Get Your Outdoor Fix At These 6 State Parks Near Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published August 08, 2023
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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.
When it comes to outdoor adventure, Cleveland has no shortage of beautiful landscapes. However, I also can’t help but tout the wonder that comes with exploring landscapes outside of the metropolitan area. On an obligation-free weekend, nothing compares to loading up the car, packing some road trip snacks, and heading out to explore a new place. The variety of state parks near Cleveland offer an incredible array of day trip options, and many are close enough to reach within just an hour of driving. Lace up your hiking boots, because these nearby road trip destinations are calling to Cleveland nature lovers:
1. Portage Lakes State Park
Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319, USA
Portage Lakes is a community with small town vibes, but its state park is pure, untarnished Ohio nature. With 411 acres to explore and eight lakes beckoning to water lovers, this is a dreamy place to spend a summer day. The sandy beach is a hit with families, and fans of fishing love the various boat launches. Pair all this up with a wide variety of biodiversity and a seemingly endless array of waterfowl and you've got yourself a state park worthy of a road trip.
2. Findley State Park
Findley State Park, 25381 OH-58, Wellington, OH 44090, USA
With 838 acres awaiting your visit, Findley State Park is a beautiful place to spend a day. And at under an hour away from Cleveland, it's an easy trek to make! Here, you'll find diverse landscapes like wetlands, meadows, and pine forests that connect to the statewide Buckeye Trail, making it an incredible destination for hiking aficionados. History lovers, on the other hand, will love the story this park tells. Back in the 1940s, Judge Guy B. Findley donated property to the state to be maintained as a forest. By the 1950s, it was a state park complete with a dam-made lake.
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3. Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park, 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor, OH 44060, USA
At just 35 acres in size, Headlands Beach State Park is one of the smaller Ohio state parks near Cleveland. However, it has a vibe that's almost tropical thanks to an array of rare waterfront plants and striking sand dunes. This incredible park is home to the longest naturally occurring beach in the state, and at just about 30 minutes from Downtown Cleveland, it's well worth a day trip. Just don't forget the sunscreen, as this beachy park will tempt you to work on your tan!
4. Punderson State Park
Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065, USA
Beautiful and haunting, the landscape of Punderson State Park is stunning all year-round. At 741 acres in size, this park boasts campsites, a stunning Tudor manor, a massive lake, hiking trails, and sunsets like you won't believe. Relax on the beach, stroll the boardwalk over the marshy wetlands, or try your luck at spotting one of the spirits that calls this park home... that's right, Punderson State Park is purportedly haunted! There's so much to love at this park, and at only about 40 minutes from Cleveland, it's an easy day trip.
5. Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve
Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve, 1230 Old Mill Rd, Aurora, OH 44202, USA
While state parks may be developed for recreation, state nature preserves are built for resource preservation, as the name implies. At Tinkers Creek State Nature Preserve, 786 acres of beautiful landscape are set aside for our enjoyment. Due to swampy conditions, not all of the park is accessible to visitors, but many routes, like Seven Ponds Trail, are dry and perfect for hiking. You'd be surprised by how many native Ohio species call this park in Aurora home!
6. Quail Hollow State Park
Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave NE, Hartville, OH 44632, USA
Located a little bit past Akron and about an hour from Cleveland, Quail Hollow State Park is a stunning landscape with more than 700 acres to explore. Stunning forested trails, curated gardens, and a massive 40-room house keep visitors entertained with a variety of views. In the warmer months, camping is a fan-favorite attraction here. Once snow blankets the region, however, this is one of the best spots for cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking. Go fishing, hike along some 14 miles of trails, or picnic alongside the gardens. Whatever you decide to do, this park is sure to enchant!
These state parks near Cleveland are downright delightful, and they help mix things up for nature lovers who already know the Cleveland Metroparks intimately. Which of these parks is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for another unique road trip option to throw into the mix? A trip along the Johnny Appleseed Scenic Byway simply can’t be beat!
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