Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
Angled rock blocks
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is located in Ohio
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges
Location in Ohio
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is located in the United States
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges (the United States)
LocationPortage County, Ohio, United States
Nearest townGarrettsville, Ohio
Coordinates41°19′34″N 81°02′19″W / 41.3261666°N 81.0387057°W / 41.3261666; -81.0387057[1]
Area167 acres (68 ha)[2]
Elevation1,010 feet (310 m)[1]
Established1949
Administered byOhio Department of Natural Resources
DesignationOhio state park
WebsiteNelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is a 167-acre (68 ha) public recreation area offering trails and picnicking located in Nelson Township, Portage County, Ohio, United States.[3] Within the park are angled rock formations 50 to 60 feet (18 m) high with ground fissures as deep as 60 feet (18 m). It is accessible from U.S. Route 422 and State Route 305 via State Route 282.[4]

History

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In 1949, the state of Ohio established the park based on land it had previously purchased at Nelson Ledges and Kennedy Ledges.[3]

In 2011, two deaths caused by falls from the park's cliffs were reported.[5]

In 2022, the state approved $1.5 million in funding to add a glass observation bridge and trail signage to the park.[6]

Description

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The park is known for its rock formations, including the Devil's Icebox, Indian Pass and Old Maid's Kitchen.[3][6] The park also features waterfalls and ground fissures, some of which are 60 feet deep.[6] Vegetation includes trees like the yellow birch, Canadian Hemlock, and Canada yew as well as ferns like the Christmas fern and maidenhair fern.[3]

Activities

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Inside the narrow city of rocks.

The park is open from dawn until dusk. There are approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) of main hiking trails, as well as many unmarked and more dangerous paths. To mark off the trails, a color-coding system is used on the rocks and trees. White is moderately easy, yellow and blue are medium difficulty, and red is extremely difficult, with some climbing of rocks involved.[4][7] It is located near Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, a large park and popular music venue.[7]

Because of the cliffs and hazards along the trails, night hiking is not recommended[who?] due to the decreased visibility.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park". Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008.
  3. ^ a b c d "Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park". Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Thomas, Lillian (June 10, 2005). "Hitting the trails: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved February 9, 2007.
  5. ^ Lane, Mary Beth Lane (May 21, 2013). "2nd fall in Hocking Hills is park's 3rd death this year". The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c Smith, Diane (November 18, 2022). "Nelson Ledges gets $1.5 million in state funding for improvements". Record-Courier. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  7. ^ a b Flesher, Joshua S. (August 5, 2009). "Going out on the ledges: Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park and quarry offer hiking, swimming, concerts". Tribune Chronicle. Warren, Ohio. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011.
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