NORTH CENTRAL OHIO — Winter weather enthusiasts in north central Ohio don’t have far to go to access one of the state’s premier downhill skiing and snowboarding facilities.
But if Snow Trails isn’t for you, there are plenty of other outdoor recreation opportunities scattered across the tri-county area.
With the approaching winter storm expected to dump anywhere from 6 to 9 inches of fresh powder across the region and temperatures hovering in the teens and 20s the next several days, it’s time to get outside and enjoy all that Old Man Winter has to offer.
Sled riding
Ask any kid in Mansfield where the best sled riding hill is and they’re likely to point you to Liberty Park on the city’s northeast side.
The hill is located near the intersection of Grace Street and Fifth Avenue. It isn’t especially steep, but that doesn’t mean you’re in for a mellow ride. Several young thrill-seekers had to abandon their blue and green plastic sleds to avoid sliding onto the frozen pond at the base of the hill on a recent visit.
Sleds are provided at the Sled Shed, a wooden bin stationed at the top of the hill.
Generations of Ashland County sled riders have congregated at the Ashland Golf Club to take advantage of the hill on the ninth hole. It’s not unusual to see moms and dads — and grandmas and grandpas — speeding down the slope with the children. Bring your own sleds.
I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard tell of a multi-tiered hill at Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon. If the videos I found on social media are any indication, you might want to bring an inner tube. It looks like a bouncy ride.
Ice skating
Options are limited, but the temporary ice rink set up in Bellville is centrally located for tri-county residents. It’s located at 142 Park Place, near the village square and pavilion.
A Jan. 21 Facebook post by Bellville Mayor Teri Brenkus noted the surface was in poor shape after the last snowfall but the village was working to get it back in shape.
There are no rentals available, so bring your own skates.
Cross County skiing
Head to Malabar Farm State Park for some of the best cross country skiing north central Ohio has to offer. Park in the lot near the working farm off Bromfield Road to access a large loop that passes Olivet Cemetery. The terrain is easy to navigate even for beginners.
There are no rentals available.
Snowmobiling
Mohican-Memorial State Forest near Loudonville offers about eight miles of trails that are part of the bridle trail system. Parking is available in a gravel lot off Park Road (ODNR Mohican Rd. 51) not far from the fire tower.
Ice fishing
There is no shortage of public bodies of water scattered across north central Ohio for winter fishing enthusiasts, but be careful.
A lifelong friend and experienced ice fisherman told me ice should be at least 4 inches thick with no visible cracks.
“A good rule of thumb is if there’s snow on top of the ice, do not proceed,” he said.
A recent trip to Knox Lake near Fredericktown found several ice fishermen near the marina and boat ramp off Old Mansfield Road. Before drilling into the ice, one fisherman tested thickness with an ice chisel.
“You can’t be too safe,” he said.
My advice would be to seek out an experienced guide if you are new to the sport.
Dress for the occasion
No matter what outdoor adventure you pursue, remember to dress for the occasion. Experts suggest three layers. A base layer pulls moisture away from the skin. A mid-layer traps body heat and a outer shell protects from wind and precipitation.
Now get out there and enjoy this weekend’s snow.