Don’t Let The Winter Weather Keep You From Breaking A Sweat

While hibernating by a cozy fire is seemingly always tempting, for those of us who can’t stand being indoors for an extended period of time, we are lucky to live in a county full of glorious winter sports activities. Make sure to dress for the elements and bring plenty of water if you’re looking to get a workout from any of these. No worries about nominal snow—most of these activities will take place no matter what!

Yes, it’s true—snowshoeing is quickly becoming one of the most popular winter sports activities in the world! Lorain County Metro Parks (LCMP) generously offers guided snowshoe hikes and free snowshoe rental days at various locations. Snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years and is now considered a winter sport—you can burn hundreds of calories in an hour and improve your cardio fitness level! For you first-timers, check out Snowshoe Magazine’s First-Timer’s Guide. Check the LCMP website for dates and times or go out on your own! Also, don’t miss the family-oriented Snowshoeing Games at Lakeview Park on January 22. 

Icicles at Vermilion River Reservation

LCMP also offers guided hikes throughout the season. Learn about the habits of winter animals in the area or gaze at Mill Hollow’s larger than life icicles while you exercise. For a chance of scenery, hike at Common Ground – The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. This gorgeous retreat is the ideal place to refresh your muscles surrounded by calming, beautiful forestry.

No need to travel to Colorado to ski, get your cross-country skiing fix right here in Lorain County! North Coast Inland Trail, known as the skinniest park of the LCMP, is perfect for cross-country skiers with its long straight-aways from Elyria to Kipton. The Bridgeway Trail, another LCMP site starts at Day's Dam in Lorain and ends at the High Meadows picnic area in Elyria. The expansive 4-1/2 mile trail passes through meadows and forest groves, under bridges and over the treetops on a 1000-foot bridge that crosses the river in two places.

Findley State Park offers snowshoeing and skiing, as well, but adds ice skating, ice fishing and sledding hills to their repertoire. Findley’s Annual Winter Hike (February 5) is a favorite among locals.

Buckeye Trail at Findley State Park, Wellington

Speaking of sledding…rumor has it, Lorain County is home to some of the best hills around! Sledding is a great adrenaline rush for kids and adults. Famous sledding hills in the area include Vermilion River Reservation, Carlisle Reservation, Cascade Park in Elyria, behind Philips Gym in Oberlin, South Central Park in North Ridgeville or behind Golden Acres Nursing Home in Amherst. Do you have the perfect hill you visit each year? Comment below and let us know!

Want the winter recreation without the frozen toes and long-underwear layers? Indoor ice skating at North Park Complex Ice Arena may be your best bet. Don’t hesitate if you’re a new ice skater—there are plenty of instructional classes offered and Open Skate opportunities to practice. If summer can’t come soon enough, indoor kayak lessons at Splash Zone in Oberlin are sure to get your fix. 
We can’t get enough photos of you getting active in Lorain County! Send photos with description, location and name of photographer to visitors@visitloraincounty.com.

Discover a new wintertime adventure just for you—view Visit Lorain County’s Event Calendar!
Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you out enjoying the brisk winter weather!