Here in Northeast Ohio, the geography is… well, seemingly unimpressive. After glaciers flattened the landscape and ancient faults fell silent, we’re left with just one mountain in Cleveland, and it’s hardly even recognizable as such. However, if you peel back the haze of familiarity, you’ll find that this area is filled to the brim with natural wonders. From incredible glacial grooves to sandstone ledges built of remnants from an ancient ocean, there’s much to discover here. For the latter feature, a trip to The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio is in order. Here, stunning sandstone ledges create a gorge that’s downright humbling, especially in the winter. From snow-kissed evergreen branches to icicle encrusted grottos, you have to visit this lovely park this winter.

In the warmer months, a trip to The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio is pure magic.

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If you've never heard of Novelty, Ohio, you might be surprised to learn that it's only about 30 minutes from home. This tiny town is about a 10-minute drive from Chagrin Falls, and like its neighboring communities, the area is known for its natural beauty.

Once winter sets in, however, the landscape becomes like another world.

Seraphim M. Lewis/Google Images
This pretty place isn't Narnia, but it feels darn close. Stretching across 902 acres, The West Woods is a unique park that hides many significant attractions.

The park gets its name from Albert G. Riddle, a Cleveland lawyer-turned-Congressman who also wrote in his spare time.

Rod Jewell/AllTrails
Most famously, Riddle defended the abolitionists in Oberlin that once worked tirelessly to free runaway slaves. The Young Sugar Makers of the West Woods, a story he penned in 1885, cemented the park's name. However, as the historic sandstone cliffs in the park reveal to sharp-eyed visitors, Riddle was far from the first visitor in the area. This carving predates his publication by 110 years!

As you hike across the park's 7 miles of trails, you'll find yourself awed by the power of Silver Creek.

Brad Nellis/Google Images
This Chagrin River tributary has been carefully restored by the Geauga Park District, reversing the impact early area millers had on the stream. During warmer winters and early spring, snowmelt often creates little waterfalls along the length of the stream.

However, one of the greatest hikes to take in The West Woods is Ansel's Cave Trail.

Seraphim M. Lewis/Google Images
This route is mostly gravel, and at 1.5 miles in length, it's one of the longer hikes in the park. However, this route leads to great beauty! Just be sure to bundle up, as the sandstone ledges can create a little wind tunnel if conditions are right.

This path will take you past various little caves, each of with is teeming with life.

Robbie Reid/AllTrails
You may not immediately notice, but these ledges are home to all sorts of native species. Mosses and ferns have taken root, and critters like insects and bats find solace here. Don't be surprised if you spot a bit of movement around the rocks during your visit!

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If you're wondering which cave is Ansel's Cave... well, you're looking at it!

Anthony M/AllTrails
Early settlers called rock outcroppings like this caves, as long as you could get under them and take shelter. There are indeed several small caves on-site, but you'll have to stay on the trail unless you take a naturalist-guided hike. The rocks are slippery, and they're teeming with wildlife, so the ask to stay on the trail protects both you and the natural landscape.

For generations, tales about the cave area have circulated.

Malinda Elrod/AllTrails
There are many legends about Ansel's Cave, including whispers of the Underground Railroad, Civil War soldier camps, and whiskey making. A whiskey still was purportedly found on the property, lending credence to some claims. Other stories, including on-site cheesemaking and possible counterfeiting, may also have some truth, too.

And again, though the "cave" isn't a traditional cave, there are little grottos throughout the park.

Instagram: @telephonesmoothie/AllTrails
The sandstone ledges contain many small caves, and they're stunning to see in each and every season. Just be sure to admire from afar... it's important to protect the wildlife by staying on the designated trails.

All in all, each trip to the park is memorable, but winter visits are an experience like no other.

Denise Workum/AllTrails
You'll love exploring Silver Creek and the surrounding wetlands, especially when they're coated in a layer of snow. This sleeping landscape hides many possibilities, including rare and threatened species. When the snow melts, some 100 species of fungi can be found here, including some species that are rare in North America.

After your winter visit to The West Woods, you just might find yourself planning a return trip for each ensuing season.

Allison Papp/Google Images
I love this park in Geauga County, and it's close enough to home to merit a stop. The landscape feels starkly different from anything in Cleveland, so it truly is like stepping into another world.

This winter, treat yourself to a trip to The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio.

Irayda E. Tejeda R/Google Images
Getting to the park is easy! Just navigate to 9465 Kinsman Rd, Novelty, OH 44072.

You’re going to love visiting The West Woods in Novelty, Ohio! It’s only about half an hour’s drive from Cleveland, so getting there is a breeze. There’s much to discover in this Geauga County Park, whether you visit during the winter or the warmer months. If you’re visiting during the winter, check out our Ultimate Winter Packing List to make sure you have everything you need before you go.

Looking to add more natural splendor to your road trip? Punderson State Park is just 10 minutes away!

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The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd, Novelty, OH 44072, USA