You may have heard of Headlands Beach and its famous dunes, but there’s another Northeast Ohio spot with forest, sandstone ledges, and nearby dunes. These little-known sand dunes are situated near a park with stunning scenic overlooks, charming hiking trails, and beautiful picnic areas… and these pretty spots are breathtaking in each and every season. In fact, the landscape looks like a world from a fairytale… and even a bit like a small-scale Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This unique hike near Cleveland is perfect for the nature lover who feels like they’ve done it all. Ready to explore? Here’s everything you need to know about one of Northeast Ohio’s best-kept secrets:

Ever heard of Thompson, Ohio? This Geauga County township is worth a visit.
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With just a few thousand residents, many Clevelanders don't even realize Thompson exists. However, at just under an hour from Cleveland, this community is worth visiting... even if you're just taking a road trip to Thompson Ledges Township Park.
The park takes its name from the landscape's abundant rocky ledges, but that's just one of many attractions here.
Ricky Pierce/Google Images
Interestingly, this park is also a very old attraction. Obviously, historic forces of erosion and deposition shaped the landscape, but Thompson residents of yore actually established Geauga County's first park district! Prior to its establishment, the landscape had been explored by Victorian-era tourists.
Visitors love exploring the hiking trails, boardwalks, and scenic overlooks of Thompson Ledges Township Park.
Russ Hazel/Google Images
The park is open from sun up to sun down, and daylight hours vary from season to season in Northeast Ohio. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly, because visiting this site is a bit of a hike from Cleveland. But, boy, is it worth it!
Unsuspecting hikers may find themselves surprised by the sand dunes near the southern stretches of the park.
Joseph Ethan/Google Images
At 66 acres in size, there's no shortage of unique ecosystems to see here. However, the dunes are a bit of a surprise if you aren't expecting them!
If not for the native plants surrounding the dunes, you might even think this spot was part of a desert or an alien planet.
Emma T/Google Images
The sand dunes exist deep in the forest, as the park's southern reaches brush against a sand quarry. It is an active worksite, so you'll only be able to admire it from afar. The private property signs near the southern edges of the park have a tendency to disappear, so you might have to stick closely to the established trail to prevent yourself from wandering too far.
Unfortunately for hikers, the dunes exist on private property... but you can still admire them from afar!
Tiffany Schwarzwalder/Google Images
While you can't climb these dunes, they're beautiful to behold from a safe distance. One of the best (and totally legal, trespassing-free) ways to see the dunes is by driving down OH-528, which intersects with Thompson Road. The park is nestled between these two roads, so it's not out of the way at all!
Interestingly, both the Sharon Conglomerate ledges and sand in the area have been quarried for construction.
Emma T/Google Images
The sand and pebbles from local sandstone have been used in concrete construction, and the stone itself was cut and used in the creation of steps, bridges, and more. You might even recognize some locally-sourced Sharon Conglomerate in historic structures throughout the region!

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Inside the park, you'll find a verdant contrast to the beiges and browns of the nearby quarry.
Mrslakok/Google Images
You can reference a map of the park to plot out the spots you'd like to visit. Dead Man's Cave and Lookout Point are two particularly coveted spots... especially if you can manage a trip to Lookout Point as the retreating sun is starting to paint the sky in pinks, oranges, and dreamy blues.
Visitors particularly love the moss-covered forest floor, which you can easily envision fairies and elves dancing across.
Mamie E./Google Images
This landscape is straight out of a Brothers Grimm story. Young hikers and grownups alike love taking a moment to stop and (gently) feel the soft moss, which also coats many of the sandstone ledges.
There's magic in this park, so don't be surprised if you stumble upon an unusual feature or two.
Laura Vokoun/Google Images
This unusual landmark is a point of admiration for many park visitors. It's almost like an outdoor art exhibit... it offers an opportunity to stop and reflect!
And you never know what kinds of critters you'll encounter... watch your step and leave nothing behind but footprints.
Nicholas Hrusch/Google Images
The park is home to salamanders, caterpillars, unique plants like the red trillium, and so much more. Salamanders tend to migrate in the spring, so aim to visit around March if you're hoping to spot a few!
Most of the trails in the park are a half-mile or less in length, so they're fairly simple to navigate.
Jamie Vanek/Google Images
Families with young children love the easy hikes, but be prepared for elevation changes. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as you'll want to keep hydrated on your trek.
Visitors can expect beauty in every season... Thompson Ledges Township Park is full of splendor even when coated in snow.
Rob Ringenbach/Google Images
Gentle dustings of pretty white snow only add to the fairytale milieu. Plus, the ledges form icicles that are stunning!
All in all, this park is perfect for Cleveland hikers hoping to experience something new.
Thompson Ledge Park/Facebook
You'll find the park at 16755 Thompson Rd, Thompson, OH 44086.

This unique hike near Cleveland is well worth a visit! Be ready for a workout, because this diverse terrain takes some time to traverse.

Want to explore more otherworldly places near Cleveland? Mentor Lagoons is like a fairytale setting, and it’s a National Natural Landmark that’s worth seeing in person.

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16755 Thompson Rd, Thompson, OH 44086, USA