The northern half of Ohio is a geological wonderland. Our landscape is highly unique, and the chemistry of our local sandstones has made many quarry towns in Northeast Ohio rather famous. But quarrying, it seems, is largely in our region's past. Don't dismay, though, because there is still one incredible way to experience the wondrous geomorphology of Ohio's geological record:
Welcome to the largest underground caverns in the state of Ohio.
This stunning subterranean wonderland is just a short drive from Cleveland. Tucked away in Bellevue, this hidden world is well worth a visit at least once.
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The caverns, which are a consistent 54 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, are a Registered Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
When they fell into the dark room, it became apparent that they had discovered an underground world. The boys found and rescued their dog, and then they spread the world about their discovery.
In May of 1933, a local amateur geologist named Don Bell joined forces with the property owner to open the caverns to the public.
The Ole Mist'ry River, as it is affectionately known, is actually not too mysterious at all. Its water is of good quality, and it rises at a rate of roughly one-foot per hour. Interestingly, it does pose one bit of a conundrum: as the water table rises, the water can get inside of light bulbs and floodlights, which are sealed at the factory.
From a fascinating geology to an unusual array of creatures that call such a habitat home, this system of caverns is truly breathtaking.
This year, the historic and cultural site reopens on May 5. In the warmer months, tours depart approximately every 20 minutes. Tours are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors over 65, $14 for a Child Caveman Package (a tour plus a bag of gems that they get to "mine") or $9 for general admission, and children under 5 are free.
Are you ready to experience one of Northern Ohio's most spectacular wonders?
This gorgeous chain of caverns is the largest subterranean cave system in the entire state, and it is endlessly captivating. You will adore this unusual glimpse into our local geology, and you'll be entranced by its splendid history.
I’ve always been interested in exploring caves. Have you ever heard of spelunking? Also known as caving and cave diving, this act of exploration takes adventurous souls into the depths of cave systems in search of excitement and personal discovery. It’s a hobby that takes adventurers off the beaten path, often into tight spaces and over subterranean waterways. This, as you can imagine, can be overwhelming for beginners, so where should one go to ease into this adventurous activity and start exploring the wonders of caving? Here in Cleveland, you can start with one accessible yet hidden cave in the Cleveland Metroparks. Deer Lick Cave in Brecksville is a unique gem that you must explore at least once.
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Brecksville Reservation is a splendid place to spend a day.
As the largest of the Cleveland Metroparks, it's truly no wonder locals love Brecksville Reservation. Its campus includes a number of attractions, including seven distinct gorges.
One of its finest attractions is tucked away deep in the woods near the northeast corner of Valley Parkway and Meadows Drive.
As you approach, you'll hear the sound of a trickling spring, the soft crunching of leaves, and the echoes of chirping birds. Sounds bounce off the trees and exposed sandstone ledges in a magical way, and you'll know you’ve discovered a special place as you near the main attraction.
Deer Lick Cave is an impressive sandstone overhang that dwarfs its visitors, and its interior is perfect for aspiring explorers of all ages.
While not a true cave, the structure of this overhang creates a deep rift in the wall that's worthy of exploration. You'll enjoy a little slice of spelunking without taking the risk of exploring a full-on cave system.
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This cave’s unusual name is reflective of Ohio's oceanic history.
Long ago, Ohio's landscape was hidden beneath an ancient ocean, the ocean's sand - and, subsequently, its salt - settled on the sea floor. This formed the sandstone that we see throughout the park today, and it maintains traces of ancient salt. Deer like to lick the sandstone to obtain a bit of salt - hence the name Deer Lick Cave!
The cave is accessible along Deer Lick Cave Loop, a four-mile trail that immerses you in the most beautiful part of the park.
This sandstone overhang can be reached via access trails on both Valley Parkway and Meadows Drive, and it's truly a worthy hike. This incredible landscape beckons nature lovers, inviting all to dive into vivid trees and lichens in search of adventure.
Think exploring caves is only a summertime activity? Think again.
You won't believe the way that winter changes this landscape. As icicles and frost form, the terraced structure of the landscape collects water to form a frozen waterfall of sorts. The area is equally stunning during the autumn season when the colorful leaves first fall, and in spring as lush life returns to the landscape. This charming pseudo-cave is a treat in every season, and its beauty is worth the hike.
Aspiring cave explorers of all ages will love starting with this local sandstone overhang in the Cleveland Metroparks.
There's much to see throughout local parks, but this cave in Cleveland Metroparks is a fan favorite. Have you ever explored Deer Lick Cave? Would you recommend this hike?
Here in Northeast Ohio, the geography is... well, seemingly unimpressive. After glaciers flattened the landscape and ancient faults fell silent, we're left with just one mountain in Cleveland, and it's hardly even recognizable as such. However, if you peel back the haze of familiarity, you'll find that this area is filled to the brim with natural wonders. From incredible glacial grooves to sandstone ledges built of remnants from an ancient ocean, there's much to discover here. For the latter feature, a trip to The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio is in order. Here, stunning sandstone ledges create a gorge that's downright humbling, especially in the winter. From snow-kissed evergreen branches to icicle encrusted grottos, you have to visit this lovely park this winter.
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In the warmer months, a trip to The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio is pure magic.
If you've never heard of Novelty, Ohio, you might be surprised to learn that it's only about 30 minutes from home. This tiny town is about a 10-minute drive from Chagrin Falls, and like its neighboring communities, the area is known for its natural beauty.
Once winter sets in, however, the landscape becomes like another world.
This pretty place isn't Narnia, but it feels darn close. Stretching across 902 acres, The West Woods is a unique park that hides many significant attractions.
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The park gets its name from Albert G. Riddle, a Cleveland lawyer-turned-Congressman who also wrote in his spare time.
Most famously, Riddle defended the abolitionists in Oberlin that once worked tirelessly to free runaway slaves. The Young Sugar Makers of the West Woods, a story he penned in 1885, cemented the park's name. However, as the historic sandstone cliffs in the park reveal to sharp-eyed visitors, Riddle was far from the first visitor in the area. This carving predates his publication by 110 years!
As you hike across the park's 7 miles of trails, you'll find yourself awed by the power of Silver Creek.
This Chagrin River tributary has been carefully restored by the Geauga Park District, reversing the impact early area millers had on the stream. During warmer winters and early spring, snowmelt often creates little waterfalls along the length of the stream.
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However, one of the greatest hikes to take in The West Woods is Ansel's Cave Trail.
This route is mostly gravel, and at 1.5 miles in length, it's one of the longer hikes in the park. However, this route leads to great beauty! Just be sure to bundle up, as the sandstone ledges can create a little wind tunnel if conditions are right.
This path will take you past various little caves, each of with is teeming with life.
You may not immediately notice, but these ledges are home to all sorts of native species. Mosses and ferns have taken root, and critters like insects and bats find solace here. Don't be surprised if you spot a bit of movement around the rocks during your visit!
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If you're wondering which cave is Ansel's Cave... well, you're looking at it!
Early settlers called rock outcroppings like this caves, as long as you could get under them and take shelter. There are indeed several small caves on-site, but you'll have to stay on the trail unless you take a naturalist-guided hike. The rocks are slippery, and they're teeming with wildlife, so the ask to stay on the trail protects both you and the natural landscape.
For generations, tales about the cave area have circulated.
There are many legends about Ansel's Cave, including whispers of the Underground Railroad, Civil War soldier camps, and whiskey making. A whiskey still was purportedly found on the property, lending credence to some claims. Other stories, including on-site cheesemaking and possible counterfeiting, may also have some truth, too.
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And again, though the "cave" isn't a traditional cave, there are little grottos throughout the park.
The sandstone ledges contain many small caves, and they're stunning to see in each and every season. Just be sure to admire from afar... it's important to protect the wildlife by staying on the designated trails.
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All in all, each trip to the park is memorable, but winter visits are an experience like no other.
You'll love exploring Silver Creek and the surrounding wetlands, especially when they're coated in a layer of snow. This sleeping landscape hides many possibilities, including rare and threatened species. When the snow melts, some 100 species of fungi can be found here, including some species that are rare in North America.
After your winter visit to The West Woods, you just might find yourself planning a return trip for each ensuing season.
I love this park in Geauga County, and it's close enough to home to merit a stop. The landscape feels starkly different from anything in Cleveland, so it truly is like stepping into another world.
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This winter, treat yourself to a trip to The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio.
Getting to the park is easy! Just navigate to 9465 Kinsman Rd, Novelty, OH 44072.
You're going to love visiting The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio! It's only about half an hour's drive from Cleveland, so getting there is a breeze. There's much to discover in this Geauga County Park, whether you visit during the winter or the warmer months. If you're visiting during the winter, check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List to make sure you have everything you need before you go.
Looking to add more natural splendor to your road trip? Punderson State Park is just 10 minutes away!
