Cleveland is encircled by an ‘Emerald Necklace’: an amazing ring of National and State Parks. While this ring might seem like one big park, there are actually 24 separate parks within 100 miles of Cleveland alone. Each has unique features, which is part of the reason they’re separate parks – each has unique needs in terms of upkeep and monitoring. The one thing that all of these parks have in common is that they’re beautiful and just waiting to be explored! Here are some amazing state parks in Cleveland (and near Cleveland) to visit ASAP:

1. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
Everett/Flickr
Formed by the erosion of sandstone over millennia, these ledges are some of the only ones in the state that are still viewable. Wildflowers spring from the rock faces, and tree roots cling to every crevice. This is also one of the few state parks near Cleveland with hiking trails rated 'Moderate' and 'Difficult'. Learn more about this hidden gem in this article.
2. Glacial Striations at Kelleys Island State Park
Kelleys Island glacial grooves
Kelleys Island State Park, 920 Division St, Kelleys Island, OH 43438, USA
Britt Reints/Flickr
Believed to be the biggest example of glacial striations in the world, the grooves at Kelleys Island are a must-see. Private ferries get you from the mainland to the island all year. The grooves were formed millennia ago, when glacial ice spread south from Canada, carving these patterns into the bedrock. Parts of these glaciers have since melted, creating the Great Lakes, and leaving their imprint on the land. It's an AMAZING place to go camping, too.

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3. Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park sunset
Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
Janet Moore-Coll/Flickr
This state park is home to the largest natural sand beach in Ohio, stretching one mile along the shores of Lake Erie. It's a summer favorite for Northeast Ohioans. The shores of the beach are home to plants that are typically only found on the Atlantic coast, such as sea rocket and purple sand grass. Get all the details in this handy article!
4. Portage Lakes State Park
Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club
Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319, USA
Portage Lakes Polar Bear Club/Facebook
Located just outside Akron, Portage Lakes is made up of a collection of natural glacial and man-made lakes. It's a perfect summer spot for boating, swimming, and fishing. The wetlands are a perfect bird-watching spot for migratory birds such as Mallards and Canada geese. The star of winter here is the annual charity Polar Bear Jump (pictured). Are you brave enough? Learn more on the Ohio DNR website.
5. Tinkers Creek State Park
Tinkers Creek marshland
Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd, Streetsboro, OH 44241, USA
Scott Smithson/Flickr
Glacial lakes here have largely turned into marshes and wetlands, perfect for birdwatching! Beavers and muskrats are common sightings. The Seven Ponds Trail is a great way to see the park, with a 1.5 mile boardwalk through the marshes. Visit the Ohio DNR website to learn more.

What are you waiting for? Start exploring! Ohio is an absolutely amazing state, especially if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. Which park will you visit first? The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination…

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Cleveland

Tori Jane | January 30, 2022

What are some of the best hiking trails in Cleveland?  

Who says you can’t go hiking in the city? We sure don’t! In fact, some of our favorite trails in Ohio are in or nearby Cleveland, and they are just as wonderful as their more wilderness counterparts that you might find in the woods. Some of the best, most popular trails in (and around) Cleveland include the most popular, which is the Fort Hill Earthworks Trail at the Rocky River Reservation. It’s a bit lengthy, at 4.6 miles long, but it’s amazingly scenic and great for wildlife watchers. Speaking of preserves, should you find yourself at the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, you’ll want to check out the aptly-named Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve trail. It’s short, at under three miles, but it’s beautiful and leads to some of our most treasured landscapes. It’s great for birdwatching and forgetting you’re in Ohio. If you’re a little spooky like we are, you’ll also probably like the Lake View Cemetery loop trail... if you dare.  

What are some of the best state parks around Cleveland?  

Much like hiking trails, there are some great state parks in and around Cleveland you’ve got to check out ASAP. Some of the best include gems like the Cleveland Lakefront State Park, which is right in the heart of the city. Other nearby state parks include Tinkers Creek, which is astonishingly beautiful but most especially when it’s lush and green during the warmer months, and Headlands Beach, which is home to the largest beach – yes, beach – in Ohio, right along beautiful Lake Erie. That’s a great place to see why the Great Lakes are seen as so great – you might forget you’re landlocked. Want some more inspiration? Check out this list of some of the best underappreciated state parks in Ohio.  

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