There are many fantastic hikes that one may take in Cleveland, but unfortunately, many of them are comparable in terms of landscape. There are only so many places around Cleveland that hide secret trails with hidden wonders, but once you discover them… well, you truly can’t forget them.
One dreamy hike will take you to an antiquated castle in North Chagrin Reservation and another will take you to archaeological ruins in Rocky River Reservation; however, those are not enough for particularly adventurous spirits. The good news is that you don’t have to travel far to find a hike you’ll never forget:
You may know Hinckley Reservation for its scenic lake or picturesque sandstone ledges, but you may not know that it hides an artist’s secret wonderland.
Jennifer E/TripAdvisor
At Worden’s Ledges, located off of Ledge Road in Hinckley, the carvings of Noble Stuart decorate the edges of the 0.7-mile Worden’s Ledges Loop Trail.
Brian T/AllTrails
The site is named for Hiram Worden, the individual who settled at the site in 1860.
Jennifer E/TripAdvisor
Stuart was Hiram Worden’s son-in-law, though the family never approved of him.
Jennifer E/TripAdvisor Stuart was 63 when he married Worden’s 80-year-old daughter, Nettie. She died only a year after their marriage and he inherited the old family property.
An aspiring sculptor, Stuart flexed his artistic talents at the ledges behind the family homestead.
Jennifer E/TripAdvisor
Most of the carvings date from about 1944 to 1948, and each one tells a tale.
Jennifer E/TripAdvisor
The artist’s favorite subjects hail from mythology, so you will encounter some fantastic creatures on your hike.
Brian T/AllTrails
Are you ready to trek the trail less traveled?
samantha gazey/AllTrails
Hidden wonders await adventurous spirits, so you have to visit Worden’s Ledges to find them for yourself!
Scott Rohde/AllTrails
There are few places in Northeast Ohio as awe-inspiring as Worden’s Ledges, a stunning world that was carved from the imagination of one local artist.
Jennifer E/TripAdvisor
Brian T/AllTrails
Stuart was 63 when he married Worden’s 80-year-old daughter, Nettie. She died only a year after their marriage and he inherited the old family property.
samantha gazey/AllTrails
Scott Rohde/AllTrails
Have you hiked these hidden trails? Which carving is your favorite? Share your experiences with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to share photos from your outdoor adventures around Cleveland on our Ohio Nature Lovers Facebook group for a chance to see your photos featured!
For more, check out this incredible abandoned sandstone quarry that’s now a park.
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