Scenic Views near Youngstown, Ohio

Here in Youngstown, Ohio, we’re perfectly situated right between Cleveland and Pittsburg. Our location means we have tons of great destinations to visit, many with incredible vistas to enjoy Ohio’s natural beauty. If scenic hikes, beautiful drives, or dinner with a view is your idea of a good time, then we have recommendations for you.

Many of our recommendations are a slight drive outside of Youngstown. Why not pay a visit to Cochran Chevrolet before you head out? Cochran is committed to providing its customers with the best information and value when purchasing a new car. You’ll be in good hands at Cochran, and pretty soon you’ll be packing up the family and driving out to one of these incredible views.

Chagrin Falls Waterfall

Image via Flickr by Sam Howzit

Just a short drive from downtown Cleveland you’ll find the town of Chagrin Falls, which actually has multiple scenic destinations. The first is Chagrin Falls Waterfall, located just off North Main Street in town. It’s 20 feet high and 60 feet wide, and the water flow is often high enough that the entire falls are full. It’s one of the easiest views to get to on our list, but still incredible. After you visit the falls, you can walk back to Main Street and do a little shopping in downtown Chagrin! 

Other nearby waterfalls include Wiley Creek Falls, Cat’s Den falls, and the waterfalls of Sulphur Springs Creek.

McConnells Mill State Park

This over 2,500-acre state park is located 30 miles southeast of Youngstown, just across the Pennsylvania boundary. Exploring McConnells Mill State Park will reward you with multiple scenic views, from its 19th-century mills to waterfalls, rivers, and gorge vistas. The spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge in McConnells was created by glacial movement thousands of years ago, leaving a steep valley floor covered in large boulders. The resulting waterfalls and scenic viewpoints are extremely popular. 

When visiting McConnells Mill State Park, be aware that swimming is not allowed due to the dangerous whitewater. The rocks around the gorge can be extremely slippery due to spray from waterfalls, and we recommend you always stay on trail when enjoying the views.

Moraine State Park

Approximately a fifth of Moraine State Park is dominated by Lake Arthur, a 3,225-acre lake that offers incredible water views. Just 35 miles from downtown Youngstown, Moraine State Park is a great place to catch sunrise or sunset over the lake (just be aware of their opening and closing hours). Or, rent a lakefront cabin and enjoy the view all night and day. 

There are multiple ways to explore Moraine State Park; whether on foot or bike along its many trails, on the Trail of Geology driving tour, atop the Jacksville Esker Glacial Deposit, by kayak, paddleboard, or canoe on the lake itself. The best hiking views are found on the Glacier Ridge Trail.

If lake views are your favorite, then another lake worth visiting in the area is Roundup Lake. This spot also has a campground, so you can enjoy the views for longer. It’s quite popular with crowds from Pittsburg and Cleveland who are looking to escape the big city for some time in nature and beautiful lake views.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

If you dig rocks, then you’ll love this small gem of a State Park here in Ohio. Exploring Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, you will find incredible views of rock formations, including cliffs, ledges, and huge boulders. This is also one of the last places in Ohio where you can see the outcrops of this type of rock formation, which were created by erosion. Cascading waterfalls make their way through the rocks in wetter times of the year, creating a beautiful mist among the cliffs.

Numerous species of trees, flowers, and shrubs grow out of the surrounding soil. This has resulted in a significant tree canopy of birch, hemlock, and yew. Small mammals, insects, and birds thrive in this park and you’re bound to see wildlife on your visit. 

Gervasi Vineyard

You might be surprised to stumble across an authentic Italian vineyard, complete with renovated farmhouse and sprawling views of grapevines, right here in Ohio. Walking through the vines and taking in the gorgeous views, you’d easily be convinced that you’re far away in Italy, not Ohio. But it really exists, and it’s absolutely worth the one-hour drive from Youngstown. 

Gervasi Vineyard is a 55-acre wine estate located in Canton. Their outdoor patios overlook the farmlands, including the vineyards themselves, and while you enjoy the view you can sip on one of their 30 varietals of wine. They also have luxury accommodation available, so you can drive there at your leisure, enjoy some wine, and relax and enjoy the view without worrying about the drive back home.

Lindey’s Lake House

If lunch or dinner and a view are more your speed, pay a visit to Lindey’s Lake House in Flats East Bank, in neighboring Cleveland. This lovely restaurant has everything you need with a view and delicious meal. It’s located right on the Cuyahoga River, offering incredible views at sunset over the water. Their outdoor patio has great ambiance which is matched only by their incredible food. Watch the boats drift by as you sip on a craft beer or cocktail and enjoy one of their delicious signature dishes, such as the Chilean Seabass or Ale Battered Fish and Chips.

Take the Comfortable Road to Your Next Destination

Has this list inspired you to find an incredible view? There are so many incredible places to explore around Youngstown, we are sure you’ll have a great time enjoying these natural escapes. Spending time in nature is an excellent way to create lasting memories and bond with your family, and we hope our list has inspired you to get outside and explore this beautiful area of Ohio.

Did we miss your favorite viewpoints in or around Youngstown? Keep in touch and let us know, we are always looking to update our recommendations. Let you #1 Cochran team share their vehicle knowledge with you while you continue to share the local knowledge with us.