Winter Adventures in Ohio
Ohio’s winter wonderland is ready to explore! From outdoor hikes with frozen waterfalls to magnificent castles covered in snow, you’ll find fun all winter long.
Oak Openings
Located between Whitehouse and Swanton, Oak Openings Preserve is one of Ohio’s most unusual natural areas. With hiking, mountain biking and horse trails; the nearby Maumee River Water Trail; and a new treehouse village, the preserve is a destination for outdoor adventure.
STAY: CANNALEY TREEHOUSE VILLAGE
VISIT: Hiking
Cleveland Metroparks Toboggan Chutes
No Snow Required! Experience the icy thrill of tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation. The twin, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes operate with or without snow through early March, weather permitting.
STAY: EMERALD NECKLACE INN
EAT: LockKeepers
VISIT: Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art
Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center
Situated in the heart of Ohio’s “snow belt,” Punderson provides many great winter activities, under the proper conditions like six multi-use trails, three snow mobile trails, two cross-country ski trails, one dog sled trail and a lighted sledding hill with tow rope.
STAY: PUNDERSON MANOR LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER
EAT: Cherry Dining Room
VISIT: Cross-country Skiing
Ma & Pa’s
Every winter, all winter long, Ma and Pa hitch up the sleighs and take you out through the woods and out in the field and then back to the cabin for a warm fire, Ma’s cookies, hot chocolate and maple coffee.
STAY: THE AVALON GARDENS INN
EAT: Sirna’s Farm Fresh Kitchen
VISIT: Hike Kennedy Ledges
Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort
Boston Mills and Brandywine Ski Resorts are a pair of partner ski resorts, between Cleveland, Canton and Akron. Between both resorts there are 18 trails of various skill levels, a tubing park, four terrain parks, and two beginner areas. Brandywine offers midnight skiing on weekends and holiday Sundays.
STAY: THE INN AT BRANDYWINE FALLS
EAT: Melt Bar & Grilled
VISIT: The Side Quest
Snow Trails
You’ll find Snow Trails is only a short drive from Cleveland or Columbus, located near Mansfield. Serenely nestled in the Possum Run Valley, with a massive snowmaking system to keep snow on the slopes and in the tubing park, December into March. Learn to ski and snowboard in a user-friendly Beginners Area, with helpful instructors who teach group and private lessons. Snow tubing and Glow Tubing is fun for all ages too, with no experience necessary!
STAY: WISHMAKER HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
EAT: Cypress Hill Winery
VISIT: Ohio State Reformatory
Mad River Mountain
Ohio’s largest ski resort featuring the Midwest’s #1 Terrain Park – Capital Park, and The Avalanche Tubing Park – Ohio’s largest tubing facility. Located just 45 minutes outside of Columbus and Dayton along Route 33.
STAY: COMFORT SUITES MARYSVILLE
EAT: Brewfontaine
VISIT: Tubing
Five Rivers Metro Parks
Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy winter in Ohio. The paved trails and flatter hiking trails throughout Fiver Rivers Metroparks are perfect for this winter activity.
And since Dayton is home to the nation’s largest paved trail network, with more than 340 miles of connected trails, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the snow all season long.
STAY: FAIRFIELD INN BY MARRIOT DAYTON
VISIT: Ice Skating
Cantwell Cliffs
Cantwell Cliffs is located in the northern reaches of Hocking Hills – 17 miles from Old Man’s Cave. Its remote location discourages visitation, but those who travel the extra distance will not be disappointed. Many visitors proclaim the Cantwell area as the most picturesque in Hocking County.
STAY: HOCKING HILLS TREEHOUSE CABINS
EAT: Brewery23
VISIT: Hiking
Ash Cave
In the southernmost reaches of Hocking Hills is Ash Cave – beyond doubt the most spectacular feature of the entire park. Ash Cave is the largest, most impressive recess cave in the state. Catch the cave after a fresh snowfall and witness a larger-than-life ice tower in place of the regular waterfall.
STAY: HOCKING HILLS CHALETS
EAT: Millstone BBQ
VISIT: Hiking
