Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park - Explore Cliffs, Waterfalls, Caves & More!

Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is an adventure seeker’s dream. While it’s only 167 acres in size and the longest trail is only 1 mile, the scenery and uniqueness of the park make it well worth the trip. You’ll explore impressive rock formations and trails that lead through the rocks to caves, waterfalls, and crevices you can squeeze and navigate through.

Look Down into the Canyon at Nelson Kennedy Ledges

Things to do at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

When you arrive, park in the Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park’s parking lot and walk across the street to get to the trailhead.

Helpful Tip: Print off a trail map before you go. Or use your phone to take a photo of the map at the trailhead. That way you have something to refer back to as you are hiking

Walking Path Through the Ledges at Nelson Kennedy Ledge

Hiking Trails at Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

There are 4 trails located in the park each offering a different and unique experience.

White Trail
This trail leads to Minnehaha Falls. It is a smaller than Cascade Falls.
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty (per trail owner): Easy
Points of Interest: Minnehaha Falls Waterfall, Cliffs

Blue Trail
This trail leads to Devil’s Icebox Cave (similar to the Red Trail). However, the hike to the cave is must easier than the Red Trail and does not require maneuvering in tight spaces.
Distance: .75 miles
Difficulty (per trail owner): Easy
Points of Interest: Cliffs, Devils Icebox Cave

Yellow Trail
This trail leads to Cascade Falls, the largest waterfall in the park
Distance: .75 miles
Difficulty (per trail owner): Moderate
Points of Interest: Cascade Falls Waterfall, Cave, Cliffs

Red Trail
This is a tight trail that
Distance: .5 miles
Difficulty (per trail owner): Strenuous
Points of Interest: Cliffs, Devils Icebox Cave

Tips for Your Visit to Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

Park in the Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park’s only parking lot and then walk across the street to get to the trailhead.
Print off a trail map before you go. Or use your phone to take a photo of the map at the trailhead. That way you have something to refer back to as you are hiking
Ideal for families with children ages 5 and older. Strollers would not work on these trails.
Trails are entirely in the woods, we’ve never had mosquito issues, but it’s always a good idea to bring along bug spray just in case.
The Red Trail (rated strenuous) is challenging but a lot of fun. Some sections get pretty tight where you squeeze between the ledges. Definitely an adventure!
Because of the terrain, make sure to wear sturdy shoes. Hiking boots are preferred. The rocks can get slippery when wet or during the fall when leaves are on them.
Dogs are allowed on the trails. Remember to bring bags to clean up after them and a bowl of water for them to drink.
The rock formations are stunning and fun to explore. They can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. Make sure to go over the rules with your kids and don’t get too close to the edge.
You can easily spend several hours exploring Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. If you’re looking to add to the adventure head to the nearby Nelson Ledges Quarry Park where you can go cliff diving, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, camping, and more. There is an admission charge to get into the quarry park.

Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park
12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231
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