new! Image via pixabay.com.