While most people are familiar with the beauty of Ohio's beloved Old Man's Cave hiking trails and the Hocking Hills State Park, less people are aware of the similarly breathtaking and adventure-filled nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. While it's not exactly "hidden" (unless you count its incredible features tucked away in the verdant forest), it's a highly underrated, lesser-known state park that's a true gem. Lace up your hiking boots, because Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park in Ohio is calling your name. Check it out:
Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails and diverse plant life.
There aren't many places that quite compare to Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park in Ohio. Here, the landscape is full of diverse formations and deep fissures.
Although there are no overnight facilities available at this park, it's a great day trip destination. There are 3 miles of trails that take hikers along the rim of the ledges and into the gorge.
StateParks.com recommends staying at nearby Punderson State Park if they are interested in an overnight adventure. This park is equally as beautiful and is also worth exploring on foot.
Along the Red Trail, you'll encounter large tree roots that make you feel like you're in a magical forest, (similar to the ones at Old Man's Cave over in Hocking Hills)...
As you wind through these charming trails, you'll experience beauty that's worthy of a storybook.
...as well as moss-covered, tight crevices that take some skill to get through. (It just makes the adventure that much more fun, though.)
These deep sandstone cliffs tell of Ohio's ancient history. These nature-made structures are deposits left behind by ancient rivers, and thousands of years of erosion, freezing, thawing, growth, and animal activity have caused them to take on their fascinating shapes.
The most narrow portion of the trails is near "Devil's Icebox," which is a cold cave that's a cool refuge on a hot summer day. (Pictured: "The Squeeze.")
Humans have long appreciated the shade provided by these cliffs. Indigenous tribes frequented the area and left traces of their presence, and even Victorian-era visitors found this place to be beautiful.
There are even some beautiful, small waterfalls hiding along the trails. Pictured is Minnehaha Falls.
Equally as stunning is the array of life you'll find along these trails. All sorts of native Ohio flora and fauna flourish here.
Along the White Trail, a boardwalk leads the way to Cascade Falls, which is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
This park is open during daylight hours, so summer is naturally the best time to visit just because it presents so much time to explore. However, this landscape is lovely all year long.
The Yellow Trail even features a recess cave beneath Cascade Falls, which gives you a really unique perspective of the falls.
No matter where you end up in this park, you are in for a visual treat. Find your own personal paradise at Nelson Kennedy Ledges!
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is located at 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231. Have you ever been to this park before? If so, share your photos and stories with us! We want to know what your experience was like.
For more unique, lesser-known parks in Ohio, check out our previous article, 11 Underrated Ohio Parks That Will Bring Out The Adventurer In You.
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