Posted in Ohio January 09, 2017 by April Dray

The Hidden Park That Will Make You Feel Like You’ve Discovered Ohio’s Best Kept Secret

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 similar breathtaking, adventurous nature hike you will experience at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. While it’s not technically “hidden,” it’s a highly underrated, lesser-known state park that’s an true hidden gem of Ohio.

Check it out:

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Portage County is home to this 160-acre park, which features rugged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, unique hiking trails and diverse plant life.

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.

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)...

...as well as moss-covered, tight crevices that take some skill to get through. (It just makes the adventure that much more fun, though.)

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.")

There are even some beautiful, small waterfalls hiding along the trails. Pictured is Minnehaha Falls.

Along the White Trail, a boardwalk leads the way to Cascade Falls, which is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

The Yellow Trail even features a recess cave beneath Cascade Falls, which gives you a really unique perspective of the falls.

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.