There are plenty of places to enjoy the great white outdoors
By Mimi Vanderhaven
Like the song says, “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.”
Having just come out of a difficult 2020, we find ourselves in glorious snow season.
“Seriously, this is what we live for,” says Seth Begeman, chief of outdoor education for Lake Metroparks. “Lake County is one of the snowiest spots in the state and we are blessed with many beautiful scenic trails to take it all in.”
Pine Lodge Ski Center at Chapin Forest Reservation is open to rent snowshoes and cross-country skis on a reservation basis, depending on how COVID-19 is affecting Lake County at any given time.
“For the utmost safety, we’re allowing people to book a date and block of time when pre-paying for their rentals,” says Seth. “The Lodge will go to one-way traffic and social distancing, and all equipment will be thoroughly disinfected between uses.”
He says that snowshoeing has grown in popularity the past several years.
“It’s easy and fun. If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” he explains.
And after your ski run or snowshoe trek, he says people are loving the new spread out seating areas outside by the roaring gas fireplace.
Lake Metroparks will continue to groom trails for skiing this winter season at both Chapin Forest Reservation and Girdled Road Reservation as in the past. Don’t miss the one-mile trail at Chapin Forest that’s illuminated every night from dusk until the park closes.
Another wintry pursuit that should be on everyone’s bucket list is seeing the giant ice dunes along the shoreline that Lake Erie creates from its titanic waves. Insider’s Tip: Seth says the best spot to view them is at Lake Erie Bluffs.
Of course, sledding is an exhilarating family-friendly pastime. There are many sledding destinations throughout Lake Metroparks.
Seth predicts that—even though the past few winters have not been especially snowy—we can expect plenty of the white stuff this year.
Lake Metroparks provides more than 4 million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences, including more than 60 miles of trails. For trail conditions, call the Winter Sports Hotline at 440-256-2118, ext. 4178. Visit LakeMetroparks.com for details about winter activities at the park.