Triangle Lake Bog The Most Remote, Isolated Spot Close To Cleveland And It's Positively Breathtaking
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 15, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Have you ever wanted to explore an untouched and isolated spot near Cleveland? It’s likely that, at some point in your life, you felt a desire to steal away from the hustle and bustle of the day-to-day to bask in the glory of nature. Sure, there are plenty of local parks worth exploring, but they’re typically frequented by oodles of visitors. This is great if you’re looking for a bit of camaraderie, but every so often total immersion in the peace of nature is needed. Fortunately, such a place does exist just outside of Greater Cleveland. Grab some bug spray and hiking boots, because you’ll want to spend hours getting to know this unusual landmark.
Triangle Lake Bog State Nature Preserve may not look like much from the road, but looks can be deceiving.
This modest driveway leads back into a forest that is fairly indistinguishable from the rest of the surrounding landscape. However, this tiny slice of paradise is unlike anywhere else in Northeast Ohio.
Just beyond the parking lot, you'll find yourself in an untouched world beyond the realm of civilization.
This nature preserve is a bog, a mashup of peat deposits, sphagnum moss, and dead plant material. As a result of its makeup, this area is highly acidic and low in nutrients.
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At a mere 61 acres in size, this state nature preserve in Rootstown Township is easy to explore and well worth a visit.
This landscape is petite enough for an easy family hike, although it is also just vast enough to offer nature lovers a bit of peace and quiet as they get to know the local landscape.
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Visitors will stumble upon unusual plant life like the northern pitcher-plant during their explorations at Triangle Lake.
The pitcher plant is really interesting, as this plant thrives with green leaves in the summer and turns a deep blood red in the winter. This pretty plant is known colloquially as "turtle socks," but don't let the playful name fool you... this guy is carnivorous.
A kettle hole is a landmark formed by retreating glaciers. More often than not, these kettles fill with lakes like the one hiding in Triangle Lake Bog State Nature Preserve. Due to the acidic nature of local soil, this natural space became a bog... something you seldom hear about when it comes to hiking in the region.
Though there is much to see, you'll appreciate that the on-site loop trail is a mere quarter-mile in length.
You will adore the unique biodiversity of this landscape as you embark on your hike. Bogs differ notably from other Ohio landscape, and they often have plant and animal species that differ quite a bit from what you'd find in most hometown parks.
And, of course, you'll find yourself fascinated at the opportunity to spot carnivorous plants in the wilds of Ohio.
Pictured here is a round-leaved sundew, another carnivorous plant you're likely to discover during your travels. These plants attract meals by secreting a sweet, sticky substance that flies and other insects can't resist. Once bugs are stuck on its tentacle-like appendages, they are dissolved and the plant extracts their nutrients.
No matter the season, you will find yourself in awe of this landscape.
