One Of Ohio's Best-Kept Secrets Is A Breathtaking State Park That's Like A Mini Hocking Hills
For many Midwesterners, Ohio's Hocking Hills State Park is the pinnacle of outdoor recreation, with its natural beauty, cascading waterfalls, and deep, caverned gorges. People love this place. However, instead of hiking where everyone else is headed, check out Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park in Garrettsville, located in the northeastern part of the Buckeye State. This highly underrated, day-use state park features the same thrilling adventures as its more famous cousin, like exploring caves and caverns, but it isn't on many nature enthusiasts' radar — at least not yet.
Known for its spellbinding rock creations that can reach as high as 60 feet tall and magnificent sandstone cliffs created by the forces of erosion and the environment, Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park provides hikers with four scenic hiking trails ranging from relatively easy to considerably more challenging. The best part? All the trails connect. These magical trails — all 1 mile or less and some of the best hiking routes in the Midwest — will take you through such unique formations as Devil's Icebox, Gold Hunter's Cave, and Old Maid's Kitchen. Are you up for the challenge of these narrow ledges? If so, you'll be rewarded with amazing views of these naturally-carved miracles.
Less than a mile from the state park is Nelson Kennedy Ledges Quarry Park, where you'll find 250 acres of open land for camping, hiking, swimming, and two lakes for fishing. The most popular spot is the quarry itself, where you can swim in the fresh, crystal-clear waters. The Quarry Park is also known as the lively site of the weekend-long music festivals.
Where to stay near Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park
If you'd like to stretch your stay in the area, you'll find many campgrounds and RV parks close to Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. Punderson State Park is a full-service campground that includes a Manor House, family cabins, and tents, all overlooking Punderson Lake. Full-service hookups and pull-through sites are available for campers, so bring your gang and get ready for paddling, fishing, and hiking throughout the park. Another fantastic option is Tinker's Creek State Park and Tinker's Creek Nature Preserve, which have extensive marshes, wetlands, and boardwalks, all perfect for outstanding wildlife sightings. For additional camping opportunities, head to West Branch State Park, which offers more than 200 sites with full hookups and 50-amp electric sites, a private beach, and a boat launch.
To get a taste of what life was like back in the 19th century, be sure to visit Century Village in Burton. This living history museum showcases exhibits and interactive experiences to recreate the lifestyle of the early settlers. If you're a fan of antique shopping, explore the shops in the area to find your own treasures. If you're looking for somewhere to explore in the Midwest, you can do worse than heading on a road trip through Hocking Hills, with a blissful stop in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park thrown in for good measure.