Winter fun at Geauga Park District
It can be hard to get out during a northeast Ohio winter, but Geauga Park District has you covered when it comes to motivation! There's no shortage of great activities to enjoy in the parks. A few ideas can be found below, with more details on all of these suggestions available at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Winter programs
Treat yourself by scheduling some time to take a park adventure with a naturalist. Many programs require advance registration, so mark your calendars for December 20 at 10 a.m. if you’re a resident, or December 27 if you’re out of county, to check the new list of programs and sign up before spots run out.
Cleared trails for walking
Park operations crews regularly clear snow from paved trails in six parks:
- Orchard Hills Park, Chesterland
- Sunnybrook Preserve, Chesterland
- Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park, Chesterland
- Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve, Chardon
- Frohring Meadows, Bainbridge
- The Maple Highlands Trail-North from Fifth Avenue in Chardon to the Lake County line
Bird in the Hand Feeding Station
Head to The West Woods for the magical experience of having birds eat right out of your hand!
Snowshoe borrowing
Don't have snowshoes of your own? Borrow some free of charge (if you’re a Geauga resident) and explore The West Woods when the snow is deep.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling will be available this winter at Observatory Park and The Maple Highlands Trail with a permit.
Sledding
Sledding hills can be found at Orchard Hills Park and Beartown Lakes Reservation.
Cross-country skiing
Did you know they groom along the central section of The Maple Highlands Trail? Watch social media for updates.
Ice fishing
Have the equipment? You can fish in the wintertime in the same places you can fish during warm weather! Please note: a boating permit is still required to fish at Bass Lake Preserve.
Snow-related closures
Should extreme weather close the nature centers or cancel the programs, please refer to their social media/website, WKYC or WEWS for notice.