You'd Never Know One Of The Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Ohio Is Hiding In This Greater Cleveland Park
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 13, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Greater Cleveland is a place of splendor, hiding many natural wonders that make this region a true treat for nature lovers. However, one thing we have a notable shortage of is explorable caves… for the most part. Sure, our local ledges have a few caves that are open to the public, but few quite compare to Glacier Cave in Twinsburg. Glacier Cave is a historic structure seeped in pure emerald beauty, veiled only by a “living skin” of native plants… and it’s part of one of the most spectacular hikes in the Cleveland area. Check it out:
Ready to venture into 3,000 acres of pure beauty? You'll find this and more at Liberty Park.
Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for adventure, because this cool hike is so worth the drive. Twinsburg is just about 30 minutes from Cleveland, but this park will take you to a world that feels miles away from it all.
This area is rich with natural splendor, from the swamp roses decorating its bogs to the nooks and crannies that earned it designation as an Important Bird Area.
The Audubon Society, a non-profit that focuses its efforts on conservation of birds and their habitats, designated this an important bird area in 2006 due to the richness of its resources. Throughout the park, you'll find pure natural splendor... and even a few surprises.
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Of course, the largest natural area managed by Summit Metro Parks also hides an incredible collection of ledges.
These massive rock structures stretch up as high as 70 feet, absolutely dwarfing visitors. The ledges were crafted by Mother Nature many millions of years ago during a period of deposition, but they continue to be shaped today by a "living skin" of ferns, mosses, and lichens.
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In the ledges portion of the park, visitors will find themselves amazed by a natural wonder: Glacier Cave.
This stunning cave takes its name from the ancient glaciers that once crafted and shaped it with their slow-moving might. While it may not look like much, this cave is big enough to hold an entire football team!
Several small caves are open to the public for exploration, but this massive beauty is a fan-favorite spot. Look up as you walk... gazing up at the sky through the fissure in the rock is truly humbling.
The cave is actually part of the 1.1-mile Ledges Trail, which is undeniably one of the coolest hikes near Cleveland.
In addition to taking you through Glacier Cave, you'll also venture through a wetland and over a boardwalk. This enchanting hike offers a taste of pure majesty, indulging the senses and bringing you face-to-face with natural wonders that are unique to the area.
Of course, there's more to see in Liberty Park, as well!
Liberty Park Nature Center belongs on your bucket list! With seasonal exhibits and live animals, this universally accessible spot allows visitors to learn all about the park's past, what's living on the local ledges, which animals call this park home (spoiler alert: muskrats, beavers, salamanders... so many cool Ohio species!), and more.
There are also natural waterworks on-site, including the Pond Brook Conservation Area and Tinker's Creek.
Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve is part of this park, as the landscape is actually operated in a unique partnership of the City of Twinsburg, Ohio State Parks, and Summit Metro Parks. There's no shortage of beauty to explore!
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From the ledges of Liberty Park to its magnificent cave, this park is full of discoveries waiting to be made.
Look for the ledges area near
9999 Liberty Rd.,
Twinsburg, OH 44087.
Glacier Cave in Twinsburg is a true natural wonder! Have you ever visited this local landmark? Tell us about your experience in the comments, or tag a friend to start planning your own visit.
Are you fascinated by Ohio’s glacial history? Visit the remarkable Glacial Grooves on Kelleys Island for a visual representation of their might. While you’re exploring these natural historic landmarks, keep your eyes peeled for living fossils.
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