The arboretum manages an extensive collection of rare and endangered plant species to support regional biodiversity.
The Kalberer Emergent Tower allows visitors to see as far as the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie on clear days.
The Canopy Walk utilizes a suspension bridge system that allows researchers to study forest health from the treetops.
Holden Forests & Gardens also operates the Cleveland Botanical Garden as part of a larger ecological organization.
The grounds contain several glacial kettle holes, which are depressions formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.
The arboretum participates in the North American Plant Collections Consortium to maintain high-quality germplasm for conservation.
Its 'Arbor Day' celebrations are among the most significant in the state due to the site's role in regional forest health.
The Holden Arboretum spans over 3,500 acres in Kirtland, Ohio, making it one of the largest arboreta in the United States. It features a diverse collection of cultivated gardens, native forests, and deep ravines managed by Holden Forests & Gardens. The site includes the Murch Canopy Walk, an elevated walkway suspended 65 feet above the forest floor, and the Kalberer Emergent Tower, which rises 120 feet for expansive views of the Lake Erie watershed. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails that traverse various ecosystems, including wetlands, meadows, and old-growth hardwood forests. The grounds serve as a living laboratory for plant conservation, research, and education. It houses a significant collection of rhododendrons, conifers, and magnolias. Specialized gardens, such as the Ericaceous Garden and the Butterfly Garden, offer seasonal botanical displays. The site functions as a regional hub for climate-resilient horticulture and ecological restoration.
The top level of the Kalberer Emergent Tower for panoramic forest canopy shots.
Bring binoculars to utilize the Kalberer Emergent Tower for birdwatching.
Check the interactive map on the official website before arrival to select trails based on your desired physical difficulty.
Wear insect repellent, particularly when hiking through the dense forested ravines during summer months.
Attempting to walk the entire 20-plus mile trail network in a single visit without planning.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive forest undergrowth; pets must be leashed in designated areas only.
