Alternative winter activities to embrace the snowy season

Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center - photo by greennite

Winter activities

When winter is here, we can either choose to hibernate through it or—better yet—we can choose to embrace it!

The easiest way to do so is by cross-country skiing at Chapin Forest Pine Lodge Ski Center, snowshoeing at Penitentiary Glen Reservation or sledding at Hidden Valley or Chagrin River Parks. But the truth of the matter is there are many more ways to embrace what is probably the purest season of them all: winter.

Cross-country Skiing 

For trail conditions, call the Winter Sports Hotline: 440-256-2118 x4178 or follow us on Twitter @LakeMetroparks. We update our sports hotline daily (even hourly as snow conditions change).

If your adventure includes cross-country skiing, there are opportunities across the county starting with Chapin Forest where we rent skis and snowshoes, groom the trails and turn on lights for you at night. If you have “been there and done that” and want to experience the peace and solitude that exists throughout winter, you might check out three other areas groomed for skiing.

In eastern Lake County, at Erie Shores Golf Course, we groom about five kilometers of trail on the relatively flat course. In western Lake County, we groom five kilometers at Pine Ridge Country Club that includes some nice hills. In south/central Lake County we groom about nine kilometers at the south entrance of Girdled Road Reservation—some of it flat, but also some  challenging terrain. Each park offers a different experience and, with the spotty nature of snowfall, it may be possible to ski in one park while grass is still showing at another.

Groomed trails
Chapin Forest Reservation
Girdled Road Reservation
Erie Shores Golf Course
Pine Ridge Country Club

Rentals
Chapin Forest Pine Lodge cross-country ski center
Skis and snowshoes are available for rental from noon to 9 pm weekdays and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends and holidays.

Call the ski center for more information during operational hours at 440-256-2118 x4178

Snowshoeing

If you are looking for an adventure that can be dialed back a notch, then perhaps snowshoeing is for you. All it takes is three or four inches of snow and a good pair of boots and you can experience winter at its best. At Penitentiary Glen and Chapin Forest, we rent snowshoes and have designated marked trails for you to follow. Once you have done that, it is time to get out and explore the thousands of acres waiting for you!

To do this, rent a pair of snowshoes from Chapin Forest Pine Lodge (or purchase a pair and keep them in your trunk). When it snows, go for a ride and check out one of our many parks with trails. Some favorites include Indian Point Park (upper lot), the Environmental Learning Center, Pete’s Pond Preserve, Hell Hollow Wilderness Area, Hogback Ridge Park, Big Creek at Liberty Hollow and Skok Meadow at Girdled Road Reservation. Each of these parks has something different to offer from scenic overlooks to shale cliffs coated with ice. Anywhere you hike in the summer is a great place to snowshoe in the winter. Many of the parks in central Lake County benefit from great lake effect snowfalls.

Rentals
Chapin Forest Pine Lodge cross-country ski center
Snowshoes are available for rental at the Pine Lodge Ski Center from noon to 9 pm weekdays and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends and holidays.

Penitentiary Glen Nature Center
Snowshoe rentals are available 9 am to 4 pm daily beginning early November through early March on an hourly and 
daily basis (weather dependent).

2015-2016 cross-country skiing and snowshoeing programs

Sledding

Sledding at Hidden Valley Park - photo by greenniteLake Metroparks offers a variety of winter activities for all ages, but by far, sledding is one of the most popular. Our parks offer four different places to bring your family for a day of thrills in whatever apparatus you chose to bring. In the eastern end of Lake County there are two very popular spots to sled: Hidden Valley Park and Riverview Park, both located in Madison Township. In the western end, popular hills to sled on are found at Chagrin River Park in Eastlake and Chapin Forest Reservation in Kirtland.

Beach Walks

Sounds crazy, but if all goes well and it gets really cold, then you must venture down to one of our lakeshore properties. This may be the coolest thing (pun intended!) you see all winter! Bring along snowshoes (or even simple YakTrax for your boots) and head to the north coast where you will see the 13th largest body of fresh water in the world turn from a liquid to solid state. This usually happens in late January and can last long into March. What makes it even more spectacular is the combination of the lake’s wave action with freeze-and-thaw cycles, which transform the flat beach into giant mounds of ice as solid as rocks. These mounds can stretch for miles and take on amazing shapes and textures. You will think you are on the edge of the Arctic Circle! Although the lake is visible from all six of our lakefront properties, the best places to explore the beach in winter are in Perry at both Lakeshore Reservation and Lake Erie Bluffs (Lane Road entrance). Always use caution when walking on or near the beach in the winter. Some days the mounds are solid; not so on other days. Always stay close to the bank and never attempt to walk on the ice if water is present.

Winter Camping

Winter campsite at Girdled Road Reservation- south entranceWhat if it were possible to pitch a tent and spend the night in a nearly 1,000-acre park in the middle of winter? Well it is — at Girdled Road Reservation in Concord Township. We’ll even provide the firewood! The campsite is located along Big Creek and can be reserved online at lakemetroparks.com or by calling 440-358-7275. It is a hike-in/ski-in site about 0.75-mile into the Big Creek Valley. It is a great place for a one night stay or to train for a longer excursion elsewhere in the world. You will be amazed how quiet the forest gets after a fresh snowfall.

Ice Fishing

Lake Metroparks offers two great locations for an ice fishing experience: Hidden Lake in Leroy Township and Veterans Park in Mentor. If you have the equipment and skills, you are welcome to venture out on the ice, drill a hole and give it a try. If you have never tried ice fishing before, consider taking one of our classes (View online or in the winter issue of Parks Plus!). Ice fishing can be dangerous and we do not monitor the ice, so this is a “try at your own risk” activity.

Steelhead Fishing

Lake Metroparks provides some of the best public access to Ohio's treasured steelhead streams!

1. The Division of Wildlife annually stocks five Lake Erie tributary streams with 6-8" yearling Little Manistee River (Michigan) strain of steelhead. These fish (called "smolts") migrate out into Lake Erie and spend the summer in the cooler part of the lake before returning to streams during the fall through the spring. Steelhead trout caught by anglers in the streams typically average 25" long and weigh 5-6 pounds. These fish have usually spent 2-3 summers out in the lake. However, there are a good number of fish that are over 30 inches and weigh more than 10 pounds and have spent up to six summers in the lake.

Lake County's steelhead streams are the Chagrin and Grand rivers; each receiving 90,000 yearling steelhead annually. Good quantities of cold, spring water and adequate juvenile trout habitat are also rare in NE Ohio's Lake Erie tributaries. The fantastic fishing has been maintained by annual stocking and by the practice of most anglers to catch and release. A State of Ohio fishing license is required for fishing in all rivers and tributaries in Ohio.

Click here for a list of parks with public access to the Chagrin and Grand rivers, fishing guide permits and more information about fishing in Lake Metroparks.

Ice Formations

Winter in Northeast Ohio transforms moisture into spectacular cascading walls of ice. The most impressive formations can be seen at the gorge at Penitentiary Glen in Kirtland. These formations can be viewed on a naturalist-led hike offered periodically throughout the winter. There are also many other places to view ice on you own with just a little effort. Some of these includes the Grand River at Hidden Valley Park, Mill Creek at Hogback Ridge Park, Paine Falls in Leroy Township, Chair Factory Falls and Big Creek at Liberty Hollow in Concord Township and Pleasant Valley Park in Willoughby Hills.

Hiking

Winter Hike - Photo by Maribeth Joeright for The News-HeraldLake Metroparks has nearly 50 miles of trails spanning Lake County. The trails provide countless opportunities to fight off cabin fever this winter. 
Click here for the top 5 winter hikes.

What animal walked through here?

Tracking Winter Wildlife
By Andy Avram, Interpretive Manager

A fresh coating of snow lies over the land, disturbed only by a single line of footprints. These tracks offer us a glimpse into this animal’s life—a few pages of its story on this winter day. What animal walked through here? What was it doing and where did it go?

By examining the size, shape and pattern we can tell it was a small mammal, likely a meadow vole. Following the tracks we see it burrowed into the snow as the tracks end in a small tunnel, about the diameter of a quarter, but resurface a couple feet away to carry on the journey. The tracks stop by some nibbled vegetation where the vole had a bite to eat, but suddenly the footprints become widely spaced as if the vole was startled into running away. It ran a short distance before the prints simply vanish. Looking next to the area where the footprints disappeared, we see what looks like brush strokes in the snow and realize our little friend was captured and carried off by a hawk or owl. Our footprint story ends here, but the bird of prey’s story continues on.

It is stories like these that make hiking in the winter so much fun, but we know that it sometimes takes a little extra motivation to leave a nice cozy home to brave the outdoors. Animal tracks, birds, trees and even interesting insects that crawl on top of the snow can be found all winter long and Lake Metroparks offers a number of opportunities to get out with a naturalist to discover these. 

For general nature try a Winter Nature Walk. If you would like a more in-depth program to learn about and look for animal tracks, join us for Wildlife Tracking.

Wildlife Tracking
January 24 at Veterans Park
February 28 at Pete’s Pond Preserve

Winter Nature Walk
February 21 at Penitentiary Glen Reservation

These programs are free. To register (required), click on the link provided. Registration may also be made by phone at 440-639-7275 or in person at the Registration  Department at Concord Woods between 8 and 4:30 pm.

Staying Safe in the Parks this Winter

Photo by Joyce Keough

The onset of cold weather can transform the outdoors into a winter wonderland, full of opportunities for you to enjoy skiing, ice skating, sledding, ice fishing and snowshoeing. While creating lasting winter memories, be sure to take proper safety precautions.

Make a plan. Always make sure that someone knows where you are. Inform a friend or relative if you are going out and when you plan to return.

Check the weather report. Heed precautions and advisories. If weather warnings suggest a severe wind chill or extremely low temperatures, consider avoiding outdoor

activities until the weather improves.

Wear the gear. Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in loose, comfortable layers, wearing proper footwear and keeping your head, ears and hands covered

(wind and water resistant fabrics provide the best protection). Don’t forget your sunglasses!

Supervise children. Adult supervision is the best protection for children. Be sure to watch for signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Avoid hazards. Survey the area and identify the potential danger spots; deep snow can camouflage obstacles and water features. Be extremely cautious on ice!

Protect what counts. Always wear your helmet and/or protective goggles when participating in winter activities like snowmobiling, skiing and skating.

Take a break. During any extended outdoor winter activity, be sure to come inside for regular breaks and stay hydrated. Give yourself a chance to warm up every

couple of hours with a cup of hot cocoa or other warm drink.

Alcohol and winter activities don’t mix. Stay sober while participating in any winter activities.

Limit winter travel. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is stocked with emergency equipment, the gas tank is at least half-full and be prepared to handle the slick road conditions. Keep all of your vehicle’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of ice and snow. Good vision is a key to good driving.

Sled safe.

Don’t sled in parking areas, roadways, rivers or lakes. Always ride sitting and facing forward (going down head first increases the chance of head and spinal injuries). Sledding equipment should be in good repair without sharp edges. Avoid “jumps” that send a rider airborne—the higher they fly, the harder they fall. The building of such “jumps” is a violation of Park Rule 5.1(e) and the offender can be cited. Watch for other sledders and walk up the side when returning to the top of the hill.

Enjoy sledding at four hills throughout Lake Metroparks:

Chagrin River Park | 3100 Reeves Rd., Willoughby

•   Moderate hill located off the Riverwood Trail

Chapin Forest Reservation | 10381 Hobart Rd., Kirtland

•   Small hill used primarily by cross-country skiers to practice control skills

Hidden Valley Park | 4880 Klasen Rd., Madison Twp.

•   Moderate sledding hill located next to parking lot

Riverview Park | 4895 Bailey Rd., Madison Twp.

•   Hill steeper than Hidden Valley hill—located next to parking lot

Watch the ice.

Ice conditions are highly variable and can change quickly due to weather conditions and water currents. Please use extreme caution and ensure ice is thick enough and safe before you venture onto any ice.

Please note the following:

•   Lake Metroparks does not monitor ice conditions.

•   Whenever you are in doubt of the ice condition, stay off the ice.

•   Children should never be on the ice without adult supervision.

•   You should not travel alone on the ice.

•   Beware of thin ice in and around partially  submerged structures, embankments, vegetation and along dams or spillways.

•   Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas, moving water and darker areas that may signify thin ice.

Don’t let cabin fever keep you indoors!

Get outside and enjoy the beauty of winter. Experience the woodlands as a Lake Metroparks naturalist guides you on a nature hike through field, forest and stream.

Winter Hike
Sunday, February 9, 2014 • 1 to 4 pm
Penitentiary Glen Reservation

 

Two hikes are available to choose from; each varying in length and terrain.

1. An interpretive hike about three miles long with a few stops along the way.
2. Self-guided trail options for families with young children or more limited mobility. Easy-to-follow trail maps are available in the Nature Center.

A Winter Hike patch and a commemorative year patch are presented to all participants.

After completing the hike, warm yourself by a roaring campfire complete with s’mores. Stop by the Wildlife Center to see some of our native wildlife up close. Enjoy hot soup and beverages served inside the comfortable Nature Center and listen to the sounds of folk music performed by Ernest Elshaw. Stop by The Nature Store to see hiking-inspired deals for the whole family!

Hikers are reminded of the importance of wearing comfortable footwear which is sturdy, warm and water-repellent. Hiking boots are recommended as the trails maybe snow- and/or mud-covered. Remember to dress in warm, comfortable layers. For more winter safety tips, visit lakemetroparks.com.

Pre-registration is requested for Winter Hike at Penitentiary Glen.

 

Patch, s’mores, soup and beverages are all included in registration fee. Program is $8 per person, all ages welcome, under 18 with an adult, please.

Register online or call Lake Metroparks registration at 440-358-7275 or 800-669-9226. Program is $8 per person, all ages welcome, under 18 with an adult, please.

 

Photo by Maribeth Joeright for The News-Herald.

Can people benefit from feeding the birds?

 

Winter Bird Open House

Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Sunday, January 26, 2014 • 12 to 4 pm • FREE

 

Feeding and watching the birds in your yard are great ways to “connect with nature.” Spend a cozy winter afternoon at Penitentiary Glen Nature Center learning all about winter birds.

 

The Winter Bird Open House features free, fun activities for the whole family! Relax with a hot drink, watch the birds at our feeders in the award-winning Window on Wildlife and ask a Naturalist all your bird and bird feeding questions. Chat with us about which types of feed specific birds like, the different styles of birdfeeders, the ins and outs of binoculars, and identifying the Top Ten Birds in your backyard this winter.

Ongoing activities

•Short presentations on common winter birds
•Learn about Binoculars, Feeders, and Bird field guides
•Bird Scavenger Hunts and quizzes
•Help us count the birds at our feeders for Project FeederWatch
•Drawing for FREE bird-related items
•Local Audubon Society display

 

Click here for directions and a listing of additional activities to do while visiting Penitentiary Glen Reservation.