Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is a nature reserve in Ohio featuring sandstone cliffs that rise up to 60 feet high with deep fissures carved through the rocky terrain. The 167-acre area contains diverse forest types and geological formations shaped by natural erosion over time.

Ohio purchased land parcels in 1940 and 1948, then designated the site as a protected natural area in 1949. This conservation effort preserved the geological and ecological character of the location.

Native American tribes valued this location near the watershed divide between Lake Erie and Ohio River for its strategic position and natural resources.

The park features roughly 5 kilometers of color-marked hiking trails ranging from easy paths to challenging routes with climbing sections. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and prepare for uneven, rocky terrain throughout.

The site hosts northern tree species like yellow birch, Canadian hemlock, and Canada yew that normally grow further north. These plants thrive here because specific microclimates created by the deep fissures and cliffs support their growth.

Location: Portage County

Inception: 1949

Website: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/nelsonkennedy-ledges-state-park

GPS coordinates: 41.32851,-81.03923

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:30