Get Active: Winter in Lorain County

We’re all resolving to be more active in 2010, so why not have fun while getting fit? Here are a few winter activities in Lorain County, North Central Ohio to help you get out and get moving.

Sledding: not just for kids. You’d be surprised how many calories you burn sled riding! After polling the locals, we’ve determined these are some of the best Lorain County sledding hills: Vermilion River Reservation, Carlisle Reservation in LaGrange, Cascade Park in Elyria, behind Philips Gym in Oberlin, behind Golden Acres Nursing Home in Amherst and South Central Park in North Ridgeville. (If we missed your favorite spot, comment below & let us know.)

Sledding in Amherst, photo by Holly Miller

Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing is another rewarding activity. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and toned legs, what more could you ask for? Cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing is allowed in all Lorain County Metro Parks, even at Forest Hills Golf Club (when snow exceeds a 3” depth.)

Cross-country skiing in Lorain, photo courtesy of Rona Proudfoot

The LCMP offers snow-shoe hikes throughout the winter season (they even provide the snow-shoes, so there’s no excuse!) Findley State Park in Wellington is another favorite winter locale for cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Findley may not provide the snow-shoes or skis, but it’s well worth the investment to experience this park in the wintertime. Try Molnar Outdoor in Elyria to purchase snow-shoes; they carry a selection of Redfeather, a nice, lightweight version.

Both Findley State Park and the Lorain County Metro Parks offer a variety of winter hiking programs for adults and children. How about a Winter Tree I.D. Hike, Mid-Winter’s Eve Hike, or a Hot Chocolate Hike? Here’s a list of the Metro Park’s upcoming programs. The 30th Annual Winter Hike at Findley is Feb. 6th at 10 am; includes 10k, 5k and interpretive lead hikes. According to the folks at Findley, the best part of the hike is the bean soup afterwards!

Buckeye Winter Hike, photo courtesy of Findley State Park

Of course, there are plenty of indoor activities in Lorain County to get your blood flowing. Show off your figure 8s while ice skating at North Park Complex Ice Arena in Elyria or give the Wii a rest and experience real bowling at Rebman Recreation; they have electronic scoring (no thinking necessary) and bumper rails for the kiddies.

Splash Zone in Oberlin added to their already impressive facility, another pool and a Field House with a three-lane rubberized walking track and four volleyball/basketball courts. Sign up for league play or any of Splash Zone’s land and water fitness classes.

Send us your active Lorain County photo; we’d love to see you and your family out & about, enjoying Lorain County. Send photos along with a description and name of photographer to visitors@visitloraincounty.com. Who knows, you may see your photo featured in an upcoming blog entry!

For other ideas on staying active in Lorain County, check out http://www.backroadsandbeachesohio.com/ and http://www.visitloraincounty.com/.