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Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
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.
Trails
Picnicking
History of the Area
This area was of vital importance to the Indian tribes. The park lies - 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 areas 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.
More Info
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...
...ups & Motorcoaches. Representatives Names. Debbie Heck, Executive Director, Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau. Other Company Personnel. Lisa Wild, Office Manager, Streetsboro Visitors...
...o has 73 state parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences.
...o has 73 state parks that offer a variety of outdoor experiences.
...K TO CONSTRUCTION HOME PAGE. Sightseeing LAST UPDATED 6/5/01 1015 A.M. ALL ARE WITHIN A ONE HOUR DRIVE OF AURORA. EXCEPT FOR THOSE NOTED WITH AN * AMISH COUNTRY. *Holmes County Chamber of...
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Area Attractions
Many of northern Ohios 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).
Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve is located adjacent to Tinkers 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 Ohios 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) 5642195
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) 2972175
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) 8982819
Kool Lakes Camp
12990 Nelson Ledge Rd
Garrettsville, OH
(440) 548-8436
Traveler's Woods
11922 Brosius Rd
Garrettsville, OH
(330) 527-4232
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) 5432331
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
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park