01
Best in-town option
Sippo Valley Trail
Through Dalton And West Toward Massillon • Paved And Crushed-Stone Rail-Trail • Closest To Town
A convenient multi-use path that lets you walk or bike straight out of Dalton into quiet farm country.
The Sippo Valley Trail is the easiest way to get in real mileage without leaving town, following a former rail corridor past fields, woods, and small creek crossings. The gentle grades and wide surface make it friendly for strollers, casual walkers, and cyclists alike. Start from one of the trailheads near Dalton and head either direction for a straightforward, low-stress outing.
02
Best for long flat walks
Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail (Massillon and Canal Fulton Sections)
North Of Dalton Along The Tuscarawas River Corridor • Historic Canal-Side Multi-Use Trail • Scenic Day-Trip Pick
A classic Ohio trail with long, level stretches along the old canal, backed by river views and small-town charm.
Head north to Massillon or Canal Fulton to hop on the Towpath, where you can walk for miles beside the Ohio & Erie Canal and the Tuscarawas River. The crushed-limestone surface is mostly flat, making it ideal for easy-paced hikes, longer fitness walks, or bike-and-hike combos. Canal locks, interpretive signs, and frequent trail access points turn a simple walk into a leisurely, history-tinged excursion.
03
Best for old-growth forest
Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve
Northeast Of Dalton Near Orrville • Protected Old-Growth Forest Preserve With Boardwalks • Best For Quiet Woods
A short network of boardwalk and natural paths through one of Ohio’s finest remaining old-growth woodlots.
Johnson Woods offers a very different experience from open rail-trails, with towering oaks and maples creating a deep, shaded canopy. A raised boardwalk keeps your feet dry and protects sensitive habitat, so the walk feels wild yet accessible. It’s a great destination for slower, contemplative hikes, birdwatching, and showing kids what a mature forest actually looks and feels like.
04
Best for families and nature lovers
The Wilderness Center
South Of Dalton Near Wilmot • Nature Center With Looping Woodland And Wetland Trails • Best For Families
A mix of easy loop trails through woods, prairies, and ponds anchored by an engaging nature center.
The Wilderness Center strings together several short trails that wind through diverse habitats, making it easy to tailor your hike to the group’s energy level. You can connect loops for a longer outing or keep it brief and explore the observation tower, pond, and nature playscapes. Educational displays and frequent wildlife sightings make this a solid pick when you want a walk with plenty of points of interest along the way.
05
Best all-day adventure
Mohican State Park
Southwest Of Dalton Near Loudonville • Rugged State Park With River And Gorge Trails • Destination Hike
A classic Ohio hiking hub with bluffs, a river gorge, and enough trails to fill a full day or weekend.
Mohican is a bit of a drive from Dalton, but the scenery makes it worth the trip: hemlock-lined ravines, river overlooks, and a mix of moderate to more strenuous routes. Popular hikes connect the Covered Bridge, Lyons Falls, and various rim trails for a satisfying loop with changing views. It’s a strong choice when you’re craving something more rugged than a local rail-trail and don’t mind making a half-day or longer of it.