4 Amazing State Parks in Driving Distance of Mentor, OH

The fuel-efficient and exciting 2023 Kia Soul LX, with plenty of passenger and cargo space and impressive safety features, is just the right vehicle for an outdoor adventure to the fantastic state parks near Mentor, OH. Relax and unwind and enjoy plenty of exciting activities in breathtaking natural areas.

4 Amazing State Parks in Driving Distance of Mentor, OH

1. Headlands Beach State Park

Mentor boasts its own beautiful state park: the 120-acre Headlands Beach State Park at 9601 Headlands Road, a favorite summer spot to swim, fish, and picnic along the shores of Lake Erie. The park has two miles of hiking trails and many unique plant species typically found along the Atlantic Coast.

The biggest attraction is the lovely mile-long sandy beach with changing booths, restrooms, and a concession area. The park is a popular fishing spot, and anglers reel in small, largemouth, and rock bass, yellow perch, walleye, coho, bluegill, salmon, steelhead trout, and carp from the break wall at the east end of the park.

2. Punderson State Park

The breathtaking 741-acre Punderson State Park is 18.4 miles away from Mentor at 11755 Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. There are beautiful woodlands to explore around the picturesque 150-acre Punderson Lake, a natural kettle lake, one of only a few left in Ohio. The lake is excellent for boating and paddling, and anglers regularly hook largemouth bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish.

The lake and the woodlands attract Canada geese, great blue herons, wood ducks, and horned owls, and you will catch glimpses of white-tailed deer, raccoons, beavers, and opossums on the trails. The park has an 18-hole golf course, and overnight accommodation is available in the beautiful manor house, cottages, and campground.

3. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

The rugged cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, and awe-inspiring rock formations in the 167-acre Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park are only a 33.2-mile drive away at 12440 OH-282 in Garrettsville.

The small day-use park has short one to 1.2-mile trails that cut through the scenic landscape and run to magnificent rock formations, including Old Maid’s Kitchen, Devil’s Icebox, and Indian Pass. It’s a fantastic place to barbecue at one of the many picnic areas with tables and grills.

4. Tinkers Creek State Park

It’s a 37.5-mile drive to Tinkers Creek State Park at 10303 Aurora Hudson Road in Streetsboro to explore 355 acres of white oak and alder marshlands and swamps full of geese, herons, mallards, ducks, and woodcocks. Three hiking trails wind through the untouched wetland wilderness that provides food and shelter for thousands of birds during the spring and fall migration.

Anglers regularly hook bluegill, bass, perch, crappie, and catfish in the spring-fed lake, which is also ideal for paddling and boating. There’s an archery range and lovely picnic spots in the shade of swamp white oak trees.

There is no shortage of beautiful parks within driving distance packed with outdoor fun. Swing by Ken Ganley Kia Mentor today to test drive the all-new 2023 Kia Soul LX and go on the ultimate outdoor excursion.

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