Go on marvelous day trips from Norton, OH, to incredible places, and see and experience all kinds of wonderful things. Jump in your Ford EcoSport, Bronco, or Escape and hit the road to see the astounding carvings along the Worden's Ledges Loop Trail. Hike through the breathtaking beech and maple forest in the West Branch State Park, view the perfectly sculpted artworks of master carver Ernest Warther, and discover the natural beauty of Ohio.
4 Unforgettable Day Trips You Can Take in Your Ford From Norton, OH
1. Worden's Ledges Loop Trail
For an enchanting, otherworldly experience, take the road out to Hinckley and hike down the short but scenic 0.7-mile Worden's Ledges Loop Trail in the Hinckley Reservation to see the faces carved out of stone. The trail is a unique and beautiful treasure that cuts through the lush woodlands. The most outstanding feature of the scenic trail is the faces carved into the sandstone cliffs during the 1940s by Noble Stuart.
The carvings and sculptures in the woods depict people that Stuart knew, historical figures, and his beloved wife, Nettie. Other interesting artworks on the trail include a Native American throwing a tomahawk, a sphinx, and a pirate ship. The Hinckley Reservation is at Hinckley Road in Hinckley and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
2. West Branch State Park
Pack your outdoor gear in your car, head to 5570 Esworthy Road in Ravenna, and spend the day in the breathtaking 5,379-acre West Branch State Park. The large 2,650-acre lake is an excellent spot for swimming, paddling, and boating. More than 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails wind through a beech and maple forest, over meadows carpeted with wildflowers, and along the beautiful lake.
Keep your eyes peeled for red foxes, opossums, and raccoons on the trails. Play a game of challenging 18-hole disc golf, laze in the sun on the 700-foot swimming beach, and enjoy a delicious picnic in the shade of the trees before you take the road back home.
3. The Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens
Take a drive to Dover's Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens to view the collection of over 100 pieces of perfectly sculpted artworks; some carved out of ebony and ivory by master carver Ernest "Mooney" Warther, a genius with wild hair, a booming voice, and a captivating personality. Ernest Warther was born in 1885 to Swiss immigrant parents and started carving at a young age.
His love of sculpting diesel engines catapulted him to fame. Spend time in the museum, explore the Warther family residence, and stroll through the beautiful Swiss-style gardens. The Ernest Warther Museum is at 331 Karl Avenue in Dover and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve
The beautiful 305-acre Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve at 15681 Old Rider Road in Burton is the ideal place to discover the natural beauty of Ohio. You can explore Lake Kelso, the upper Cuyahoga River wetlands, and the scenic Charles Dambach Preserve on the hiking trails.
The preserve is home to indigenous and endangered species, such as the Northern waterthrush, veery, and four-toed salamander. Around the lake, you will spot ducks, geese, swans, osprey, and bald eagles. Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Head on down the road to fantastic destinations filled with exciting experiences. Stop at Ken Ganley Ford today before you hit the road and look at the wide range of quality new and pre-owned vehicles.