Winter Recreation in the Ohio & Erie Canalway

Photo Credit: NPS/Ted Toth 

Winter is a wonderful time to get outside and appreciate Northeast Ohio in new ways. When there is plenty of snow, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer rewarding ways to explore the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, from Cleveland to Canton.

Before heading out, check trail conditions, dress in layers, and bring appropriate winter gear. Weather can change quickly, so preparing for cold, wind, or icy surfaces will help ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

When you’re ready to go, make sure to double check with the coordinating parks system to verify the information below.

Where to Snowshoe & Cross-Country Ski in the Ohio & Erie Canalway

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing In Cuyahoga County

Cleveland Metroparks
In Cleveland Metroparks, Snowshoeing and cross country skiing is allowed on unplowed hiking, bridle, and all-purpose trails, as well as on the rough and fairway areas of Big Met, Shawnee Hills, Seneca, and Sleepy Hollow golf courses when there is a minimum four-inch snow base. Check ski status here. Visitors can explore independently or rent equipment at select locations. Snowshoers should be sure to avoid ski tracks.

• Snowshoe Rentals: Big Met Golf Course, Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store, North Chagrin Nature Center, Seneca Golf Course

• Cross-Country Ski Rentals: Big Met Golf Course, Seneca Golf Course
  Rentals are available only when ski trails are open and snow depth meets the four-inch requirement.

 Learn more about skiing and snowshoeing in Cuyahoga County  

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing In Cuyahoga Valley National Park:

The locations below are available for cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the National Perk. All traffic should yield to skiers and should avoid stepping in ski tracks.

For Cross Country Skiing and/or Snowshoeing:   

• Cross Country Trail

• Oak Hill Trail

• Ledges Field (Cross Country Skiing only)

• Portions of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in the National Park (Cross Country Skiing only)

• Pine Grove Trail (Snowshoeing only)

The National Park Service does not offer ski or snowshoe rentals. Learn more about winter activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing In Summit County

Winter Activities in Summit Metro Parks

Get outside in Akron and the surrounding areas while taking advantage of these locations for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. You can call the seasonal information line at 330-865-8060 for information on trail and park conditions.

Snowshoe rentals are available at Liberty Park Nature Center.

For Snowshoeing:

• Liberty Park (Cross Country Skiing allowed here as well)

For Cross Country Skiing:

• Bike & Hike Trail

• Freedom Trail

• Towpath Trail

• Firestone

• Furnace Run

• Goodyear Heights

• Liberty Park

• Munroe Falls

• Silver Creek

• Springfield Bog

Cross-country skiing is also available on the Bike & Hike Trail, the district’s portion of the Towpath Trail (as well as the portions in the National Park) and the Freedom Trail.

Read more about winter activities in Summit Metro Parks.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing In Stark County

Winter Activities in Stark Parks 

Stark Parks offers several types of winter actives, including places for recreation including cross country skiing and snowshoeing. You can cross country ski or snowshoe at these locations in Stark Parks: 

• Quail Hollow Park

• Tam O’Shanter Park

• Deer Creek Reservoir

• Petros Lake Park

• Sippo Lake Park

• Walborn Reservoir

Cross Country Ski and snowshoe rentals are available at Quail Hollow Park in January and February. Check local conditions, as winter trail availability may vary week to week.

Learn more about winter activities in Stark Parks here.

This list may not be entirely inclusive. Please contact the park district you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information on seasonal activities.