The Buckeye State is home to 76 state parks spread across the entire state all the way from Lake Erie to Cincinnati and I have had the joy of visiting them all. Some of my favorite state parks come from the Northeast region right here around Portage County.
If you’re looking for a state park to visit on Lake Erie, I’d highly recommend Headlands Beach State Park with the nearby Geneva-On-The-Lake State Park. Both offer stunning scenery of the Lake with it’s crashing waves along the shore and beautiful sunsets. At Headlands, take a stroll on the sandy dunes surrounded by beach grass to the lighthouse.
If you’re looking for a State Park day trip, Lake Milton State Park is calling your name! A vast lake and small beach area await you to have fun whether it be to boat, jet-ski, tube, or tan on the beach. Watercrafts are available to rent on the east side of the lake at the Meshel Park area.
The most adventurous State Park in the region is Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park only thirty minutes away from Rootstown! See rugged cliffs reminiscent to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Ledges and, if you’re daring, hike the half mile red trail that passes through ‘The Squeeze’ and ‘Fat Man’s Peril.’
I’m a student at the University of Mount Union and in the early part of my journey to explore all the parks I discovered that right by the University are West Branch State Park and Quail Hollow State Park. Both are small, easy trips if you’re looking for a calming walk in nature with each offering many different trails to choose from.
Those are only few of the many state parks Ohio has to offer, each having their own personality and thrills. I hope you get the chance to explore many of them like I did. If you would like more information on the state parks, my website is solivagantme.com! Happy Trails!
— Isabella Baker
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