A Snowshoe Hike Across Greater Cleveland’s Own Arboretum Is A Wintertime Treat
By Nikki Rhoades|Published December 20, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
The Holden Arboretum of Greater Cleveland is a true gem. With around 3,500 acres, this local landscape is one of the largest arboreta in the nation, and its diverse collections make it one of the most impressive. In the summer months, locals can’t resist the allure of its blossoming flowers and verdant trails. However, the arboretum is also arguably the best winter hike in Northeast Ohio… and they offer snowshoe rentals near Cleveland that make for a totally unique day trip.
Bundle up, because you owe yourself a beautiful wintertime hike!
Holden Arboretum is a gorgeous landscape all year round. Its many gardens each tell their own story, and each seems to attract different sorts of birds and insects in the summer months. Winter brings a new sort of beauty to the landscape!
The Holden Arboretum has several miles of trails as well as a number of points of interest, so you'll definitely want to go exploring.
Their many trails are a beacon to hikers and cross-country skiers alike in the cooler months. Naturalists look to this pretty landscape for winter bird watching, as these avian visitors absolutely pop against the still, frozen landscape.
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This landscape is best explored with snowshoes on!
Snowshoes are an invention that dates back several thousand years. While they may have roots in Asian culture, the modern snowshoes we use are descended from those used by indigenous peoples in North America!
Adult shoes are $5 for two hours, and a children's rental for the same amount of time is only $2. Snowshoes allow adventurers to walk without sinking deep into the snow, offering an enhanced hiking experience.
Additionally, pop-up Learn to Snowshoe classes are offered each year when the timing is right.
Conditions aren't always right for snowshoeing, but January and February tend to feature pop-up classes. To find out when these events will be taking place, connect with the arboretum on Facebook.
Fans of snowshoeing rave about the activity, although it may make first-timers somewhat sore.
There's quite a bit of technique that goes into walking with snowshoes.
