By 1812Blockhouse
For many people in north central Ohio, January is a season best viewed from behind a window. Wind rattles the eaves, thermometers dip below zero, and the idea of walking through the woods can sound more like punishment than pleasure. The Richland County Park District wants to change that mindset, one warm pair of boots at a time.
On Saturday, January 24 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the district will host a practical, no-nonsense class designed to help residents batter down their fears of winter hiking. The session promises to be short, friendly, and focused on the kinds of questions beginners actually ask. What should I wear? Do I really need special boots? How do people stay comfortable when the windchill reads minus 10?
The guide for the afternoon will be longtime park volunteer Nelson Shogren, a man who cheerfully admits he prefers the woods when most of us are hugging a space heater. Shogren believes winter is the best time to be outside, and he plans to show why.
Learning to Dress for the Season
The class begins indoors with a straightforward look at clothing and gear. Layering will be a major theme, along with advice on fabrics that trap warmth instead of moisture. Shogren will talk about boots, socks, and the small items that make a big difference, such as hats that actually cover your ears and gloves that still allow you to zip a coat.
Organizers say the goal is not to turn anyone into an Arctic explorer. It is to give ordinary walkers the confidence to step onto a trail without feeling unprepared or miserable. Winter hiking, they point out, is less about expensive equipment and more about understanding a few basic principles.
A Walk Without Mosquitoes
After the indoor portion, participants will head outside for a short hike to put the lessons into practice. The group will learn how to place their feet securely on icy ground, how to read a trail surface, and how to pace themselves in cold air. Safety precautions will be woven into the walk, from recognizing early signs of frostbite to knowing when to call it a day.
There is also the simple joy of seeing familiar landscapes in a new light. Without leaves on the trees, views open across hills and fields. Animal tracks appear like handwriting in the snow. And, as Shogren likes to remind people, there are absolutely no mosquitoes.
Richland County’s Winter Playground
The program arrives at a time when more residents are discovering that local parks remain open and inviting long after summer crowds disappear. Malabar Farm State Park offers gentle routes such as the Butternut Trail and Doris Duke Woods Trail, while the Gorman Nature Center maintains more than five miles of paths through forests, prairies, and ponds. A little farther out, the Lyons Falls Trail at Mohican State Park leads hikers through a dramatic gorge to twin waterfalls that sparkle with ice.
Each of those places rewards visitors who take a few minutes to prepare. Proper traction, a glance at the weather forecast, and an understanding of how the body reacts to cold can transform an intimidating outing into an energizing one.
An Invitation to Try
Park District staff hope the class will draw first-timers as well as seasoned walkers curious about new techniques. The message is simple: winter does not have to close the door on nature. The woods are quieter now, the air is cleaner, and the season offers its own kind of beauty. All it takes is a little knowledge and the willingness to step outside.
For those ready to give it a try, the trailhead light will be on at 1:00 PM.
