In the depths of the Cleveland Metroparks, hikers will stumble upon a place that's almost otherworldly. At Worden's Ledges in Hinckley Reservation, sandstone ledges offer a glimpse into the imagination of a local artist whose romance shook his beloved's family to the core. While more than 150 years have passed since the soft rocks at this site were first shaped under the point of a chisel; the legacy of visitors long since passed is still evident along this Hinckley trailhead. Prepare to get lost in the wonders of the woods and the magic of historic art, because this spot has an abundance of both. Check it out:
One of the most magnificent trails in Hinckley Reservation is seemingly located off-campus, about five minutes from Hinckley Lake.
Welcome to the southernmost park in the Cleveland Metroparks district! Hinckley Reservation is a bit removed from the bulk of the Cleveland Metroparks, but this Medina County destination is arguably the most unique park in the whole district.
Worden's Ledges is characterized by gorgeous woods, fascinating ancient ledges, and carefully carved works of art.
The Worden family built a homestead at this site in the 1860s, and four generations lived in the house over the years. Their legacy is hidden amidst the landscape if you look closely enough.
This remote site features more than 10 carvings in all (you'll have to visit yourself to discover the exact number) that explore religion, ancient mythology, American history, and more.
The first one you'll spot along the trailhead is a magnificent sphinx.
The ledges, which were created by the prehistoric presence of ancient oceans and rivers, were on a parcel of property purchased by Hiram Worden in the 1850s. His company manufactured chisels, which they tested in the woods behind his homestead.
Unfortunately, the old Worden house was demolished in 2017; however, the old carvings are still as plain as day in the woods that once surrounded the home.
Eventually, Hiram Worden passed away... leaving his daughter Nettie as the heir to the family property. Eventually, she married a local artist known as Noble Stuart.
Noble Stuart married into the family in the 1940s, much to their purported chagrin. Nettie was 80, and her beloved Noble Stuart was a spring chicken at 63 years of age. She'd die a year later, leaving her family property to her husband. Stuart, it should be noted, was an aspiring sculptor. Surely he must have been tempted to leave his mark on the property as soon as he discovered it... and he would.
Stuart is one of several visitors to have left a mark on the site, but his impact is arguably the most notable; he's the mastermind behind some of the most impressive on-site works.
Throughout the 1940s, Noble Stuart chipped away at the soft stone. He left all sorts of oddities behind, from statue-like carvings to glyphic-like reliefs.
As you hike through the property, you'll discover likenesses of founding fathers, religious figures, nautical designs, and more.
Will you find Thomas Jefferson's face in this landscape? There's a baseball player hidden here, too, as well as a monumental likeness of Christ on a crucifix.
As you head down the hillside, it seems more and more works of art quietly surface from amidst the landscape.
No matter the season, this spot feels magical. History abounds along the trail, and the area was once hidden away from the public to keep it preserved. However, it's open to visitors today and is easy to find.
Sometimes, it takes several visits before you spot everything at the site... but that's perfectly okay, as this is one place you'll want to visit time and time again.
The hike out into the woods is under a mile in length, so this spot truly isn't difficult to get to. Though it's a short trek, it's worth bringing some water along. The terrain in Hinckley Reservation is notoriously uneven.
There's so much to discover at Worden's Ledges in Hinckley Reservation.
Look for this magical place off of Wordens Ledges Loop Trail, Hinckley, OH 44233.
Worden's Ledges in Hinckley Reservation are a true treat. Not only is the natural landscape beautiful, but there are surprises hiding around every corner here. Have you ever visited? We'd love to hear about your hike in the comments.
Love urban exploration? Find more public art in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park.
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