Ohio doesn’t lack defining, wild places, readers say

Among the cliffs, caves and glaciations of Ohio lie several great candidates for defining natural feature.

I mused on the topic last week after the Azure Window of Malta, a spectacular rock arch, crashed into the Mediterranean following eons of being pounded by waves. It represented Malta’s quintessential postcard view.

I invited readers to join me in naming the defining natural features of Columbus and Ohio.

Several liked my contention that Lake Erie is the state’s defining natural feature, but they wanted to get more specific.

Sandi Glauser of Catawba Island was among those nominating the Glacial Grooves on Kelleys Island and the Crystal Cave on South Bass Island, both in Lake Erie.

The grooves are a 400-foot-long testament to the power of glaciers. As the icy masses scraped south into Ohio, they picked up bits of rock and other debris that gouged the limestone on Kelleys, leaving a rocky trough that is simply amazing.

A few miles away on South Bass, the Crystal Cave has spectacular celestite crystals. The website Atlas Obscura, which features the world’s hidden wonders, calls the cave the world’s largest geode (a rock with a cavity lined with crystals).

Also, the cave is on the grounds of a winery (Heineman’s), which doesn't hurt its appeal.

Mark Laubacher of Galena cast a vote for Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga National Park, between Akron and Cleveland. The 65-foot waterfall tumbles down a stair step of rocks in the park.

Old Man’s Cave in the Hocking Hills was my runner-up choice for defining feature. Readers, too, love the hills, but they mentioned spots there that they like more than Old Man’s Cave, including:

■ Cantwell Cliffs: A deep

valley full of cool rock formations, Cantwell is one of the most spectacular spots in the Hills. Plus, its moreremote location makes it less crowded than Old Man’s Cave.

■ Ash Cave: The waterfall, the towering trees, the deep

recess that forms the cave – it’s a beauty.

“My favorite spot,” said Larry Schlatter of Gambier. “The place has a level of serenity you don’t often find.”

As for Columbus’ defining feature, I nominated the Downtown bend in the Scioto River and Hayden Falls on Hayden Run Road.

Reader Rick Walcutt of

Galena had another suggestion: the cliffs on the Olentangy River at Highbanks Metro Park.

“It’s not exactly the Grand Canyon, but I’ve taken numerous out-oftown visitors there,” he said, “and they have all loved it.”

The cliffs, where you might spot an eagle, would be better known if they were a shorter hike from the parking lot, but they are worth seeing.

So, have we settled the “defining feature” issue?

No, but we’ve at least made a list of cool places to visit.