Chapin Forest Cross-country Skiing | NorthEast Ohio Winter Activities | Lake Metropark Winter Fun

December 20, 2016 Jacq Comments 1 comment

What good is the warmth of summer without the chill of winter! -John Steinbeck

Being born and raised in Ohio I can tell you that when the first snow hits you go through what I refer to as a honeymoon stage of your relationship with winter. The snow looks beautiful, you get a smile on your face thinking about fireplaces and hot chocolate, you even tell yourself that it doesn’t feel “that” cold. Well I’m happy to report that I’m currently in the phase. Pure honeymoon phase going on right now peeps! We’re doing so well, me and winter that is. And I know I better enjoy it because from past experience I’ve learned this stage is short lived. With that beings said, winter and I went on another date, a rather cheap one I may add…but all and all we had a blast and no one went home with hypothermia! That’s a win in my book.

Chapin Forest Cross-Country Skiing

With the conditions slightly less than perfect (actually totally less than perfect..so much ice ice baby) winter and I head out to Lake Metroparks Chapin Forest for some cross-country skiing. And I seriously fell 7 times! Thank goodness it wasn’t our first date. So embarrassing!

We met up with a handful of other skiers and took to the trails of the majestic Chapin Forest Reservation. And just fyi it you aren’t into cross-country skiing you can also hike the trails, try out snowshoeing , or sled you way through the reservation. In the summer you can hike, bike, horseback ride, fish, camp, and even do some bird watching!

Winter Activities

Of course since I was visiting in the winter I opted for cross-country skiing but just remember there are a variety of other options on your visit! Chapin Forest offers six miles of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing covering 390 acres! There is also four picnic areas, two playgrounds, and a fishing pond. The trails range from easy to difficult so there is something for everyone!

Rental Equipment

Wait?!?! You’re not an avid cross-country skier? Don’t have your own equipment? Don’t fret! Rental equipment is available and oh so inexpensive guys! At the Pine Lodge Ski Center you can rent skis for $5.00 for your 1st hour and $2.00 for every hour after or $15.00 for the day. The ski center also has snacks, hot cocoa, and coffee for sale! You can’t beat it. Have some fun!

Other things you can go at the ski center…check out the trail conditions, pick up a map, and roast by the open fire.