It’s easy to welcome the winter months with solemn pledges to remain safely ensconced on the couch and under a blanket until spring arrives, but nature isn’t just for warm weather. Winter is a delightful time to explore the parks as they take on new looks and feel, as the Cleveland Metroparks lays out in this month’s Ten to Explore featuring trails you’ll love this cooler season.
Woodpecker Way Trail, Acacia Reservation
Once a golf course with fairways, greens and roughs, now – ten years into its ecological restoration – this open oasis now showcases a diverse winter landscape encompassing fields, forest edges and ponds. Woodpecker Way Trail offers 1.7 miles of rolling all purpose trail through the former golf course, allowing guests to appreciate diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes. Credit: Cleveland MetroparksCenter Loop Trail, West Creek Reservation
“This shared-use mountain bike trail winds through the woods of West Creek. As you traverse the natural surface path, you can hear the calls of red-tailed hawks, the chitter of red-bellied woodpeckers, and enjoy the scenery of greenshield lichen against the snow. This short 1.2 mile trail will make you feel immersed in the forest without the long trek to get there.” Credit: Cleveland MetroparksGorge Loop, Brecksville Reservation
“Experience the beauty of winter on this short hike into the Chippewa Creek Gorge. The trail cuts its way through hemlock trees and sandstone boulders. Stairs take you down to the creek and back up.” Credit: Cleveland MetroparksCredit: Cleveland MetroparksQuarry Loop Trail, Bradley Woods Reservation
Winter is the best time to hike this quiet trail where you can view the remnants of old sandstone quarries in Cleveland Metroparks only swamp forest. Credit: Cleveland MetroparksLook About Lodge Loop, South Chagrin Reservation
“Hike this 1-mile loop trail after a fresh snowfall to fully immerse yourself in a real-life winter wonderland. Hear the trickle of the stream, birds singing in the trees and enjoy the solitude of this small pocket of South Chagrin Reservation.” Credit: Cleveland MetroparksSquirrel Run Trail, Euclid Creek Reservation
Hidden among the hustle of South Euclid, this 3-mile hike takes guests along natural surface trails that traverse the hills and gorge of the Euclid Creek corridor. Pick up Squirrel Run Trail from either Welsh Woods or Highland Picnic Areas. For added difficulty, take the optional Glenridge Loop route. Credit: Cleveland MetroparksWhite Oak Trail, Brecksville Reservation
“Explore this new trail for a great view of the Chippewa Creek Valley in the winter as it meanders to its peak at the My Mountain Overlook. Start near the entrance of Oak Grove Picnic Area and follow the trail signs in. Be sure to add the My Mountain Overlook spur which makes this 2.1-mile trail route.” Credit: Cleveland MetroparksWhite Pine Loop Trail, North Chagrin Reservation
“White Pine Loop Trail, located in the heart of North Chagrin Reservation, offers a scenic 1-mile path and boardwalk beneath towering white pine trees. The trail culminates at a charming overlook, providing a tranquil escape with views of the surrounding valley. It’s an ideal destination for those in search of a peaceful retreat in nature.” Credit: Cleveland MetroparksLake-to-Lake Trail, Big Creek Reservation
“This paved, 2.5-mile trail offers an incredible glimpse of Big Creek Reservation in wintertime. Hikers will traverse through forests, across roads, under train tracks and over wetlands. The Lake-to-Lake Trail isn’t a loop, so it’s best to plan your route in advance.” Credit: Cleveland Metroparks
