We get wanting to just stay bundled up on the couch in front of the TV during the frigid winter. But Ohio has so much natural beauty that it really is worth braving the temperatures outside. Check out these trails (whether by foot, snowshoe or ski) this winter for some of the most stunning scenery in the state.
Blue Hen Falls
2001 Boston Mills Rd., Brecksville
Blue Hen Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It requires a short walk, less than a half mile, if you park at the trailhead, and the view is spectacular.
Photo via @PedalStomper78/InstagramSouth Chagrin Reservation
37374 Miles Rd, Bentleyville
Expanding through Moreland Hills, Bentleyville, Chagrin Falls and Solon, this beautiful Metroparks reservation is known for Henry Church Rock (formerly Squaw Rock), a rock formation carved in 1885 that runs along the Chagrin River.
Photo via @Peters_Outside_Adventures/InstagramThe Towpath at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
1550 Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula
This popular trail, which receives more than 2 million visitors per year, extends 81 miles through the gorgeous Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Explore the Ohio Canal, the historic scenic railroad and much more.
Photo via @MarcJSolis/Instagram Credit:Scene archivesRocky River Reservation
24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted
The Rocky River Reservation expands all the way through Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River. With numerous trails throughout the reservation, there’s a great hike for everyone and you may even see some deer roaming around.
Photo via @HolaSoyMeg/InstagramQuail Hollow
13480 Congress Lake Ave. NE, Hartville
Hartville offers more than fabulous pies, you can also visit one of the most beautiful parks around. Quail Hollow Park offers, count ’em, eight different trails that take journeyers through moss-covered arches, forest and marsh. You can even stay at a manor on the property for a weekend affair.
Photo via @Pubshrub86/InstagramOld Man’s Cave
State Route 664, Logan
Old Man’s Cave is part of Hocking Hills, a Southern Ohio hiking attraction. This natural Ohio cave is cool and peaceful, a perfect escape from bustling city life. Stay a weekend at one of the available cabins, or take a day trip to enjoy this winter wonderland.
Photo via @CJVonderhaar/InstagramNorth Chagrin Reservation
3037 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby Hills
Known mostly for Squires’ Castle, the North Chagrin Reservation also boasts hiking trails to go through the woods. Sunset Pond and Sanctuary Marsh are two other popular tourist sites.
Photo via @Chagrin_Falls_OH/InstagramNelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
12440 OH-282, Garrettsville
Covering 167 acres, this state park is known for its beautiful waterfalls and ledges that are great for jumping into the river. While you might not want to do that in the winter, the waterfalls are beautiful to see when frozen and there are four scenic trails to explore.
Photo via @MrLambert007/Instagram Credit:@MrLambert007/InstagramMohican State Park
3116 OH-3, Loudonville
The Mohican State Park is adjacent to a 4,500 acre state forest, both of which provide endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Check out the Mohican River, Clear Fork Gorge and Pleasant Hill Lake to get started.
Photo via @OtterFairmont/InstagramMiller Nature Sanctuary
2739 Center Rd., Avon
This Avon nature preserve is home of the Rocky Fork Gorge, and has three miles of trails to explore among beautiful scenery.
Photo via @BuzzyBuzzin/InstagramMentor Marsh
5185 Corduroy Rd., Mentor
This marsh is a mixed swamp forest, one of the last of its kind in the Lake Erie region. There is also a sugar-maple forest bordering the marsh. While it may be more scenic in the fall, you can still hike it in the winter, and it’ll probably be much less crowded.
Photo via @KelseyDoherty/InstagramLake Hope State Park
27331 State Route 278, McArthur
Lake Hope State Park, situated closer to West Virginia than Cleveland, offers 2,983 acres of pure, nature-filled bliss.
Photo via @EarthTo_Bailey/InstagramJohn Bryan State Park
3790 Ohio 370, Yellow Springs
This Western Ohio park, located in the eclectic, college town of Yellow Springs, includes a limestone gorge and over 750 acres of trails for exploration.
Photo via @Karl_The_Koolest_Kanine/InstagramHolden Arboretum
9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland
Out east in the Kirtland/Mentor area, you’ll find Holden Arboretum, home to more than 3,500 hundred acres of trees, plants, wildlife and scenic views. With more than 200 miles of trails, you can visit this place multiple times per season and always see something new.
Photo via @Jen2000Nay/InstagramGorge Metro Park
1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls
The Gorge Metropark offers activities for every season, including ice skating in the winter. Explore the miles of trails which include access to Mary Campbell Cave and a clear view of the Cuyahoga River.
Photo via @JMWarfe/InstagramEuclid Creek Reservation
850 Euclid Creek Pkwy., Cleveland
This urban enclave of the Metroparks is the closest reserve to the city of Cleveland. Covering 2.5 miles, part of it runs along the Lake Erie shoreline and goes through the area that used to be Euclid Beach Park.
Photo via @Lilo563/Instagram Credit:@Lilo563/InstagramChristmas Rocks Nature Preserve
2340 Meister Rd. SW., Lancaster
If you’re up for a longer hike, climb to the top of Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve and experience the picturesque view of the forest below. If you want to keep it short, stay on flat ground and still enjoy the beautiful views.
Photo via @AveryWinston93/InstagramBrecksville Reservation
9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville
This Metroparks’ reservation has the picturesque Chippewa Creek running through it, which makes for great scenery in the snow. A glacier actually once covered this park and the creek now runs through this gorge.
Photo via @CatTheKat/InstagramHike Walter Best Wildlife Preserve
11620 Ravenna Rd., Chardon
This small preserve, part of the Geauga Park District, has gorgeous views for miles. What better time to check them out than the changing of the seasons? Credit:@adventuring_in_the_meowtains/InstagramBedford Reservation
14505 Button Rd., Bedford
Probably most known locally for Shawnee Hills Golf Course, this reservation is home to a deep gorge that was declared a national natural landmark. Because of the gorge, and Tinker’s Creek, the 2,200 acres of this reservation are some of the most scenic in the Metroparks system.
Photo via @CleveMetroparks/Instagram Credit: Scene Archives
