While the temperatures are low, the level of winter activities and enjoyment in Lake Metroparks is high

By Mimi Vanderhaven

As the Norwegians say, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

Darlings, Mimi couldn’t agree more. Life is what you make of it. And right about now, when shorter, colder days might spur you to dive for the nearest blanket and fireside sofa, January and February are ideal months to layer up with the right clothing and enjoy the great outdoors.

Lake Metroparks makes things easy for you. According to Assistant Chief of Outdoor Education Becky Parkin, “It’s tough to predict the weather in Northeast Ohio. We’re always thrilled when the snow falls and people can hit our trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes. There’s nothing like the hushed silence of snowfall. And our trails are wide enough to accommodate several people at once, so you’re not forced to move in single file.”

Both cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent at the Pine Lodge Ski Center at Chapin Forest. Becky reports that to extend your enjoyment past sunset, a 1-mile trail at Chapin Forest is illuminated every night from dusk until 11 p.m. now through March, whether there’s snow on the ground or not.

“Snowshoeing has spiked in popularity the past several years,” she adds. “It’s a great cardio activity that doesn’t require training. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. And families love it too, with kids as young as 3 years old heading out on the trails.”

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For a special caliber of reveling in the snow-filled splendor, don’t miss the Farmpark Ice Festival on Friday and Saturday, January 27 and 28. You’ll see ice-carving demonstrations by well-known carvers from around the country, as well as a bevy of winter-themed, family-friendly activities.

Lake Metroparks provides more than 4 million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences, including more than 60 miles of trails. For information about winter activities at Lake Metroparks visit goto.lakemetroparks.com/winter-activities.

For trail conditions for skiing and snowshoeing that are updated daily, follow Lake Metroparks on social media @lakemetroparks or call the Winter Sports Hotline at 440-256-2118, ext. 4178. Check out a live webcam from Chapin Forest Reservation at goto.lakemetroparks.com/webcams.

Information about the Ice Festival at Lake Metroparks Farmpark can be found at goto.lakemetroparks.com/ice-festival.