KIRTLAND, Ohio — While the temperatures are making rain instead of snow, the folks at Lake Metroparks are giving reminders of activities available even in a winter without snow.
What You Need To Know
- Hikers are taking advantage of ski trails due to the lack of snow across northeast Ohio
- Lake Metroparks offers 38 diverse parks
- Skiing, sledding and camping activities are available by reservation
At the Chapin Forest reservation, the Arbor Lane Loop Trail has a mile trail of lit walkways each evening from dusk until the park closes.
While it’s usually groomed for skiers, families may take the opportunity when there’s no snow on the ground to go hiking at night.
“We love to get outside,” said Erin Hearn. “This little loop is perfect, whether there’s snow or not — we really enjoy coming here on the trail. It’s nice because it gets dark so early, so the day isn’t necessarily over at dark — we can come and hike at night.”
Her son, Jack, loves to come to Lake Metroparks when it snows.
“My favorite is making snow angels and sometimes I shake some of the trees so the snow falls,” he said.
Hearn’s daughter, Charlotte, received some new gear for the winter when the snow does come.
“Santa got me snow shoes,” she said.
Visitors hike, ski or snowshoe on the lit up trail from now until March.
Lake Metroparks offers 38 parks and maintains more than 60 miles of trails throughout Lake County.
