Posted in Fun for the KidsGeneralSpecial Events
The beauty of an Ohio State Park in the winter time is beyond compare. Frosted landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and perfect stillness can be found all over Ohio. We’ll be highlighting some of the best winter hikes we have to offer. We have two to start you off…
7th Annual Mohican State Park Winter Hike – Sunday, January 15
Mohican State Park and Forest offer outstanding beauty and limitless opportunities for visitors to hike and explore one of Ohio’s unique natural regions. The Clearfork Gorge with its towering 200 year old Eastern Hemlocks and meandering Scenic Clearfork River offer wilderness experiences for every outdoor enthusiast. With over 50 miles of trail ways for mountain bikers, horses and hikers, the winter season is an excellent time to see native wildlife like white tail deer, turkey, beaver, bald eagles and other song birds.
Two hikes – a 5K and a longer 10K hike are planned. Trails rated moderate to difficult. Hikes start and finish at the commissary. The hikes will be led by volunteers from the Mohican Trails Club. Afterwards, enjoy a warm fire, hot soup, cookies, and drinks! Meet at 10:00am at Mohican State Park commissary located in Mohican State Park Class A Campground off State Route 3, just outside Loudonville, Ohio in Ashland county.
The hike is Sponsored by Mohican Trails Club and Mohican State Park. Mohican Regional Trail Guides are available at the event, state park offices, and local businesses for only $2.00 each.
Get more information about Mohican State park here.
47th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike – Saturday, January 21
47 years ago, the first hikers came to Hocking Hills State Park to feast their eyes on winter’s touch on Old Man’s Cave on the first Hocking Hills Winter Hike, lead by Park Naturalist Norv Hall. On that first year, there were about 60 hikers. The event has grown immensely over the years, reaching a record attendance of 5400 hikers in 2010. No one can ever fully describe the beauty of Hocking Hills and its wild scenery in the winter– you simply have to see if for yourself.
The Hocking Hills Winter Hike is a 6-mile trek starting at Old Man’s Cave, winding through to Cedar Falls, and finishing at Ash Cave. At Cedar Falls, hikers will enjoy the festive atmosphere of the midway point, complete with nature displays and the always famous bean soup and cornbread.
Assembled hikers will depart continuously between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Park officials will provide return transportation from Ash Cave to Old Man’s Cave following the event.
For more information, check out the Heart of Hocking website at: http://www.heartofhocking.com/Winter_Hike_Hocking_Hills.htm
Get more information about Hocking Hills State Park here. Following Hocking Hills on their Facebook page!
What are some of your winter hiking stories? Share them in the comment box below or on our Facebook page.
