10 Picturesque Trails In Ohio That Are Perfect For Winter Hiking
Hiking in the winter might sound challenging—but with the right trail, it can be downright magical.
Fortunately, Ohio is full of several beautiful hiking trails that transform into a winter wonderland once snow falls. Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trails and sparkling trees are stunning sights to see. So bundle up, grab your camera and consider taking these 10 picturesque trails in Ohio that are perfect for winter hiking.
This hiking trail is stunning no matter what season, but during the colder months it transforms into a real life winter wonderland you have to see to believe. The 52nd Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike will take place on January 21 at 9 a.m. It's a 6-mile group hike from Old Man's Cave to Ash Cave.
2. Horseshoe Falls Trail (Ceasar Creek State Park)
Take this southwest Ohio park's First Day Hike on January 1 at 1 p.m. to hike 3 miles and see a frozen Horseshow Falls and the park's snow covered swinging bridge.
3. South Chagrin Reservation Trails (Cleveland Metroparks)
Every Tuesday in January 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m, this gorgeous metropark will feature the Winter Hike Series, which includes 3 miles of hilly trails.
4. The Buckeye Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
Each winter Ohio's very own national park features stunning snowshoe hikes. This coming January, consider taking the "Off the Beaten Path: Winter Waterway" hike on January 7 at 9 a.m., which features a moderate 3-mile hike along the Buckeye Trail.
5. East Cohasset Hike/Bike Trail (Mill Creek Park)
Youngstown's metro park features some beautiful scenery and landmarks. The 1.5-mile asphalt surface East Cohasset Hike/Bike Trail features a scenic route above Lake Cohasset. It's downright magical in the winter months.
6. Clear Creek Metropark Trails (Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks)
Adventurous seniors (ages 50+) are invited to take this rugged 3-mile hike on January 10 in southeast Ohio to learn all about the evergreen plants that grow in the Clear Creek area.
The Bedford Reservation trails in northeast Ohio are gorgeous year-round, but in the winter they are absolutely stunning. If you're feeling ambitious, check out the "Extreme Hiking" on January 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Egbert Picnic Area. You'll explore 6 - 7 miles of winter wonderland trails with a professional naturalist at this event.
For a less challenging (but equally scenic) winter hike, consider taking the "Full Moon Hike" at Cuyahoga Valley National Park on January 12 at 6:30 p.m. It's an easy, 3.5-mile hike along the Towpath Trail that's downright magical in the wintertime.
9. Possum Creek Metropark Trails (Five Rivers Metroparks)
Although it can be challenging, exploring Clifton Gorge and other areas of this beautiful state park in the winter makes for a downright magical hiking experience.
Have you hiked any of these trails in the winter before? What is your favorite trail to hike in Ohio during the winter? Share your experiences, thoughts and photos with us!
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
