6 Beautiful Natural Landmarks Around Cleveland That Are Worth Exploring
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 22, 2019
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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.
Have you ever heard of a National Natural Landmark? This status recognizes some of the very finest examples of natural history throughout the nation, focusing on astonishing examples of geology and incredible landscapes both in private and public ownership. Hundreds of National Natural Landmarks exist throughout the nation, but there are only 23 such places spread throughout Ohio’s 88 continues. Fortunately, many of them exist in the Northern or Northeastern portions of the state, affording Clevelanders a unique opportunity to take in the enchantment of some of the best-preserved natural landscapes in the nation.
We’ve selected the six examples closest to home and spread throughout Ashland, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, and Lake Counties. Are you ready to explore the very finest National Natural Landmarks near Cleveland? Lace up your hiking boots and grab some bug spray, and let’s hit the road!
The first naturalist of the Cleveland Metroparks, A.B. Williams, was delighted by this stretch of old-growth beech-maple forest. It was here that he found trees that were hundreds of years old and here that he conducted a number of his doctoral studies. Nowadays, this vibrant forest is part of North Chagrin Reservation, and it makes for an enchanting hike. You can find the full story here.
Address: Cleveland Metro Park Drive, Mayfield, OH, 44143
Tinkers Creek in notable as being the largest tributary of the Cuyahoga River, but it's also notable for its stunning gorge. The virgin forests of this gorge are in an exceptional state of preservation, and its rolling landscape creates an absolutely stunning vista in each and any season. Natural history and remnants of human impact interact in a fascinating and educational way in this National Natural Landmark.
Down in the Loudonville area, Clevelanders are enchanted by the landscape of Mohican State Park. However, there's one natural landmark in the park that is totally unique, and that's the Clear Fork Gorge. It's said to be the deepest gorge in the state, and its untouched old-growth forests make it a stunning place to hike. No wonder it was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1967! You can find the full story here.
Nowadays, the White Pine Bog Forest is known as the Lucia S. Nash Preserve. This 650-acre preserve encompasses a kettle lake, a swamp, and the oldest old-growth white pine marshland in the state. This near-virgin bog is part of the Cuyahoga Wetlands and it is one of the state's best preserved (and one of the last remaining) glacial wetlands.
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve has preserved the boundaries of an abandoned ancient channel of the Grand River, a destination declared a National Natural Landmark in 1966. From the marsh to the mixed oak swamp forest, there's quite a bit of diversity in this 646-acre preserve. It's an incredible place to go bird-watching or to get lost in thought in the reed grass.
The Lake Erie islands include a number of surprises, from wineries to charming bed and breakfasts. However, Kelleys Island has a natural element that continues to mystify visitors year after year: its glacial grooves. At Glacial Grooves State Memorial, visitors will find the largest known glacial grooves that are easily accessible, and they're a sight to behold. At 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and as deep as 15 feet, these glacially-shaped imprints continue to astonish visitors to this day.
Address: 739 Division Street, Kelleys Island, OH, 43438
While only six of Ohio’s 23 National Natural Landmarks are close to home, each visit to these lovely places will leave you in awe. Which of these National Natural Landmarks near Cleveland is your favorite?
