Jul 8, 2022

Whether you are looking for a vibrant city to explore with your family or a nature reserve to go on a hiking adventure with your friends, day trips are a great way to get away from the routine. Located just over 35 miles east of downtown Columbus, the city of Heath, OH is an excellent base to explore the region in your shiny 2022 Toyota Tacoma. Pack your things, prepare some snacks, and hit the road!

Image of Salt Fork State Park cabin.

1. Columbus

Are you looking for a vibrant destination full of museums, cultural centers, good restaurants, and historical landmarks with your friends or family? If the answer is yes, Columbus is a place you should definitely check out. The capital and largest urban area in the state is home to plenty of tourist attractions, including the Ohio Statehouse Museum, Scioto Mile, the Ohio History Center, and the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Getting from downtown Heath to the Columbus city center takes a little under 40 minutes by car, driving west along route I-70. With a population of over two million in its metropolitan area, the city is home to a booming gastronomic scene, as well as plenty of parks, green areas, small local markets, and art galleries.

2. Salt Fork State Park

Located just 65 miles east of downtown Heath, Salt Fork State Park is another great day trip destination that can be reached in about one hour by car along route I-70. Encompassing a territory of about 17,000 acres, this nature reserve was established in the 1960s by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and has become a popular destination among nature lovers from all over the region.

Crisscrossed by an extensive network of trails, Salt Fork State Park is an excellent spot for numerous outdoor sports and recreational activities, including hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The main feature of this state park is Salt Fork Lake, a large body of water that offers plenty of facilities for swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing, and other sports.

3. Buckeye Lake State Park

Covering almost 3,500 acres of territory and located just 20 miles southwest of downtown Heath, Buckeye Lake State Park features one of the largest bodies of water in the area and is a popular getaway for residents from all over the region. Established in 1949 and managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this state park is a perfect spot for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Are you ready to go on a day trip to one of these fantastic destinations? While on your way, stop by Coughlin Toyota! Check out our catalog of new and pre-owned vehicles, talk to one of our expert sales agents, and take home a shiny car for you and your family.

Image via Salt Fork State Park.