Suspended in Wonder: GlassWalk™ Brings a New Perspective to Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
Where nature meets design innovation, the results can be breathtaking!
Opportunity
Unveiled in May 2025, the Falls Edge Glass Walkway has redefined the way guests experience one of Northeast Ohio’s most unique natural landscapes. Winding 137 feet across Sylvan Creek’s gorge, the striking S-shaped bridge allows hikers to float above cascading waters and dramatic sandstone ledges, all while standing on glass. It’s a thrilling, immersive encounter made possible by GlassWalk™ structural glass flooring, designed and supplied by GBA Architectural Products + Services.
Designed in collaboration with OHM Advisors and constructed by Nerone & Sons, the project relied on high-precision 3D terrain scans and expert engineering to achieve a seamless fit with the natural landscape. The result is a bridge that feels like it belongs, a floating ribbon of glass and steel nestled into the forest.
Solution
This isn’t just a bridge, it’s a moment of suspended wonder. With transparent glass panels beneath their feet and stainless steel cable railings offering unobstructed views, visitors can now take in Minnehaha Falls like never before. But it’s not just about the view. The walkway is part of a broader initiative by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to enhance visitor access while preserving the fragile ecosystem below. By guiding foot traffic along this elevated path, the park helps protect sensitive geological formations and habitats that would otherwise be at risk from erosion and overuse.
Outcome
Beyond the bridge itself, visitors will find new wayfinding stations and interpretive signage that explain the park’s rich geological history. From the Devil’s Icebox to Goldhunter’s Cave, the ledges are full of stories, now easier to explore safely and sustainably.
Since opening, the walkway has already become a regional attraction, drawing hikers, photographers, and families alike. It offers more than just a unique vantage point, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when thoughtful design honors the landscape it inhabits.
