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All the United States Ohio Hinckley Worden's Ledges

Worden's Ledges

Faces carved into the cliffs create an otherworldly walking trail.

Hinckley, Ohio

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historyrepeatsrepeats
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Worden Sculpture.   historyrepeatsrepeats / Atlas Obscura User
Face carved into a rock.   Matthew Dillon/cc by 2.0
Worden’s Ledges.   Matthew Dillon/cc by 2.0
  donovankth / Atlas Obscura User
Cross and Bible   RoseMB / Atlas Obscura User
Nettie Worden   RoseMB / Atlas Obscura User
Rock carving.   Matthew Dillon/cc by 2.0
Worden’s Ledges.   buffycaine99 / Atlas Obscura User
Worden’s Ledges.   buffycaine99 / Atlas Obscura User
We found it!!   tweek264 / Atlas Obscura User
  trtash / Atlas Obscura User
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  trtash / Atlas Obscura User
Pirate ship   Hetaira Thais / Atlas Obscura User
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About

An ancient ocean created these sandstone cliffs in the middle of the woods. They’ve since been transformed into enchanting, almost otherworldly artwork by a modern human hand.

These ledges, called Worden's Ledges, were named after an old owner of the land, Hiram Worden. It was originally believed that Frank Worden, Hiram’s son, created the stone figures. However, they were later revealed to be the work of Noble Stuart, Worden’s son-in-law.

Stuart began carving the rock figures after marrying Nettie Worden in the 1940s. The images are a blend of historical figures and people from Stuart’s life. A schooner honors his father, and a cross and Bible were carved to honor Nettie, who only left the Worden homestead when going to church.

You’ll find something new every time you visit Worden's Ledges. Carvings and sculptures seem to wait around every turn. You’ll spot the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ty Cobb, as well as a pirate ship, a guardian sphinx, Christ on a Crucifix, a Native American throwing a tomahawk, Hiram Worden, and many other interesting things hidden in the cliffside.

There are multiple entrances to the trail. If you're lucky you might see a few horses or deer. The woods connect to Whipps Ledges, which is also a hot spot for adventurers.

Related Tags

Trails Rocks Sculptures Art Presidents Cliffs Geology

Know Before You Go

The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Worden's Ledges Loop Trail is 0.7 miles long. The hike isn't difficult, but sensible walking shoes are advised. A trail map can be found here. 

Community Contributors

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historyrepeatsrepeats

Edited By

Hetaira Thais, buffycaine99, Kerry Wolfe, trtash...

  • Hetaira Thais
  • buffycaine99
  • Kerry Wolfe
  • trtash
  • RoseMB
  • tweek264
  • donovankth
  • Brian Griffin

Published

September 3, 2018

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  • https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/hinckley-reservation
  • https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/learn/blogs/notes-from-the-field/2014/april-2014/sanstone-schooners-and-a-sphinx
Worden's Ledges
Wordens Ledges Loop Trail
Ledge Road
Hinckley, Ohio
United States
41.203616, -81.718821
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Nearby Places

Richfield Heritage Preserve

Richfield, Ohio

miles away

Bath Road Heronry

Peninsula, Ohio

miles away

Gardenview Horticultural Park

Strongsville, Ohio

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Ohio

Ohio

United States

Places 232
Stories 22

Nearby Places

Richfield Heritage Preserve

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Ohio

Ohio

United States

Places 232
Stories 22

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