Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

🌤 Weather at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park by season

Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
24–69 °F	56–81 °F	31–73 °F	16–37 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Hiram, 3 mi away, elevation 1,230 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

Situated just under an hour’s drive from the cities of Akron and Cleveland, Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is not your typical Ohio State Park. Set within 167 acres, this scenic day-use nature spot is dominated by a rock outcropping. This feature possesses narrow passages that lead through its cracks and run through towering cliffs. Within them flow small streams that are strewn with massive blocks of detached cliff face. With three miles of trails that run a course over, around and through its openings, it takes the form of a kind of stone maze. As you can imagine this makes the park a popular destination for hiking, with the surrounding forests, waterfalls, rich birds and wildlife only adding to the park’s uniqueness. Under an hour from Cleveland, it is a popular spot for picnicking. The park unfortunately does not have a campground, however there are plenty of accommodation options available to you within easy driving distance of it, should you need a place to stay.

Activities

The park provides visitors with multiple ways to immerse themselves within its spectacular landscape. Here is a brief rundown of some of the main activities you can enjoy whilst you are there.

Hiking at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

The best way to explore the park is by hiking. Throughout it you will find four separate trails that will take you to formations like Indian Pass, Old Maid’s Kitchen and Devil’s Icebox, via the Nelson Ledges. These trails are as follows:

• White Trail – Length: 1 mile. Degree of Difficulty: easy
• Yellow Trail – Length: 0.75 miles. Degree of Difficulty: moderate
• Blue Trail – Length: 0.75 miles. Degree of Difficulty: moderate
• Red Trail – Length: 3 miles. Degree of Difficulty: challenging

As the park’s name suggests, while hiking you will have to cross ledges. In addition, there are spots where you will also need to navigate your way up and down small boulders, as well as squeeze through thin passages. For this reason it is important you wear a good pair of hiking boots. You should also put on a hat and plenty of mosquito spray and sunscreen. It is worth taking lots of water with you as well.

Waterfalls at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

The park is home to two stunning waterfalls which you should make a point of seeing. Unlike other state parks in Ohio, as the park is relatively small you won’t need to trek too far to go and see them. At around 38 feet tall, the Cascade Falls is the larger of the two waterfalls. Here, the water runs down the towering rock face before falling into Gold Hunter’s Cave, which lies below it. Minnehaha Falls is about 18 feet tall and is notable for having a flow that continues on through a rock crevice before descending down to the gorge below. You will definitely want to bring your camera with you to capture these outstanding sights on film.

Picnicking at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Offering tranquility, serenity and an impressive natural backdrop, picnicking is a popular activity at the park. Located within the park are picnic tables where you can enjoy a packed lunch or al fresco meal. Some of these are shaded and all provide a nice scenic view for you to enjoy whilst you eat. If you do choose to use the picnic area be sure to dispose of your trash appropriately. Also be mindful that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted anywhere in the park.

Birding and Wildlife at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

If you love birding, you’ll definitely want to bring your binoculars to the park. All up some 71 species have been spotted here, either residing on a permanent basis or simply stopping by the park as part of their annual migration. Depending on what time of the year you visit the park and what part of it you are in, you might be able to see the likes of red bellied woodpeckers, tufted titmice, white throated sparrows, eastern bluebirds and American goldfinch. In addition to the birds, several small species of mammals such as raccoons, skunks and fox squirrels also inhabit the park.

Pets at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Just like all of Ohio’s other state parks, you are welcome to bring your dog with you to Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park at no extra cost. However, you will have to abide by its pet policy. This includes ensuring your dog is well behaved at all times and cleaned up after, should it make a mess. Dogs must also be on a handheld leash of no more than six feet in length and cannot be left unattended for more than 30 minutes too. They might not be permitted to enter certain buildings. So it is worth contacting the park’s main office for clarification on that.

Camping at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Unfortunately there is no camping accommodation available at the park. However, for those who require a place to stay in order to visit it, you will find the Nelson Ledges Quarry Park and Kool Lakes Family Campgrounds within a short driving distance. Between them these campgrounds offer plenty of sites including some that have connections for electricity. Depending on which one you stay at, amenities should include flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, children’s playground and concession store. If you would prefer to spend your nights somewhere which offers a few more home comforts, you will find motels and Vrbo type accommodation at the nearby towns of Nelson, Southington, Hiram and Garrettsville.

Park Location

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park 12440 OH-282 Garrettsville, OH 44231 Phone: 330.235.0030 Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park:

Explore More Ohio State Parks

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Ohio. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Ohio guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

More parks nearby: Punderson State Park is lies a short drive away.

Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Ohio state parks online at reserveohio.com.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule

Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas.

Leash rule statewide rule

Leash not to exceed 6 feet in length, in hand and under control

Beaches & swim areas statewide rule

No pets allowed at swimming beaches; some parks have designated dog swim areas and dog parks

Cabins & lodging statewide rule

Pet-friendly cabins available at select parks (Buck Creek, Cowan, Dillon, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, Pymatuning); maximum two pets per cabin; $10 added fee

Pet fees statewide rule

$10 added fee for pet-friendly cabins (charged whether pets come along or not); no pet fee for day use or camping

Statewide exceptions statewide rule

Designated leash-free dog exercise areas exist at some parks; no bathing of pets in campground shower houses

Are dogs allowed at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park?
Pets are allowed in Ohio state parks and in all state park campgrounds (maximum two pets per campsite) but must be leashed in public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via ohiodnr.gov. More: Ohio state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared