Want to get back to nature for the day? Visit one of five top spots in Ohio or Kentucky:

Ohio

Goll Woods State Nature Preserve: This 321-acre preserve in northwestern Ohio is home to trees 200 to 400 years old. Some oaks are as big as 4 feet in diameter. The preserve is 3 miles northwest of Archbold, about three hours from Cincinnati. (614) 265-6543.

Oak Openings Preserve Metropark: See Ohio's only living sand dunes in this 3,600-acre Toledo-area preserve. Its diversity - black oak savanna, oak woodland and wet prairie communities - makes it one of the most unusual regions in the state. Oak Openings is home to endangered animals and a thousand different plants. Bike, hike or horseback ride. About 3 1/2 hours from Cincinnati. (419) 535-3050, Ext. 101.

Maumee Bay State Park: Combine the finest in camping with the finest in nature. Land and Lake Erie have merged to create meadows, wet woods, prairies and marshes. A haven for animal lovers, this park is home to 300 species of birds - including snipe, great blue heron, red-winged blackbird and warblers. Fish, boat, hike, swim, camp or stay in a cottage or lodge about four hours from Cincinnati in northwest Ohio. (419) 836-7758.

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area: Bird-lovers will embrace the 2,600-acre marshy wetlands, which feature thousands of migratory birds in the spring and fall. Visit the Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center at the entrance of Crane Creek State Park to see bird displays and learn more about the area. Near Lake Erie, Magee Marsh is a four-hour drive from Cincinnati. (419) 898-0960.

Kelleys Island State Park: See pristine views of Lake Erie from atop a bluff on a limestone bedrock island. Caverns and wineries are perks of a trip to Kelleys Island, which is near Glacial Grooves State Memorial. See marine fossils 350 million-400 million years old. Camp, fish, boat and hike. Five hours from Cincinnati. (419) 797-4530.

Kentucky

Kentucky has a wealth of interesting natural sites and places to camp, including:

Mammoth Cave National Park: This park is home to the most extensive underground cave system in the world. Register for tours exploring segments of 350 miles of passages. Camp at Mammoth Cave headquarters for $16 a night and enjoy coin-operated showers and laundry. All park campgrounds have toilets, grills, picnic tables and drinking water. (800) 967-2283.

Red River Gorge: Located in the foothills of Appalachia, This camping haven is located in Daniel Boone National Forest, in the foothills of Appalachia. The 53,000 acres feature more than 100 natural arch formations. Primitive camping and campgrounds are available for outdoors fans of all types. More than 60 miles of trails allow hikers access to a scenic wonderland. Call the National Recreation Reservation Service at (877) 444-6777.

General Butler State Resort Park: History buffs will love this park in Carrollton named for war hero William Orlando Butler. Visit the Butler-Turpin Historic House, a 19th century home featuring information on heroes from the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Golf, boat, hike and camp in this resort, 44 miles northeast of Louisville. (866) 462-8853.

Big Bone Lick State Park: Visit prehistoric times at this park, recognized as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology. See where bison, mastadons and giant mammoths once ruled. Visit the Outdoor Museum, see a buffalo herd or camp at any of the 62 sites with utility hook-ups, grills, swimming pool and playground. In Union, a half-hour from Cincinnati. (859) 384-3522.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park: In Daniel Boone National Forest near Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge is home to the great natural sandstone arch - 78 feet wide and 65 feet tall. Through October, ride a lift to within 600 feet of Natural Bridge. Camp or stay in a cottage or lodge. (800) 325-1710.