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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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USA Parks
Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
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Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park Cascade Falls © Sheri Grabowski
Part of the Falls in Nelson Kennedy Ledgers State Park
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park © E Photos / CC BY 2.0
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park © E Photos / CC BY 2.0
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NELSON-KENNEDY LEDGES STATE PARK
NELSON-KENNEDY LEDGES STATE PARK
12440 OH-282
Garrettsville, Ohio   44231
(lat:41.3288 lon:-81.0403) map location

Phone: (440) 564-2279
Although a small park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges provides a thrilling experience to visitors with its rugged cliffs and diverse plant life typical of a more northern climate. A day-use park, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is popular for picnicking and hiking.
Nature of the Area
The spectacular rock formations at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges have become trademarks of the park. These rock formations are among the few outcrops in northern Ohio still exposed to view. Most of the outcrops elsewhere have been covered with soil and rock left by receding glaciers.

The remarkable sandstone cliff formations resulted from the forces of erosion--wind, water freezing and thawing--that wore away at the softer rock layers. As these soft layers eroded, large blocks of rock called slump blocks fell away leaving more resistant layers to form ledges above.

The jumbled rocks and shaded rock faces are home to a wide variety of wildflowers, trees and ferns. The spring wildflower show includes spring beauties, hepatica and trillium and features the rare red trillium, which grows in great numbers along the ledges.

The beech-maple forest harbors a few tree species that are more common in cooler climates: yellow birch, Canadian hemlock and Canada yew are common here. Some of these trees cling to the rock faces, their roots pushing into every available crevice. In the shelter of the roots and shaded by the leafy canopy above, ferns such as the Christmas and maidenhair fern grow in abundance. Others such as the marginal shield fern, grape fern, wood fern and common polypody are more unusual for this part of the state.

The leafy canopy is home to a variety of songbirds, while small mammals such as skunk, raccoon and fox squirrels inhabit other areas of the park.
History of the Area
This area was of vital importance to the Indian tribes. The park lies near one of the highest points of the state and is close to the watershed divide between the Ohio River and Lake Erie. Several major foot trails and canoe routes passed through this vicinity. This area became an important trade center for both pioneers and Indians.

The area developed into an important agricultural and dairy center. Cheesemaking was prominent and began nearly as soon as the first settlers arrived. By 1834, northeast Ohio cheese controlled the southern markets. Eventually, canal and rail transportation increased the area's importance.

The town of Hiram, west of the park, is home to Hiram College where James A. Garfield, 20th President of the United States, was educated. At the age of 26, he was chosen president of the college. The college was opened in 1851 as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute, received its charter in 1867, and was rebuilt and enlarged in 1886.

The Nelson-Kennedy region has always been a popular vacation spot and eventually came under state protection. In 1940, the state purchased land at Nelson Ledges, and in 1948, it bought 101 acres of the area known as Kennedy Ledges. The state of Ohio created Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in 1949 to preserve the area for future generations of Ohioans to enjoy.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres167
Day-UseHiking Trail, miles3
 Picnickingyes



Picnicking
The park provides excellent sites for picnics. Tables and grills are provided.
Trails
Hikers will enjoy the several trails that wander through the Nelson Ledges to formations like Devil's Icebox, Indian Pass and Old Maid's Kitchen. All visitors are urged to exercise caution while hiking and are advised to restrict their travel to established trails only. Park rules prohibit off-trail hiking and beverage containers on hiking trails.
Area Attractions
Many of northern Ohio's finest tourist sites are within a short drive of Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park. Those who wish to complement their visit to Nelson-Kennedy with a camping adventure will want to stay at nearby Punderson State Park. A full-facility campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Punderson also boasts its Manor House and family cabins for a more luxurious overnight stay. Reservations for cabins or lodge rooms can be made by calling 1-800-282-7275 (AT-A-PARK).

Tinker's Creek State Nature Preserve is located adjacent to Tinker's Creek State Park and features extensive marshes. A 1.5-mile trail, known as Seven Ponds Trail, features a boardwalk through the wetlands. An observation deck has been constructed to allow visitors excellent views of waterfowl. The preserve is open during daylight hours and is accessible only on foot. Parking is available on Old Mill Road in Aurora.

West Branch State Park, located east of Ravenna, offers opportunities for camping, fishing, swimming, hunting and boating.

Other Portage and Geauga county attractions beckon the visitor to enjoy the charming rural atmosphere of Ohio's Western Reserve region. Century Village in Burton is a living history museum that recreates the lifestyle of the 18th century northern Ohio. Many of the towns and villages in this area are noted for antique shops and for the many fine festivals they sponsor each year.

Those who enjoy amusement parks will find Six Flags World of Adventure in Aurora has plenty of excitement to offer.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 22 Hocking Hills? by Erie Lakeside
park review stars; one to five This park reminds me of the Hocking Hills but it is closer to home.
July 10 A unique enclave
park review stars; one to five As a NEO native, I have visited here over many years. This small park has always held a special place in my memories. The landscape is atypical of the area in general with its massive boulders and deep crags. It has an aura of mystery about it and it is just a great place to get lost for an afternoon and ponder the natural forces that brought it into being.
July 5 Great thrills for hikers by Katlin S. Petrow
park review stars; one to five We have going to Nelson-Kennedy Ledges for over 40 years and each visit brings new thrills in hiking over, under, and between all the cool rock formations
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Area Campgrounds
Ridge Ranch Campground
5219 Ohio 303
Newton Falls, OH
330-898-8080
Windrush Hollow Camp Inc
15560 Mayfield Road
Huntsburg, OH
440-635-5050
Kool Lakes Family Campground
12990 Nelson Ledge Road
Garrettsville, OH
440-548-8436
Country Acres Campground & Fun Park
9850 Minyoung Road
Ravenna, OH
330-358-2774
Woodside Lake Park
2486 Frost Road
Streetsboro, OH
330-626-4251
Roundup Lake Campground
3392 Ohio 82
Mantua, OH
330-562-9100
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Buckeye Worm Farm
800 State Route 534 NW
Newton Falls, OH
(330) 898-8073
Area Cabins and Lodges
River Pines Recreational Village
17000 Main Market Rd
Parkman, OH
(440) 548-8819
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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