By 1812Blockhouse
As it has for the last several years, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is inviting Ohioans and visitors to experience the beauty of Ohio’s State Parks by taking a guided stroll.
Ohio is a beautiful place to explore, especially in the winter. From the rare birds wintering along the Lake Erie shores, to the snow-covered bridge at Mohican State Park, to the frozen waterfalls In the Hocking Hills, there are majestic winter landscapes all across our beautiful state.
ODNR staff have dozens of winter hikes planned around our wonderful and picturesque state in our nature preserves and state parks.
In addition to traditional First Day Hikes, the next several weeks will include hikes around the state. While the list of such opportunities on January 1 (can be found here) does not include any Richland County area destinations, there are upcoming hikes in the north central Ohio area.
ODNR recommends that you dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear for all winter hikes. If you plan to share photos of any of these hikes, use the hashtag #ODNRWinter when doing so. We look forward to seeing your amazing photos which may be featured on our social media accounts.
ODNR has a list of safety tips for anyone who wants to head out to the trails this winter. You can find those here.
Area ODNR hikes this winter include:
Mohican Experts Hike – Mohican State Park
Do you think you know Mohican? Have you been on every trail in the park, or is there that one section you keep meaning to check out, but never get around to? Join the naturalist on a series of breathtaking hikes and begin checking off every trail in the park and surrounding areas! Almost every week you will hike a new trail, doing as little backtracking as possible, until you have hiked every single trail in the area. All hikes are moderate and roughly 4 – 6 miles in length. Carpooling may be required. Not weather dependent. Watch the Facebook Page every week for meeting instructions.
JANUARY 7 — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
JANUARY 14 — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lantern Lit Owl Prowl- Mohican
Join the Naturalist for an easy to moderate 2-mile out and back hike at night! Along the hike we will wander along the beautiful Clear Fork River beneath the historical Eastern Hemlocks and stopping to turn around at the renowned Big Lyons Falls. The Naturalist will attempt to call in owls as well as telling stories along the way. Follow signs to meet at the Mohican State Park Covered Bridge. Weather dependent. Do not bring headlamps or other forms of light. If brought, they may only be turned on during an emergency.
JANUARY 28 — 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Winter Hike for Health – Malabar Farm
Enjoy a day viewing the winter sites at Malabar. Start at the visitor center any time for a self-guided tour map of the park. This event is sponsored by the Richland County Health Department. Free.
FEBRUARY 11 — 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
