Best Hang Gliding Locations In Ohio

Hang gliding in the midwest is a shockingly incredible experience. But where? This guide contains the best hang gliding locations in Ohio.

If you’re reading this, then you’re either already an avid hang glider or you want to give it a shot. No matter the case, let me tell you that it's arguably the most exhilarating, yet relaxing, activity I’ve ever done. I grew up in the state of Ohio so I know a thing or two about it, and it’s much better for hang gliding than you might think!

In Ohio, the top spots for hang gliding include Wings to Fly Ltd. (in both Cleveland and Cincinnati), Farview (Cleveland), Hocking Hills State Park (Logan), Cary’s Launch Site (Marathon), WesMar (Darbyville), Richmond Dale (Chilllicothe), and the Ohio Amish Country.

To find some new and exciting hang gliding location, look no further than Ohio! The Buckeye State has some of the best hang gliding spots in the country. From the rolling hills of Amish Country to the urban skyline of Columbus, there's something for everyone in Ohio. In this blog post, we'll discuss the best hang gliding locations in the state and what makes them so special. So strap in and get ready for an exhilarating ride.

At Flight Notch, we want you to be confident in the information you’re reading. Since one of our goals is to provide you with all of the top gliding spots in the world, it makes sense to go through every state here in the US. I personally lived in this state for 25 years, so a lot of this comes from personal experience and other hang gliding pilots in the area.

‍Is Ohio A Good Place To Go Hang Gliding?

Before we get into where to go hang gliding in Ohio, let's first discuss whether it's a good place to go hang gliding in general. The answer is a resounding yes! Ohio has some of the best hang gliding weather in the country. The average temperatures in the spring and summer are perfect for hang gliding, and even the fall and winter months are mild compared to other parts of the country.

Plus, Ohio is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. While you might not think of Ohio right away when you picture beautiful scenery, it's true. I was actually born and raised in Ohio until I was 25 years old, so much of this comes directly from personal experience from living in the Buckeye State.

From the rolling hills of Amish Country to the urban skyline of Columbus, there's something for everyone in Ohio. And that's just the beginning. Ohio is also home to numerous state parks, national forests, and even a national park. So, whether you're looking for beautiful scenery or an urban skyline, Ohio has you covered.

Best Places To Go Hang Gliding In Ohio

I hope that at this point you’re pleasantly surprised by how great Ohio is when it comes to hang gliding, which might have come as a bit of a shock, let's get into the nitty-gritty of where the best locations are.

There are a few key things that make a good hang gliding spot: amazing views, good weather, and other things to do in the area. We'll discuss each of these factors for each location so you can get a better idea of what to expect.

Wings to Fly Ltd. — Cleveland

Wings to Fly Ltd. is located in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio, and offers some of the best hang gliding views you’ll find. The views from Wings to Fly Ltd. are truly breathtaking, as you'll be able to see the entire city of Cleveland stretched out before you.

The average weather in Cleveland is perfect for hang gliding, as the spring and summer months are typically warm and sunny. However, to experience some of the best fall colors in Ohio, Wings to Fly Ltd. is also a great option, as the leaves begin to change color in late September.

Wings to Fly Ltd. is also conveniently located near other popular Cleveland attractions, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art. So after you're finished hang gliding, there's plenty more to see and do in this great city!

Wings to Fly Ltd. — Cincinnati

Wings to Fly Ltd. is one of the few hang gliding companies that operates in two different cities in Ohio. We discussed the Cleveland location above, but the company also operates in Cincinnati, which is located in the opposite corner of the state from Cleveland! So let's take a look at what the Cincinnati location has to offer.

The views from Wings to Fly Ltd. in Cincinnati are just as stunning as the views from the Cleveland location. You'll be able to see the cityscape as well as the beautiful Ohio River. This is one of the biggest rivers in the United States, so it's definitely a sight to see!

The average weather in Cincinnati is a bit warmer than in Cleveland, so you can expect to have good weather for hang gliding from April to October. During this time, you can expect temperatures to range from the high 60s to the low 80s.

Cincinnati is located in southwestern Ohio, and it’s one of the busiest, most interesting cities in the whole state. When you get done gliding for the day, you can check out some of the city's museums, restaurants, and parks. Or, if you want something a bit more outdoorsy, you can go hiking or camping in one of the many state parks located nearby.

Farview — Cleveland

Let's head back to Cleveland for the next location on our list: the launch areas of Farview. This spot is a little further away from the city, but it's well worth the drive for the views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Lake Erie from up here. The lake is gorgeous from this height, and it's especially nice in the summer when the water is a deep blue.

The launch areas are located in a park, so there are also other activities to do nearby as part of a day trip. In the spring and summer, the weather is usually pretty good for flying. However, in the fall and winter, it can be a bit more unpredictable. The temperatures can drop quickly and the winds can pick up, so it's important to be prepared if you're planning on flying during those months.

As we mentioned, there are some other fun things to do in the area to stay busy when you're not gliding. The park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. There are also a few restaurants and cafes nearby if you need to grab a bite to eat. Overall, Farview is a great place to fly for beginners and experienced pilots alike.

Hocking Hills State Park — Logan

Next up on our list is a spot that's a little further south: Hocking Hills State Park. This park is located in the Hocking Valley and is a great place to take in views of the gorge below. Since this is a state park, you'll get some of the best views of the natural beauty of Ohio in this area. The drive to get here isn't too bad, either, as it's only about an hour and a half from Columbus.

The park is open year-round, but the best time to come for hang gliding is in the spring and summer. The average temperatures during these months are in the mid-70s to the low-80s, which is perfect for a day of flying. However, the fall and winter months can be a bit colder, with average temperatures in the mid-50s. But if you don't mind bundling up, you can still enjoy the views from above.

There are lots of other activities to do in Hocking Hills State Park, as well. There are hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and even caves to explore. So, whether you're looking to fly high or stay closer to the ground, this park is a great option.

Cary’s Launch Site — Marathon

One of the best hang gliding launch areas in Ohio is Cary's, located near Marathon. Hang gliders can launch from the top of a hill that offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding farmland. From high in the skies, you'll have unencumbered views of the countryside for miles around.

The average weather in the spring and summer months is ideal for hang gliding, with temperatures rarely dipping below 75-80 degrees. However, in the fall and winter, the temperatures can get quite cold, with lows often dipping into the 20s and 30s.

Cary's is located in the heart of Ohio, about midway between Columbus and Cleveland. It's also relatively close to Akron and Youngstown, making it a great location for those looking to explore the state. In addition to hang gliding, there are numerous other activities to enjoy in the area, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

WesMar — Darbyville

Another great launch area to go hang gliding at in the Buckeye State is WesMar. This spot is located in Darbyville which is in central Ohio and not too terribly far from Columbus. The views here are some of the best that Ohio has to offer with endless green space and a bunch of farmland dotting the landscape.

The best time of year to go hang gliding in the area, like in much of the state, is during the spring and summer months. The weather is more stable and there is less chance for strong thunderstorms that can quickly develop in the area. That being said, the fall and winter months can offer some great thermals to ride if you are experienced enough to handle the colder temperatures.

There are a few other things to do in the area if you are looking for something else to do on your trip. There is the Darby Creek Metro Park which offers hiking and biking trails as well as fishing and picnicking. There is also the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve which is a great place to take in the scenery and do some bird watching.

Richmond Dale — Chillicothe

One of the best locations to go hang gliding in Ohio is Richmond Dale. This launch area is located in Chillicothe which is in southern Ohio. The views from Richmond Dale are fantastic with farmland and countless rolling hills. This landscape gives you a unique bird's eye view that you don't get from many other locations.

The weather in this area is also ideal for hang gliding with warm springs and summers without too much of a risk of thunderstorms. Fall and winter can be a little more challenging with colder temperatures, but as long as you dress appropriately, it shouldn't be too much of a problem.

In the area, there are a few state parks nearby including Tar Hollow State Park and Hocking Hills State Park. There are also several wineries in the area if you are interested in doing some wine tasting. All in all, Richmond Dale is a great location for hang gliding and has something for everyone.

The Ohio Amish Country

The last place on our list for hang gliding in Ohio is also one of the best. Ohio Amish Country is a beautiful place to glide and has some of the best views in the state. From high above the ground, you'll be able to see the winding roads and picturesque farms that make up this part of Ohio.

The weather in Ohio Amish Country is perfect for hang gliding. The spring and summer months are warm but not too hot, and the fall and winter months are cool but not too cold. I know that might sound like a bit of a cop-out, but it's true! The spring and summer are perfect for gliding, and as long as you bundle up during the fall and winter, you shouldn't have any trouble staying warm.

Ohio Amish Country is located in the northeastern part of Ohio. It's about a two-hour drive from Cleveland and a three-hour drive from Columbus. If you want to go hang gliding a bit closer to other popular attractions, Ohio Amish Country is a great option.

In addition to hang gliding, you won’t get bored doing other activities in Ohio Amish Country. You can visit the Amish Country Wineries, go on a buggy ride, or visit one of the many quaint shops in the area. There's also an Amish schoolhouse and an Amish farm that you can tour.

So, there you have it! These are the best places to go hang gliding in Ohio. Whether you're looking for amazing views, good weather, or other things to do in the area, one of these places is sure to be perfect for you. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start gliding!