Attractions and Places To See around Heath - Top 4

The Heath area is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Newark Earthworks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Great Circle Earthworks. Other notable historical locations include the East Canal Street - Historic Downtown in Newark, which preserves the area's canal heritage, and the Ariel-Foundation Park Factory Ruins in Mount Vernon, showcasing industrial history. Don't miss the Canal Lock Park in Heath, marking the start of the Ohio and Erie Canal, or the Victoria Woodhull Clock in Granville.

For nature enthusiasts, the region offers several beautiful spots. The Dawes Arboretum in Newark features nearly 2,000 acres of diverse plant species and gardens. You can also explore the striking Blackhand sandstone formations at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, which includes the Blackhand Gorge Paved Path. Buckeye Lake, Ohio's oldest state park, is perfect for water activities and features a multiuse path along its north shore. Other options include Riverview Reserve and Taft Reserve, offering woodlands and trails.

Yes, Heath and its surroundings offer many family-friendly options. The Heath City Water Park provides an Olympic-sized pool, slides, and a lazy river. For indoor fun, the Altitude Trampoline Park at Indian Mound Mall is a great choice. The Works – Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark offers hands-on exhibits and a planetarium. Additionally, Buckeye Lake is popular for boating and fishing, and many local parks like Geller Park have playgrounds and recreational facilities.

The area boasts excellent trails for walking and cycling. The Thomas J. Evans Trail is a popular 14-mile paved path connecting Johnstown to Newark, ideal for cyclists, walkers, and runners. The Blackhand Gorge Paved Path is another great option within the State Nature Preserve, allowing bicycles and skates. For more routes, you can find various cycling routes and running trails around Heath.

Yes, the Thomas J. Evans Trail is a popular paved trail that is wheelchair accessible, offering a smooth surface for a pleasant outdoor experience. Additionally, the north shore of Buckeye Lake features a 4.1-mile paved, multiuse path that is also suitable for wheelchairs.

Yes, the Blackhand Gorge Paved Path is dog-friendly, provided your pet remains on a leash while in the park. Many other outdoor areas and parks in Heath are generally welcoming to leashed dogs, but it's always a good idea to check specific park rules before your visit.

Beyond historical landmarks, you can explore cultural sites like The Works – Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark, which offers exhibits on local history, science, and even glass-blowing demonstrations. Also in Newark, the National Heisey Glass Museum showcases an impressive collection of glass from A.H. Heisey & Company.

For water-based recreation, Buckeye Lake is the primary destination. It's a 3,100-acre lake known for excellent opportunities for boating and fishing. Riverview Reserve, located along the Licking River, also offers river fishing and canoeing.

Consider visiting the Ariel-Foundation Park Factory Ruins in Mount Vernon, which uniquely preserves an old glass factory as a park with lakes and an observation tower. The Victoria Woodhull Clock in Granville is also a charming historical memorial with a figurine that emerges on the hour. For a blend of history and recreation, the Moundbuilders Country Club is uniquely designed around ancient earthworks.

Heath offers various active recreational options. The Heath City Water Park is great for swimming and water play. The Geller Park Pickleball Complex provides state-of-the-art courts for pickleball enthusiasts. For motorsports fans, the National Trail Raceway in Hebron hosts regular drag racing events. Many local parks also offer sports facilities like basketball courts.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse range of attractions, from the historical significance of the ancient earthworks and canal heritage to the natural beauty of the preserves and lakes. The extensive network of paved trails like the Thomas J. Evans Trail and Blackhand Gorge Paved Path are highly valued for cycling, walking, and running. The family-friendly options, including parks and museums, also receive positive feedback.