Facilities and Activities:
| General | Land, acres | 167 | | Day-Use | Hiking Trail, miles | 3 | | | Picnicking | yes |
State Park Location Maps:
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State Park Photo Gallery:
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State Park Event Calendar:
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Nearby Parks:
Grand River State Wildlife Area
West Branch State Park
Auburn State Wildlife Area
Mosquito Creek State Park
Punderson State Park
Mosquito Creek State Wildlife Area
Orwell State Wildlife Area
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| State Park Overview: |
 | 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. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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Great thrills for hikers
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
Written by Katlin S. Petrow
5-Jul-2008
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A unique enclave
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.
(name not given)
10-Jul-2008
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| 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. |
| Picnicking: |
| The park provides excellent sites for picnics. Tables and grills are provided. |
| 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. |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| QUIET IN THE COUNTRY - QUIET IN THE COUNTRY. Enjoy the peace, serenity and beauty of the rolling hills as you travel to Mesopotamia, Middlefield and Burton, in Geauga County, OH. Geauga County.s Amish community is... | | Streetsboro Visitors and Convention Bureau -- Group / Motorcoach - Groups & Motorcoaches. Representatives Names. Debbie Heck, Executive Director, Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau. Other Company Personnel. Lisa Wild, Office Manager, Streetsboro Visitors... | | Parks and Recreation - Portage Workforce Connection Portage County Directory Home | Welcome | Historical Perspective | Portage Today | Government | Public School Districts | Libraries Higher Education | ... | | Ohio - State Search List: AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HA ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY. Ohio. ... |
| 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. |
| Area Campgrounds | | Punderson State Park: Campground
Newbury, OH
(440) 564-1195
| Hosmer Lake
16070 Tavern Rd
Burton, OH
(440) 834-9190
| Windrush Hollow Camp Inc
15560 Mayfield Rd
Huntsburg, OH
(440) 635-5050
| Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp
3392 State Route 82
Mantua, OH
(330) 562-9100
| Nelson Ledges Quarry Park
12414 Nelson Ledge Rd
Garrettsville, OH
(440) 548-2716
| Hidden Valley Camp Ground
7515 Doak Dr
Ravenna, OH
(330) 297-1175
| Valley View Lake Park
8326 Ferguson Rd
Streetsboro, OH
(330) 626-2041
| Koa-Streetsboro Cleveland Se
187 State Route 303
Streetsboro, OH
(330) 650-2552
| Woodside Lake Park
2486 Frost Rd
Streetsboro, OH
(330) 626-4251
| Mar-Lynn Lake Park
187 State Route 303
Streetsboro, OH
(330) 650-2552
| Mosquito Lake State Park
1439 State Route 305
Cortland, OH
(330) 637-2856
| Ridge Ranch Campground
5219 State Route 303
Newton Falls, OH
(330) 898-8080
| Green Acres Lake Park
15487 Creed Rd
Diamond, OH
(330) 538-2194
| Country Acres Campground
9850 Minyoung Rd
Ravenna, OH
(330) 358-2774
| Paradise Lakes Family Campgrnd
1604 Housel Craft Rd
Bristolville, OH
(330) 889-3031
| Willow Lake Park Inc
6863 Mahoning Ave NW
Warren, OH
(330) 847-8614
| Hide-A-Way Campground
4063 Eagle Creek Rd
Leavittsburg, OH
(330) 898-8559
| Valley Lake Park
3959 State Route 305
Southington, OH
(330) 898-1819
| Kool Lakes Camp
12990 Nelson Ledge Rd
Garrettsville, OH
(440) 548-8436
| Traveler's Woods
11922 Brosius Rd
Garrettsville, OH
(330) 527-4232
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Gander Mountain
2390 Niles Cortland Rd Se
Warren, OH
(330) 544-5800
| Larry's Super Pawn Inc
2875 W Market St
Warren, OH
(330) 898-4197
| Causeway Sporting Goods
2233 Greenville Rd
Cortland, OH
(330) 637-7076
| West Branch Marina
8109 Cable Line Rd
Ravenna, OH
(330) 296-9209
| West Branch Bait & Tackle
5353 State Route 14
Ravenna, OH
(330) 297-9901
| TMF Sports Shop Inc
4081 Sandy Lake Rd
Ravenna, OH
(330) 296-2614
| Scott's Fishing Equipment & Sporting Goods
260 W Main St
Cortland, OH
(330) 637-5528
| Western Reserve Fish & Game
1058 W 3rd St
Niles, OH
(330) 544-3993
| Pikie Bay
7100 Hoagland Blackstub Rd
Cortland, OH
(330) 637-2512
| Captain Dan's
2252 Greenville Rd
Cortland, OH
(330) 393-3604
| Buckeye Worm Farm
800 State Route 534 NW
Newton Falls, OH
(330) 898-8073
| North Coast Bait & Tackle
16963 Mahoning Ave
Lake Milton, OH
(330) 654-2516
| Pine Lake Trout Club
17021 Chillicothe Rd
Chagrin Falls, OH
(440) 543-1331
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Cottage Vacation Rentals
330 N Prospect St
Ravenna, OH
(330) 525-5563
| Avalon Golf & Country Club-Avalon Lakes
1 American Way NE
Warren, OH
(330) 856-8898
| Punderson Manor Resort
11175 Kinsman Rd
Newbury, OH
(440) 564-5465
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