Best Winter Hikes
Winter in Northeast Ohio so often gets a bad rap for the gloomy skies, cold temps and snow but there are some reasons to argue that it is one of the best times to bundle up, get out and explore.
The bare trees offer an entirely new backdrop and allow visibility that would be impossible to view in the summer, making it easier to spot birds, nests and animals in the distance. And if you are lucky enough to get a heavy coat of snow, the horizon is so gorgeous with the crisp snow, the sky and the lake.
We get so many questions from guests in the winter asking for things to do and my favorite thing to recommend is our wide variety of local metroparks!
Below is a list of our favorite winter hikes in the area:
Old Woman’s Creek, a favorite in every season but super beautiful in the winter. The loop near the nature lodge that leads to the estuary overlook is paved but the remaining trails and bridges that wind through the park offer a variety of terrains and sights.
Wildlife sightings — in the winter it is common to see Eagles traveling over the estuary, deer bedded down in the woods, and an abundance of squirrels
Address: 2514 Cleveland Road East, Huron OH
Sheldon’s Marsh: Sheldon’s is also a classic in every season but the winter transforms it into a winter wonderland and a birder’s paradise. The trail is an out and back with a round trip distance of 1.6 miles. It is suitable for any age and is a great hike to do with little ones (you can turn around at any point). If you make it to the end, don’t miss the fork to the left which leads you across a bridge to one of the most pristine beaches in our area.
Wildlife Sightings - Birds, birds, birds. Cardinals, blue jays, red-headed woodpeckers, you name it. Also, not uncommon to spot a fox.
Address: 2715 Cleveland Rd W, Huron, OH
Edison Woods. Spanning more than 1,200 acres, Edison woods features more than 6 miles of trails through wooded, wetland and prairie terrains. An added bonus is dogs are allowed! Edison Woods is tucked away from the lake and is our go to when its really cold and windy! The foliage and proximity offer cover from the wind coming off of the late!
Address: 10183 State Highway 6; Berlin Heights, Ohio
Whether you are lifetime local or just visiting for the weekend, our local metroparks are not to be missed so get out there this winter and explore!