Posts from December 21st, 2022

The weather is growing colder, and that means cross-country skiing season is almost here! Whether you're an experienced skier or looking to ski for the first time, Ohio has many beautiful trails to explore. You can zip through pine forests, alongside frozen ponds, or past stands of oak trees. Here are nine of the best places for cross-country skiing this winter.

Punderson State Park

11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065

Punderson State Park is one of the region's most scenic parks and a lovely one to visit in the winter. The Tudor-style lodge looks lovely against a backdrop of snow and pine trees. Visitors will find three cross-country skiing trails in the park. Huron Trail is a 1.3-mile trail with a moderate difficulty rating. Mohawk trail is 1.1 miles and moderate, and Cayuga is a 2-mile, easy trail.

Punderson is right in Ohio's snow belt, so conditions for skiing tend to be good. There are several picnic shelters, and if the weather is nice, you may want to enjoy lunch or some hot chocolate at one of them.

Chapin Forest Reservation

10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094

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If you need to rent skis, Chapin Forest Reservation is one of your best options for cross-country skiing in Northeast Ohio. They rent classic and skate skis at their Pine Lodge Ski Center. Each rental includes skis, boots, and poles. Fees are $10 per hour for the first hour plus $5 for each additional hour. Or, for $30, you can rent the skis all day.

The forest reserve maintains several kilometers of groomed trails near the entrance. You can also ski in the ungroomed areas if you are looking for a challenge. There's some elevation change within the reserve, but also plenty of flat terrain.

Swine Creek Reservation

16004 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062

Swine Creek Reservation is a 400+ acre park situated among rolling hills and sugarbush farms. There are miles of trails weaving through the park, and several are groomed for cross-country skiing. 

Meadowlark Trail is a great choice for beginners. It's a 0.4-mile grass trail with very little elevation change. For a bit more of a challenge, try the 1.2-mile Gray Fox Trail, which offers many wildlife sightings. Or, try the Squaw Root Trail, a 0.6-mile, primitive trail that is mostly single-track.

Great Seal State Park

4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601

Great Seal State Park is a spacious 1,800-plus-acre state park with patches of dense forest, rolling hills, and open fields. If you prefer to cross-country ski in more open spaces, there are many opportunities here. You can download a map of the park's trails on their website.

Spring Run Trail is a favorite for cross-country skiing at Great Seal State Park. It's 1.9 miles long and studded with training stations you can use for a more balanced workout.

Delaware State Park

5202 U.S. Highway 23 North, Delaware, OH 43015

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If you're in the Columbus area, then Delaware State Park is a good place to go cross-country skiing. The park offers more than 1,300 acres of gorgeous natural land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on any of the hiking trails, weather permitting.

Big Foot Trail is a good choice for beginners. It's about 1.5 miles of easy terrain and offers lovely views of wetlands and meadows. You might even see a beaver.

John Bryan State Park

3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387

John Bryan State Park is centered around a huge gorge cut into the limestone. Most trails offer views of this gorge and the surrounding forested land. Cross-country skiing is allowed on the hiking trails, weather permitting.

If you're cross-country skiing with kids, consider taking the Poplar Trail. It's only 0.1 miles long but offers some nice views. Storybook Trail is another short one. For a real challenge, take the 2.7-mile rim trail.

Stonelick State Park

2895 Lake Dr., Pleasant Plain, OH 45162

Stonelick State Park is another large park nestled in the hills outside Cincinnati. The park's trails wind through woodlands and pass over large, grassy hills. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the Red Fox Trail, rated easy. Visitors also love the moderate, 1.6-mile Beechtree Trail and the 0.35-mile Southwoods Trail.

In addition to cross-country skiing, Stonelick State Park offers ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. If you visit earlier in the winter, you can still see birds among the trees. 

East Fork State Park

3294 Elklick Rd., Bethel, OH 45106

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East Fork State Park is located just outside Cincinnati and is a lovely place for cross-country skiing on more open terrain. You can catch great views of Harsha Lake, its shore, and a winding river.

In addition to cross-country skiing, East Fork State Park offers ice skating and fishing in the winter as weather permits. The Storybook Trail presents a children's storybook one part at a time and is perfect for youngsters.

Cowan Lake State Park

1750 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177

Cowan Lake State Park is centered around a water reservoir. The reservoir levels are lowered in the winter, creating a unique opportunity to look deep into the reservoir. There are several densely wooded areas throughout the park. Birds of prey, including eagles, reside here.

Cowan Lake State Park has 8 miles of hiking trails, and cross-country skiing is permitted on all of them as weather allows. The Lakeview Trail is a pretty choice and convenient as it's a loop. Oldfield is another 0.8-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. For something easier, try the 0.5-mile Beechnut Trail.

Ski Away

Which of these cross-country skiing areas will you visit this winter? Enjoy the views, and treat yourself to hot chocolate when you're done.