Today I’m very much so regretting that I thought conditions weren’t bad enough for microspikes. I hike in California for goodness sake. I summit mountains that tower over the highest elevation in Ohio. I don’t need microspikes I told myself. I’m an avid hiker I said, this will be a walk in the park. I changed my mind quickly when I fell behind my hiking group because I could barely walk on the iced covered trail and they were just happy and merry gliding along at what seemed like 35 miles a freakin hour with their microspikes. To look at the positive….this hike, inspired my new ice dancing career but also a ton of soreness all over my body.

So it turns out that it can be fun to explore Ohio trails in the dead of winter when there is snow and ice on the ground but that I underestimated Ohio. I thought since there was very little elevation I would be a “wuss” using microspikes… and I’m now a pro ice dancer and literal tree hugger after my 8 mile adventure in “Ice” Land!

Ok so thank goodness I didn’t take the tiny monster. I thought about it since it it’s slightly warming up, but considering I had to really focus on keeping myself in the up right position… Lemon would have added an additional level of difficulty that may have very well broken me down into tears. I know I know, I sound like a big baby…but we can’t be rock stars daily!!!

Ok on to the actual hike. Hiked with about 7 people and a German Shepherd through the Buckeye trail and Bridal Path in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. 

I would love to tell you exactly how to do this hike but I would get you completely lost, as it was my first time on this hike. And it always amazes me that people here in Ohio actually know where we’re headed when these blue markings are the trail markers! I’d be lost in a heartbeat if out here by myself.  Lemon would certainly have to lead the way!

In the winter it is always necessary to go hiking with people that know the trails. The snow and ice makes everything look so different. AND remember other people may not know the proper paths therefore foot prints might not always be the best indication that you’re on trail! GPS is great but you also get to talking while hiking and before you know it have been heading off trail for 15 minutes. Trails are not clearly marked and it gets dark very early in the winter. There is minimal to no lighting in part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Along with all of that…the temps drop FAST once the sun goes down. Be safe, be smart!

Here are the very basic trail directions, make sure to get yourself a map and compass before you take on the challenge. Here you are:

Park at the Jaite trailhead parking lot, take the Buckeye Trail passing Blue Hen Falls and the Boston Store to return on the Bridal Path. I would rate this hike as more advanced and not for a newbie.

My reasons being:

•  A total of 8 miles
• Hilly and trends to be muddy (in my case it was VERY icy)
• Trails can be VERY difficult to stay on if you aren’t with someone who knows them.

We reached one part of the trail where we had to cross over a partially frozen stream. The first half of the group made it over just fine but then out of nowhere the ice started to give. I of course was crossing last because I was trying to take pictures and by then the ice was cracking everywhere.

Two people had to shimmy on out and link arms back to land to pull me across and thank goodness then did cause when I was slightly more than half way across the ice broke. I would have been in the stream if they didn’t pull me to land ho!

Here are some pics of the semi frozen stream and us slowly venturing across it.

One thing you certainty don’t want to miss on this hike in Blue Hen Falls. You can also drive to the falls which then is just a short walk from the parking lot.

Once you’ve checked out the falls it’s back to the Buckeye Trail where you’ll cross a bridge and some steep steep stairs. They were covered in ice, so thank goodness for the handrail!

Then we finally made it to the Bridle Path and Tow path to head on back!

Oh and here’s my new pup friend, please don’t tell Lemon I’m cheating on her! Time to head home and take care of the awesome blisters that decided to show up on my heels and tend to my bruised body from falling all over the place. Ugh!!! I’ll never underestimate you again Ohio!

Adventure awaits! 

Disclaimer: Although this post is light and airy. Hiking when not prepared is a very serious conversation. I’m so happy to report that all I have are blisters and bruises and I owe that to hiking with very experienced Ohioan hikers. I love to make people laugh and I want The Bubbly Mermaid to be a fun place for visitors, however please take this post as a warning to never feel that you are more experienced or better than other hikers especially when in new terrain. This experience was humbling to say the least. Not all hikes are going to include steep gains and high up peaks. But they may be just as challenging in other ways!