Although hiking in the winter can be challenging, the frozen beauty you encounter along the way can be breathtaking. One of our state’s most beautiful metro parks in northeast Ohio features a loop trail that takes you to not one, but two, incredible waterfalls. Within Cascade Park close to downtown Elyria, impressive waterfalls flow from both the East Branch and West Branch of the Black River. In the wintertime, the frozen falls at Cascade Park are downright majestic, making this one of the best winter hikes in Ohio. The next time you find yourself in the Elyria area, you’ll want to explore this stunning park!
The 1.2-mile loop trail is a must-do when you visit Cascade Park. It’s the prefect place to chase waterfalls, and one of the best winter hikes in Ohio.
Les Thwaites/AllTrails At the entrance of Cascade Park, these impressive falls flow. You’ll find the West Falls off of N. West River Street.
Cascade Park covers a total of 135 acres. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Les Thwaites/AllTrails Near the ford at the northern end of the park, you’ll even find a path that crosses the river.
Along the trail, you’ll take in several scenic views of the Black River.
Les Thwaites/AllTrails The river cuts through Berea Sandstone, creating beautiful gorges.
The West Falls feature three flows beneath a picturesque bridge. While rainfall certainly impacts their flow, they’re pretty powerful year-round—even when they’re frozen in the dead of winter.
Jim Geib/Email submission When you reach them, you’ll want to stay for awhile and take in their beauty.
As an added bonus, you’ll find the East Falls on the other end of the trail off of Lake Avenue behind the police station. They’re downright majestic in the winter months.
Jonathan Bare/Google You can view the East Falls from the observation deck above or hike down the trail to the gorge for a closer look.
Of course, you’ll want to return in the warmer months when everything is lush and green!
Mary Findley/AllTrails
What do you think? Would you hike to these frozen waterfalls? What are your picks for the best winter hikes in Ohio? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Les Thwaites/AllTrails
At the entrance of Cascade Park, these impressive falls flow. You’ll find the West Falls off of N. West River Street.
Near the ford at the northern end of the park, you’ll even find a path that crosses the river.
The river cuts through Berea Sandstone, creating beautiful gorges.
Jim Geib/Email submission
When you reach them, you’ll want to stay for awhile and take in their beauty.
Jonathan Bare/Google
You can view the East Falls from the observation deck above or hike down the trail to the gorge for a closer look.
Mary Findley/AllTrails
For more wintertime adventures in Ohio, check out our previous article: 6 Winter Hikes In Ohio That Lead To Stunning Frozen Waterfalls.
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Address: Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best winter hikes in Ohio January 11, 2022 Sarah What are some of the best winter hikes in Ohio? There’s nothing quite like bundling up and hitting the Ohio trails in the dead of winter. During this time, there’s a quiet peacefulness that descends upon the landscape of the Buckeye State, and it’s something you really must experience! One of our absolute favorite places to hike during the winter in Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park. While lovely (and a wonderful day trip) all year long, the waterfalls, gorges, and forests of Hocking Hills are positively perfect when covered in a fresh blanket of snow or frost. Are there any frozen waterfalls in Ohio? If you’re into chasing waterfalls, Ohio is a great place to be. And there’s one that transforms into something otherworldly come winter in the Buckeye State. Nestled within Ohio’s only national park, Brandywine Falls is a vision. This breathtaking 65-foot waterfall gushes from Brandywine Creek, and the falls are arguably the most popular feature of the park. But what some don’t realize, is that in the throes of winter in Ohio, Brandywine Falls transforms into something even more extraordinary. Seeing these frozen falls firsthand is the most amazing reward for hitting the trails in the coldest months of the year; we promise, you’ll be so spellbound by this spectacular scene, that you will forget all about the frigid temperatures. What are some fun state parks to explore in Ohio? With more than 70 state parks, we’ve got plenty of beautiful places to explore here in the Buckeye State. From mossy gorges and state forests to hidden waterfalls and stunning lakeshores, there’s always something photo-worthy you’ll find in an Ohio state park. Here are 11 of our favorite state parks (listed in no particular order) that we think just don’t get enough attention, but should!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best winter hikes in Ohio
January 11, 2022
Sarah
What are some of the best winter hikes in Ohio? There’s nothing quite like bundling up and hitting the Ohio trails in the dead of winter. During this time, there’s a quiet peacefulness that descends upon the landscape of the Buckeye State, and it’s something you really must experience! One of our absolute favorite places to hike during the winter in Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park. While lovely (and a wonderful day trip) all year long, the waterfalls, gorges, and forests of Hocking Hills are positively perfect when covered in a fresh blanket of snow or frost. Are there any frozen waterfalls in Ohio? If you’re into chasing waterfalls, Ohio is a great place to be. And there’s one that transforms into something otherworldly come winter in the Buckeye State. Nestled within Ohio’s only national park, Brandywine Falls is a vision. This breathtaking 65-foot waterfall gushes from Brandywine Creek, and the falls are arguably the most popular feature of the park. But what some don’t realize, is that in the throes of winter in Ohio, Brandywine Falls transforms into something even more extraordinary. Seeing these frozen falls firsthand is the most amazing reward for hitting the trails in the coldest months of the year; we promise, you’ll be so spellbound by this spectacular scene, that you will forget all about the frigid temperatures. What are some fun state parks to explore in Ohio? With more than 70 state parks, we’ve got plenty of beautiful places to explore here in the Buckeye State. From mossy gorges and state forests to hidden waterfalls and stunning lakeshores, there’s always something photo-worthy you’ll find in an Ohio state park. Here are 11 of our favorite state parks (listed in no particular order) that we think just don’t get enough attention, but should!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There’s nothing quite like bundling up and hitting the Ohio trails in the dead of winter. During this time, there’s a quiet peacefulness that descends upon the landscape of the Buckeye State, and it’s something you really must experience! One of our absolute favorite places to hike during the winter in Ohio is Hocking Hills State Park. While lovely (and a wonderful day trip) all year long, the waterfalls, gorges, and forests of Hocking Hills are positively perfect when covered in a fresh blanket of snow or frost.
Are there any frozen waterfalls in Ohio?
If you’re into chasing waterfalls, Ohio is a great place to be. And there’s one that transforms into something otherworldly come winter in the Buckeye State. Nestled within Ohio’s only national park, Brandywine Falls is a vision. This breathtaking 65-foot waterfall gushes from Brandywine Creek, and the falls are arguably the most popular feature of the park. But what some don’t realize, is that in the throes of winter in Ohio, Brandywine Falls transforms into something even more extraordinary. Seeing these frozen falls firsthand is the most amazing reward for hitting the trails in the coldest months of the year; we promise, you’ll be so spellbound by this spectacular scene, that you will forget all about the frigid temperatures.
What are some fun state parks to explore in Ohio?
With more than 70 state parks, we’ve got plenty of beautiful places to explore here in the Buckeye State. From mossy gorges and state forests to hidden waterfalls and stunning lakeshores, there’s always something photo-worthy you’ll find in an Ohio state park. Here are 11 of our favorite state parks (listed in no particular order) that we think just don’t get enough attention, but should!
