Everything you need to know about visiting Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in Ohio.
Located about a 40-minute drive from Cuyahoga Valley National Park (read my tips for visiting the National Park here), Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park had our absolute favorite hiking experience in the area. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is a 167-acre public recreation area offering four short trails (all 1 mile or less) and a picnic area.
With its rugged cliffs, waterfalls, and natural landscape, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park provides a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. The park’s spectacular rock formations are among the few in northern Ohio still exposed to view. The rock formations tower 50 to 60 feet high with ground fissures as deep as 60 feet.
Here you will enjoy several trails that wander through the Nelson Ledges to formations like Devil’s Icebox (where it is so cold and you can see your breath), Goldhunters Cave, and Old Maid’s Kitchen. The Falls Edge Glass Walkway, a 137-foot walkway over Sylvan Creek Gorge, offers stunning views of the gorge and ends in a platform overlooking Minnehaha Falls.
Hiking Trails
The park’s hiking trails are marked with brightly colored trail blazes on trees and rocks. Most of the trails connect.
The park features four scenic hiking trails:
- White Trail – 1 Mile – easy – This is a loop trail that takes you out to see Minnehaha Falls and stays on top of the cliffs.
- Yellow Trail – 3/4 Mile – moderate – This trail has some of our favorite areas and takes you to Cascade Falls. You will walk through some narrow, but passable, ledges and through Dwarf’s Pass.
- Blue Trail – 3/4 Mile – moderate – This trail connects to both white and red. It takes you through the bottom of the cliff with some climbing. One of our favorite areas was Devil’s Icebox, located on this trail.
- Red Trail – 1/2 Mile – difficult – This is the most challenging trail, taking you through several narrow passageways. This trail connects to the blue trail near Devil’s Icebox.
Quick Tips
- State park address: 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231
- Stay on the trails at all times and exercise caution; there are many ground fissures and drop-offs.
- Wear appropriate footwear (no flip flops or shoes with no tread).
- Bring water and bug spray.
- Facilities: Parking and restrooms (pit toilets) are available at the trailhead.
