Cross-Country Skiing In Ohio

There are plenty of wonderful places in Ohio to enjoy cross-country skiing. As we all know, winter in Ohio can be very cold, and these conditions give visitors the opportunity to get out and about. Below are more than 20 places to enjoy Cross Country Skiing in Ohio.

Map of Cross-Country Skiing In Ohio

Cross-Country Skiing in Northeast Ohio

Cleveland Metroparks

Cleveland Metroparks offers cross-country skiing on hiking, bridle, and all-purpose trails, as well as the fairways and rough areas of six golf courses. Cross-country skiing can take place when there is a four-inch snow base. Ski rentals are available at Big Met Golf Course in Rocky River. Guided instruction is typically available in January and February. There are three programs available: Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing, Try-It, and Learn-It.

• Address: 4101 Fulton Pkwy, Cleveland, Ohio 44144
• Phone: 216-635-3270 | Website | Facebook

Geauga Park District

In Geauga County, skiing is permitted at 23 of the parks that are located in this district. On the website, there are different classes and programs available for visitors to take part in.

• Address: 9160 Robinson Rd, Chardon, Ohio 44024
• Phone: 440-286-9516 | Website | Facebook

Lake Metroparks

In Lake County, Skiing is available at the Chapin Forest Reservation and Girdled Road Reservation. Ski equipment can be rented at the Pine Lodge Ski Center. It should also be noted that Chapin Forest Trails are floodlit at night. There are trail maps for both the Chapin Forest Reservation and Girdled Road Reservation.

• Address: 11211 Spear Rd, Painesville, Ohio 44077
• Phone: 440-256-2118 | Website | Facebook

Lorain County Parks

In Lorain County, skiing is permitted in all of the parks. Skiing is also permitted at Forest Hills Golf Course and Schoepfle Garden providing there are at least 3 inches of snow on the ground. Skiers must bring their own equipment.

• Address: 12882 Diagonal Rd, LaGrange, Ohio 44050
• Phone: 440-458-5121 | Website | Facebook

Mill Creek MetroParks

In Mahoning County, skiing is permitted on 5 trails within the Metropark. Skiing is also available on the Mill Creek Golf Course and the Par 3 Golf Course. Skiing equipment must be provided by visitors.

• Address: 7574 Columbiana-Canfield Rd, Canfield, Ohio 44406
• Phone: 330-702-3000 | Website | Facebook

Portage Park District

In Portage County, skiing is permitted on 8 of the trails that are within the park district. These trails are varied in length, from 1.9 miles to over 7 miles long. Visitors must bring their own ski equipment.

• Address: 705 Oakwood St. – Suite 4, Ravenna, Ohio 44266
• Phone: 330-297-7728 | Website | Facebook

Quail Hollow Park

Stark Parks offers cross-country skiing at Quail Hollow Park. A condition of this use is that the paths are covered with 3 to 4 inches of snow. In this location, equipment is available for rent. Classes are available in January and February.

• Address: 13480 Congress Lake Ave, Hartville, Ohio 44632
• Phone: 330-477-3552 | Website | Facebook

Summit MetroParks

In Summit County, skiing is permitted in 8 of the Metroparks. Skiing is also permitted at The Bike and Hike Trail, Freedom Trail, and Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. For these trails to be open, there must be a minimum of two inches of snow on the ground. There is no equipment hire available.

• Address: 975 Treaty Line Rd, Akron, Ohio 44313
• Phone: 330-865-8060 | Website | Facebook

Medina County Park District

In Medina County, Skiing is available at 14 different locations, provided there is enough snow on the ground. Visitors need to bring their own ski equipment.

• Address: 6364 Deerview Lane, Medina, Ohio 44256
• Phone: 330-722-9364 | Website | Facebook

Cross-Country Skiing at State Parks in Northeast Ohio

Many of the state parks in Ohio offer cross-country skiing when conditions allow. Here is a list of the state parks in northeast Ohio that allow skiing.

Cross-Country Skiing in Northwest Ohio

Toledo Metroparks

Toledo Metroparks do try to keep all trails clear for walkers, runners, and cyclists, however, all the trails are available for cross-country skiing when there is sufficient snow cover. Skiers are asked not to use natural areas such as meadows. There are two maintained cross-country skiing trails, one at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, and one at Secor Metopark.

• Phone: 419-407-9700 | Website

Oak Openings Ski Trails

At Oak Openings Preserve Metropark there is a one-way loop cross-country ski trail that is a little over 3 miles long. Skiers can take the full loop or a shorter loop. A trail map is available online. Parking is at the Evergreen Lake area.

• Address: Evergreen Lake Trail, Whitehouse, Ohio 43571
• Phone: 419-407-9700 | Website | Facebook 

Secor Ski Trail

The ski trail here is 4.8 miles and goes through woodlands and along meadow edges. Skiers may spot wildlife such as rabbits, coyotes, squirrels, and deer. Parking is at the Secor Center parking lot.

• Address: 10001 W Central Ave, Berkey, Ohio 43504
• Phone: 419-407-9700 | Website

Cross-Country Skiing at State Parks in Northwest Ohio

A list of state parks in northwest Ohio that offer cross-country skiing:

Cross-Country Skiing in Central Ohio

Mt. Gilead State Park

There are six trails at Mt. Gilead State Park that are available for cross-country skiing when there is sufficient snow cover.

• Address: 4119 State Route 95, Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338
• Phone: 419-946-1961 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Mt. Gilead State Park!

Alum Creek State Park

The 5-mile multi-purpose trail at Alum Creek State Park is available for cross-country skiing when there is enough snow cover.

• Address: 3615 S Old State Road, Delaware, Ohio 43015
• Phone: 740-548-4631 | Website

Glacier Ridge Metro Park

The 5-mile Savannah Trail at Glacier Ridge Metro Park is reserved for cross-country skiing when conditions allow.

• Address: 9801 Hyland-Croy Road, Plain City, Ohio 43064
• Phone: 614-216-8859 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article on Glacier Ridge Metro Park!

Cross-Country Skiing at State Parks in Central Ohio

A couple of state parks are featured above. Here is a list of the others in central Ohio that offer cross-country skiing:

Cross-Country Skiing in Southeast Ohio

Paint Creek State Park

Paint Creek is in Bainbridge, Highland and Ross Counties. There are three hiking trails available for cross-country skiing when weather conditions allow.

• Address: 280 Taylor Road, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612
• Phone: 937-393-4284 | Website

Lake Hope State Park

There are eight hiking trails at Lake Hope State Park that are available for cross-country skiing in snowy conditions.

• Address: 27331 State Route 278, McArthur, Ohio 45651
• Phone: 740-596-4938 | Website

Strouds Run State Park

Miles of trails are available to cross-country skiers in winter conditions at Strouds Run State Park.

• Address: 11661 State Park Road, Athens, Ohio 45701
• Phone: 740-767-3570 | Website

Cross-Country Skiing at State Parks in Southeast Ohio

There are three state parks featured above, but there are a lot of state parks in southeast Ohio. Due to the rugged landscape, there are not too many that offer cross-country skiing in this region. Here is a list of the others that welcome cross-country skiers:

Cross-Country Skiing in Southwest Ohio

Great Parks of Hamilton County

Great Parks allow cross-country skiing everywhere except golf courses, conservation areas, and natural areas. There are 18 parks in this region.

• Address: 10245 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
• Phone: 513-521-7275 | Website | Facebook

Cross-Country Skiing at State Parks in Southwest Ohio

Southwest Ohio has 13 state parks, nine offering winter cross-country skiing.

Let’s Go Cross-Country Skiing!

Do you have a favorite cross-country skiing trail, or maybe you know of one we didn’t include? Drop us a comment below and we can add it!

Check out our post about Ski Resorts In Ohio!

If you enjoy sporty adventures, why not try your hand at snorkeling at Gilboa Quarry?