Ohio’s state parks are among the very best in the country. Whether you’re looking to get lost in the depths of an ancient-growth forest or wander the shores of a beautiful Lake Erie beach, the Cleveland area is home to a wide variety of amazing state parks suited to every kind of outdoorsman. Here are seven under-the-radar state parks to visit near Cleveland that are perfect for your next adventure!

1. Tinkers Creek State Park (10303 Aurora Hudson Rd, Streetsboro, OH, 44241)
Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora Hudson Rd, Streetsboro, OH 44241, USA
Flickr/Tim Evanson
Tinkers Creek is made up of hundreds of acres of stunningly peaceful swamps and other wetlands. The diversity of plant life in this fascinating marsh ecosystem is truly stunning, and the animals that frequent the area are otherwise rare in northeast Ohio. And the overlook at Tinkers Creek? Swoon!
2. Headlands Beach State Park (9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH, 44060)
Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
Flickr/Erik Drost
The mile-long sandy strip of beach that makes up Headlands Beach State Park is not only the longest natural sand beach in Ohio, but the best way to experience all that the North Coast has to offer.
3. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges (State Route 282, Nelson Township, OH, 44231)
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231, USA
Flickr/E Photos
One of northeast Ohio's greatest geological marvels, the mammoth and peculiar rock formations that make up the Nelson-Kennedy Ledges are like stepping onto an alien world. From towering stone spires to sheer cliff faces, the landscape of this park is truly one of a kind.

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4. Punderson State Park (11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury, OH, 44065)
Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065, USA
Flickr/Mike
Nestled within nearly 750 acres of preserved woodlands on the banks of a beautiful natural lake, Punderson State Park boasts something no other state park in Ohio can claim: a historic European-style resort manor. After a day exploring the gorgeous grounds, you'll never want to check out.
5. West Branch State Park (5570 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH, 44266)
West Branch State Park, 5570 Esworthy Rd, Ravenna, OH 44266, USA
Flickr/Mike Steele
One of the most biologically diverse stretches of woodland in northeast Ohio, you can expect to find plant and animal life at West Branch State Park that you'll never see at any other park. From a thick beech-maple forest to bogs full of vibrant plant life, there is no shortage of fascinating discoveries to be made in the wilderness of West Branch.
6. Mosquito Lake State Park (1439 State Route 305, Cortland, OH, 44410)
U.s. Army Corps Of Engineers Mosquito Creek Lake, 1439 Wilson Sharpsville Rd, Cortland, OH 44410, USA
Flickr/MissMessie
One of Ohio's biggest lakes, the lovely Mosquito Lake isn't anywhere near as annoying as its name suggests. Sprawling woodlands and tranquil marshes supplement this incredible lake, and there are over 2,000 acres to explore in this unforgettable park.
7. Portage Lakes State Park (5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH, 44319)
Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319, USA
Wikimedia Commons
This stellar waterfront park encompasses over 400 acres of the beautiful Akron area. The small lakes dotting the park are ideal for swimming, small craft boating, fishing, and other water activities, and the nearby wetlands are a great place to watch for exotic shorebirds.

What are your favorite state parks to visit in Cleveland? Did your favorite state park near Cleveland not make the cut? Tell us about what makes it special in the comments below.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit Near Cleveland

Sarah | January 12, 2022

Are there any national parks I can visit near Cleveland?

You're in luck! Cleveland is a stone's throw from Ohio's one and only national park! Of course, we're talking about Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the most underrated gems in the entire country. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to some incredible hiking trails, natural wonders and even a scenic railroad. It’s arguably the crowned jewel of the Buckeye State that both nature lovers and Ohio explorers alike can’t get enough of -- we know we can't! Check out this article for a bunch of ideas and inspiration as you plan a visit to this amazing national park in Ohio.

What kind of outdoor recreation is available around Cleveland?

Located in the northern region of the Buckeye State, Cleveland is well-positioned for a whole array of outdoor recreation and adventure. From hiking and cycling to swimming in the area's numerous beaches, Cleveland is one big paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! In addition to the state parks near Cleveland listed above, there are some amazing parks within the Cleveland Metroparks system that you'll want to visit when you get a chance. Bedford Reservation is one of our favorites; with more than 2,200 acres to explore, Bedford Reservation is secretly the most magical destination in the Cleveland Metroparks. The park's All Purpose Trail spans 7.6 miles, and it takes you past some of the finest features in the whole park. We're talking about amazing waterfalls, vibrant foliage, and an abundance of Ohio wildlife. Are you ready to plan your adventure in this picturesque Ohio park? Get all the details in this article!

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