Cleveland is blessed with a winding pattern of parks known collectively as the Emerald Necklace. The metroparks dazzle in their natural state, teeming with flora and fauna of every shape and color. Sometimes, though, it is refreshing to travel a little further from home to explore something new and experience an entirely different natural habitat. If you're seeking a large state park near Cleveland for your next hiking adventure, look no further than this alluring spot managed by the Summit Metro Parks.
Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve is located at 1230 Old Mill Road in Aurora.
Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese, and other species often nest amid this stunning greenery. Bring binoculars on your hike to get a close view without disturbing them.
...As well as the perfect habitat for a variety of mammalian fauna.
Racoon, deer, and weasels are just a few of the critters that live in the area. Keep your eyes peeled for footprints, because the marshy conditions are just right to create traces of these animals.
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Tinkers Creek has remained untouched by development, which means it is spectacularly pristine.
Native flowers and other Ohio plants grow in abundance in this untouched wonderland. The moist soils of the wetlands ensure that flowers remain bountiful throughout the summer months.
Due to swampy conditions, the entirety of the preserve is not accessible to visitors.
Along this route you will pass through a field and forest, then alongside the marsh. Tell-tale signs of beavers are evident throughout the region, so be cautious not to disturb the local wildlife.
Every trip to this nature preserve is an adventure.
Though some areas can be seasonally wet and, as a result, might seem somewhat bug-infested, this untouched sanctuary is always a delight. A great number of fascinating sights are native to this region, and you will adore the peaceful escape from reality that it provides.
One of the best parts of life in Cleveland is the variety of adventures that the area offers. Though the urban regions are traffic-heavy and filled with the sounds of city life, there is always a nearby natural getaway that can provide healing moments of relief. For more Northeast Ohio adventures, check out these mesmerizing waterfalls.
Life on the lake can be beautiful, and there's certainly a reason Clevelanders know their home as the best location in the nation. However, spending a lifetime in a bustling, high-energy city can feel exhausting. If you're craving a road trip, there's one dreamy destination that's under two hours south - close enough for a quick weekend trip, or even a day trip if you're especially adventurous. The area is endlessly charming and includes a mystical natural landscape, both of which are features that will make a visit your most memorable weekend getaway in Ohio.
This quaint community is about two hours from Cleveland and is a downright enchanting destination for a road trip or a small-town getaway in Ohio. It is home to about 11,000 residents; a small population for such a vast area with so much charm.
Though the community is a bit of a drive from Cleveland, it's close enough for a quick weekend trip - or a longer stay, if you fall in love with the area. And there are so many things to do in Cambridge, Ohio, making it a great destination.
If you’ve never driven from Cleveland into this lovely expanse of Guernsey County, you are in for an absolute treat. The area is in the Appalachian Plateau of the Appalachian Mountains, meaning its landscape differs dramatically from ours up north. Plus, the area abounds with a surprising history that you’ll likely uncover during your stay.
Here you'll find nature, beauty, and fun for the whole family.
While many road trip destinations seem to appeal to particular groups, there is something that everyone can enjoy in this community. Children will adore hiking, parents will enjoy unwinding at fine restaurants, and photographers will fall in love with Cambridge’s picturesque charm.
A trek through the community's state park is sure to take your breath away, so be sure to bring along hiking gear.
Hiking boots, bug spray, and water bottles are a must for this journey, as Salt Fork State Park will have you longing to spend time in the great outdoors. Its 17,229 acres are full of discoveries waiting to be made.
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You're sure to love the spacious accommodations of the park's cozy lodge...
Want to spend some time in nature, but need an escape with electricity and plumbing? You truly can’t go wrong with a stay in Salt Fork State Park Lodge.
...Though its campus will make you feel like you're staying at an exclusive resort.
Have you ever heard of The National Museum of Cambridge Glass? This fascinating museum explores the history of the Cambridge Glass Company by displaying breathtaking and fragile pieces of glass.
Is there anything as sweet as Ohio grapes? Georgetown Vineyards knows that this fruit is only made sweeter when paired with romantic views and excellent service.
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When you work up an appetite exploring the area, you won't have to look far for delicious dining.
With delicious comfort foods and a downright cozy atmosphere, it's no wonder The Bear's Den Steakhouse has become an area favorite. It’s one of the highest-rated eateries in the area, and locals and visitors alike can't get enough of their mouthwatering meals.
If you're craving an escape from Cleveland for a weekend getaway in Ohio, this is one community that you're sure to fall in love with. Have you explored the stunning Salt Fork State Park and Cambridge, OH? We'd love to see some of your photos in the comments! You can also tag us on Instagram for a chance to have your photos featured.
At under two hours from home, this gorgeous little community is an easy weekend trip from Cleveland. Just make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all the things you'll need in the car for a comfortable ride before you go.
If you don't like the weather in Cleveland, just wait five minutes. This mantra is often repeated by lifelong Clevelanders, and it's certainly true. As I'm writing this article, heavy snowfall is coming down in Cleveland. A few hours ago, there wasn't any snow on the ground. Winter here is unpredictable, sure, but it's also a time of great excitement, particularly if you enjoy hiking. The presence of snow just does something remarkable to the local landscape, and with a few layers of clothing and a good pair of hiking boots, it can easily become a recipe for adventure. One of the very best winter hiking spot near Cleveland is just a short drive away in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It's the only national park in Ohio, and it's 288 miles from the next nearest national park, so it's a real treat to have in our own backyard. Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to its iconic Ledges Overlook, so you can stay warm and cozy as you admire its wintertime beauty. However, it's so stunning that you just might have to plan a trip to see it in-person!
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To nature lovers that are in-the-know, Ledges Overlook is one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
This stunning spot in Ohio's only national park is part of Ritchie Ledges, which are a remnant of Ohio's Devonian age. At the time, our state was underwater, and these gorgeous sandstone ledges were once the ocean floor during this segment of the Carboniferous era.
However, only the hardiest of hikers know how magical this spot becomes in the wintertime.
While leaves don't necessarily reflect the colors of the sky, the crystalline top of a snow-encrusted landscape is perfectly poised to capture and reflect the hues of the setting sun. In the winter, hikers may be treated to a rose gold landscape bathed in pure beauty.
This spot has long been cherished by hikers, as the Ledges were a popular tourist spot in the Victorian era.
For generations, hikers and adventurers have sought out solace in this pretty spot. Eventually, Hayward Kendall, a wealthy industrialist from Cleveland, purchased the property to preserve its beauty. When he passed, the property was left to the Akron Metropolitan Park District with a request to name the new park in his mother's memory. Nowadays, the Ritchie Ledges are part of Virginia Kendall Park, one of the loveliest gems in the local national park district.
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If you know where to look, there's quite a bit of history waiting to be uncovered.
When the national park was established, stretches of local property were gobbled up and assimilated into the national park. This led to many local myths and legends, but that same history doesn't apply to this pretty park. Here, members of the the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Great Depression made a living wage by working to establish trails, build shelters, and create staircases among the sandstone conglomerate. Much of their handiwork is still visible, and carvings from earlier visitors are hiding in the Sharon Conglomerate stone.
Throughout the entirety of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, gorgeous stretches of Sharon Conglomerate are waiting to greet visitors.
It's incredible to think that these stone ledges have been subject to the forces of nature for millions of years. Each frost and thaw causes more subtle weathering, but the presence of dramatic ice stalactites in the winter makes it easy to envision the impact that our weather cycles have on this landscape.
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Of course, this sandstone outcropping will rest beneath your feet when you stand atop the Ledges Overlook.
The overlook is a stop on the Ledges Trail, a 1.8-mile that circles the plateau. You'll stand atop the 100-foot tall ledges, which provides an excellent view of the local landscape. On clear days, you can see for miles, and the lazily lifting fog from the Cuyahoga Valley below makes the undulating landscape look almost mountainous.
Due to the nature of the trail coiling up sandstone ledges, you can expect a dramatic elevation change throughout your hike.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you're going to trek up an elevation change of roughly 80 feet. The hike back down is easier, but overall, the hike is decently challenging. Set aside at least an hour to traverse the loop trail and trailhead.
While the hike is a bit of a challenge, it's well worth it if you can catch the sunset.
This is arguably one of the most romantic places in Ohio, especially in the winter when you'll want to cuddle up. If you do plan a sunset hike, consider a keychain flashlight for your safety. There's nothing scarier than hiking in the dark, and if you're a regular hiker, keeping a flashlight on you at all times will doubtlessly come in handy in the future.
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If you're looking for an incredible winter hiking spot near Cleveland, you must set out to find Ledges Overlook in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
It's humbling to see just how far the national park stretches. Overall, Cuyahoga Valley National Park covers 32,572 acres, or the equivalent of nearly 51 square miles. This is much bigger than the smallest national park (Gateway Arch National Park, 193 acres) and much smaller than the largest national park (Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, 13.2 million acres). Nonetheless, it's a little slice of wintertime paradise right here in Northeast Ohio.
You're going to love wintertime hikes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Look for the Ledges Trailhead in Peninsula, OH, 44264.
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This convivial winter hiking spot near Cleveland is a real treat. Its beauty is stunning in every season, but there's just something magical about the way the setting sun paints the snowy landscape here. You're going to fall in love with this hike, but don't forget to bring a buddy along for the ride! The trails can be slippery in the winter, so keep your guard up and watch your step along the way.
While you're in the area, head over to The Farmer's Rail in Hudson for some farm fresh food and delicious bakery. I recommend warming up with a cinnamon roll!
