Portage County can be explored through different interests: rugged rock landscapes, trails for a range of activities, and places that preserve the region’s history. When planning, it helps to consider whether you want to focus on nature watching, outdoor activities, or historical collections.

Nature: From Cliffs to Wetlands

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park covers 167 acres. Rugged cliffs and a diverse plant life typical of a more northerly climate shape the landscape. Hiking trails lead to rock formations such as Devil’s Icebox. The park is a destination for day trips and picnics; its rocky landscape gives a visit a different focus than time spent by the water or in a wetland.

J. Arthur Herrick Fen Nature Preserve is one of the last remaining boreal wetlands in Ohio. Visitors can hike, observe birds and wildlife, and take nature photographs there. If you plan to visit the preserve, check the current access rules in advance, as they may change. Cooperrider-Kent Bog is in Kent, in Portage County; you should also check access information for this natural area before traveling.

At West Branch State Park, the lake covers 2,650 acres and has numerous arms and coves. It is suitable for fishing; keep in mind that licensing rules may change before you go fishing. The Storybook Trail at Wingfoot Lake is a 0.5-mile paved loop. Trail details may change, so check the information before your visit. These natural areas offer different highlights: cliffs and rock formations at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges, a distinctive wetland at Herrick Fen, and an expansive, branching lake at West Branch State Park.

Trails for Hiking, Biking, and Horseback Riding

The Headwaters Trail is 8.5 miles long, surfaced with limestone, and runs between Mantua and Garrettsville. It is suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Along the way, the trail passes farmland, forests, deep gorges, and wetlands, including state nature preserves; it also passes the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River. Sections of the Headwaters Trail are part of the Buckeye Trail, a trail system that circles Ohio. The trail therefore connects several types of landscapes with different ways to explore them. As temporary closures may occur, it is a good idea to check current notices before setting out.

The PORTAGE Hike & Bike Trail is also suitable for hiking. The trails therefore differ mainly in the activities described: the Headwaters Trail is also open to biking and horseback riding, while hiking is the activity identified for the PORTAGE Hike & Bike Trail. When planning an outing, you can use this information to choose the type of activity that suits your stay.

History and Historic Sites

The collection at the Portage County Historical Society Museum preserves the history of Portage County and the surrounding areas. The museum 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 and the history of its building are presented alongside the other historic features of the grounds.

Another historic example is the Carter House, a significant 1835 Greek Revival-style farmhouse. For the cultural side of your stay, this offers a different option from the natural areas: you can focus on the Historical Society Museum’s collection or explore architecture and building history through the Carter House. These sites add to the picture of Portage County without conflating its natural and cultural features.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

A good first step when looking for a hotel in Portage County is to decide what you want to focus on during your stay. Will it center on nature watching, activities on trails, or history? Your answer can help you prioritize the destinations mentioned and plan your accommodations around your interests. For travel to the area, 14 state routes connect Portage County with Northeast Ohio and the Midwest, making it easier to get there.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Streetsboro, Kent, Mantua, Ravenna, Columbiana County, Marion County, Medina County, Franklin

For the main travel overview: Ohio.