Winter Activities
Cross Country Skiing | Sledding | Snowshoeing | Winter Hikes
Many people wonder if the Lorain County Metro Parks are still open during the winter months. The answer, of course, is “Yes!” There are plenty of things to do in our parks when it’s cold outside whether there is snow on the ground or not. Every single one of our parks are open during the winter season and there are plenty of winter activities such as brisk winter hikes, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is allowed in all of our parks! Bring your own skis and enjoy the parks in the winter. Cross Country Skiing is only allowed in Forest Hills Golf Course and the formal gardens at Schoepfle Garden when there is at least 3” of packed snow.
For safety, snow removal efforts are first focused on parking lots and walkways. Many trails are cleared when staffing, equipment, and time is available. Some trails, however, are purposely left snow-covered to allow visitors to enjoy winter recreational activities on their own. Below is a list of recommended trails where visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and/or cross-country skiing.
Sledding
Cascade Park
387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH
Cascade Park is home to one of the most popular sledding spots in all of Lorain County. Visitors to the park can see the large sledding hill as they enter the park at the main entrance on Furnace Street. It has been a mainstay during the winter season in Elyria for generations and will hopefully remain one for generations to come. The sledding hill is one of the main draws of Cascade Park. View the park’s trail map for a more detailed look at the location of the sledding hill.
Vermilion River Reservation
51211 North Ridge Rd, Vermilion, OH
The sledding hill at Vermilion River Reservation is a favorite of northwest Lorain County residents and has been for many years. Visitors will see the hill on their right as they enter the Bacon Woods area of the park. It is a larger-sized hill and that area of the park also has a semi-enclosed shelter nearby to warm up in. View the park’s trail map for a more detailed look at the location of the sledding hill.
Snowshoeing
Many trails throughout the park district remain unplowed during the winter season. This makes a perfect canvas for snowshoeing!
Snowshoeing is permitted in all of our parks. However, a minimum of 3 inches of snow is required to snowshoe at our Forest Hills Golf Course and Schoepfle Garden.
Snowshoe rentals and hikes are available during the winter. So when the snow flies, watch our Programs page and the Lorain County Metro Parks Facebook page for pop-up snowshoe programming.