Portage County: Nature, Trails and History

Portage County offers a variety of ways to explore, with rock formations, wetlands and a large lake alongside trails and regional history collections. When planning your trip, you can start by considering whether nature, hiking, water or history will be your main focus. The destinations described here differ in their landscapes, activities and historical connections.

Rock, Wetland and Lake

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is located in Portage County and covers 167 acres. The landscape is shaped by rugged cliffs and diverse plant life typical of a more northerly climate. Hiking trails lead to formations such as Devil’s Icebox. The park is a destination for day trips and picnics.

J. Arthur Herrick Fen Nature Preserve is one of the last remaining boreal fens in Ohio. Visitors can hike, observe birds and wildlife, and take nature photographs. Check the access rules before you arrive. Cooperrider-Kent Bog is located in Kent, in Portage County; here, too, you should check access details before your visit.

At West Branch State Park, the lake covers 2,650 acres and has numerous arms and coves. Fishing is possible there. The natural areas described here therefore differ significantly: rocks and plant life define Nelson-Kennedy Ledges, the fen defines J. Arthur Herrick Fen, and the expansive, branching body of water defines West Branch State Park.

Trails and Activities

The Headwaters Trail runs for 8.5 miles between Mantua and Garrettsville. The limestone-surfaced trail is suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Along the way, it passes farmland, forests, deep ravines and wetlands, including state nature preserves, and follows the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River. When choosing a trail, you can therefore consider not only the activity you have in mind, but also the different landscapes along the route.

Sections of the Headwaters Trail are part of the Buckeye Trail, a trail system that loops around Ohio. This connection applies to parts of the trail; the Headwaters Trail itself remains the 8.5-mile route between Mantua and Garrettsville. The PORTAGE Hike & Bike Trail is also suitable for hiking.

The Storybook Trail at Wingfoot Lake is a shorter loop with a different layout: it is 0.5 miles long, paved and set up as a loop. The 8.5-mile Headwaters Trail is considerably longer than the 0.5-mile Storybook Trail. The details about length, surface and layout give you specific points of comparison to distinguish the trails.

Regional History and Historic Buildings

The Portage County Historical Society Museum collection preserves the history of Portage County and the surrounding areas. The grounds include the museum, historic houses, the Campbell Land Office, the Ford Seed Building and the Clock Tower. The Ford Seed Company Collection is housed in an early 20th-century photography studio that was moved to the museum grounds in 1976. The collection is therefore connected to a building whose origins and later relocation are part of its history.

Another historic building is the Carter House, a notable example of a Greek Revival-style farmhouse dating from 1835. For planning your trip, the history-focused attractions offer several perspectives: the collection on the history of the county and its surroundings, a relocated photography studio, and a farmhouse with a clearly identified architectural style.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Fourteen state routes connect Portage County with Northeast Ohio and the Midwest, making it easier to reach. Road conditions and construction can change, so check your route before setting out. If you are looking for a hotel in Portage County, the nature, trail and history attractions described here can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Streetsboro, Kent, Mantua, Ravenna, Preble County, Seneca County, Columbiana County, Miami.

For the main travel overview: Ohio.