Summer is approaching and I am trying to plan a trip. I would prefer the destination to be within around 8 hours of Ohio and something that could be completed in 3-5 days total(including drive time). I'm a rather experienced hiker and believe I am in good enough shape to handle most hikes. I'm looking for something challenging, thrilling, and off the beaten path. Also, some sort of final destination (waterfall, rock formation, etc.) would be nice. I don't own any climbing gear so it would be nice if that wasn't a requirement.

If links and pictures could be provided that would be great.

I greatly appreciate any feedback.

You could consider the Superior Hiking Trail. This trail run 300 miles or so along Lake Superior. The north shore past Duluth MN has plenty of state parks and lost of great viewing. At least for the Midwest. Their is a shuttle service that runs up and down most of the trail past Two Harbors MN. You could leave your car at one trail head and walk to your last. Then get a shuttle ride back to your car. Plus the drive from Ohio could bring you across the UP of MI, which in itself is a great car ride with much to see along the way. You could do any amount of mileage you want to as the trail head are spaced rather closely. Google SHT and read about the trail if you wish.

Hopefully you'll get an answer from Glenn Roberts, one of our moderators, who also lives in Ohio and has found a lot of places fairly close to home for backpacking. Or send him a private message!

Isle Royale National Park - in the middle of Lake Superior - superb! Gets about 10,000 visitors a year (Yellowstone - or Yosemite? - gets 10,000 a day?)
Grayson Highlands, on the AT, Damascus, VA - might not meet your requirements for "off the beaten path" but otherwise really nice.
Roan Highlands, on the NC/TN border, also on the AT - ditto about the beaten path.
Shenandoah National Park - more AT, plus some side trails, in the less-visited southern unit.
Dolly Sods, West Virginia - a bit more visited, but very pretty.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - fairly popular, but not overcrowded (never been there myself, but a buddy really likes it.)
Zaleski Backpack Trail - in Ohio, near Athens; plenty long for a 2-3 night trip (3 loops let you adjust the length) - some fairly rugged walking, with a side trip to the Moonville railroad tunnel for interest. It's in Zaleski State Forest, which is a managed forest; keep an open mind, and you can learn how forests are "managed" for timber production and for minimizing disastrous fires.
Sheltowee Trace - runs from Kentucky's northern to southern border, and passes through some pretty country, including Cumberland Falls (home of the "Moonbow"), pretty units around London, KY, and the famed Red River Gorge (including some less-visited areas.)
And, lest we forget, Great Smoky Mountain National Park - call the backcountry rangers and tell them you want to go where the tourists aren't, and they'll gladly point you in the right direction.
Mammoth Cave National Park has a pretty backcountry that doesn't get a whole lot of use - but many of the trails are multi-use, including horses, so they're not as nice as a foot trail; also, I almost got run over by a mountain biker there once. Probably wouldn't be my first choice, but it's there.
I also sent you a Private Mail - click on the flashing envelope.

High Country Pathway near Gaylord MI 70 mile loop

Pictured Rocks at Munising MI 45 miles with shuttle available Busy

Any place on the North Country Trail.Look at the NCT Website

Get in touch with Trailspotters in UP he will have a lot of ideas and publishes a book. Does shuttles.

Big South Fork as Glenn mentioned is awesome. I haven't backpack it but I have explored it with day hikes. It's a rugged country that will blow you away with steep cliffs, interesting rock formations, waterfalls, a gorge with a wild and beautiful river, etc.

Mt. Roger Recreational Area as Glenn mentioned is pretty cool, although it tend to be crowded. I backpacked it Easter weekend and the crowd was minimal compared to the first time I went there. You will be greeted by ponies...

They will tell you to come back in the winter. On a serious note, there is a couple options to avoid the crowd. You will likely run into backpackers, but you won't see a mob scene of tourists taking pictures for their Facebook page.

There's also western N.C. but that might go over your 8 hour requirement depending where you're in Ohio.

When I lived in S.W. Ohio, I used to visit the Red Rock Gorge area a lot. from what I remember, little in the way of other hikers/campers and it's part of the Daniel Boon N.F( runs from the Tenn state line to almost the W.V. line.. if you go to their site on line, think you could put together a multi day hike pretty easily.

If you are wanting to stay on the East Coast I would defiantly recommend The Great Smoky Mountains. They have several back country options and it isn't too hard to get a permit. Day hikes I would recommend Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove areas.

https://youtu.be/IUeKF8r9dxE

Monongahela National Forest West Virginia. Miles and miles of hiking. Rivers,lakes,waterfalls,trout fishing,cranberry bogs,flora and fauna of all types for starters.