Breaking: TriHealth, UnitedHealthcare reach agreement after over a year of negotiations

3 places to enjoy the outdoors in SW Ohio during winter

Old Man's Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park (PHOTO CREDIT: AMY WEIRICK).

Credit: Amy Weirick

Credit: Amy Weirick

Old Man's Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park (PHOTO CREDIT: AMY WEIRICK).
THINGS TO DO
By
2 hours ago
X

As winter plows ahead, folks may be feeling the itch to get out from under the cozy covers at home and to feel some cold air on their faces.

There are a few ways to enjoy the wintertime in Ohio — but bundling up still may be necessary.

Hocking Hills hike

Ohio Department of Resources will host its 60th annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike on Jan. 17. The six-mile trek will take guests through several of the state park’s landmarks, such as Ash Cave and Cedar Falls.

This hike is also notable for being a part of the year-long celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”

The route will begin at the Old Man’s Cave’s Upper Falls (19852 OH 664 S., Logan), with the hike ending at Ash Cave. Participants will be given complimentary cornbread, bean soup, hot chocolate and doughnuts.

Mad River Mountain

The Tubing Park at Mad River Mountain offers family-friendly fun all winter long. CONTRIBUTED Mad River Mountain

icon to expand image

Skiing, snowboarding or tubing — the choice is yours at Mad River Mountain, Ohio’s largest ski and snowboard resort.

Just about an hour drive from the Dayton area, located in Zanesfield, the resort offers a variety of trails categorized by difficulty. First timer or returning to the sport after years away – lessons are available. And no equipment, no problem — it has rentals which can be reserved online in advance.

Prefer fun over finesse? The Tubing Park is the way to go. Giggles and screams of excitement are almost guaranteed with every two-hour tubing pass.

The resort also offers night skiing, perfect for short winter days. In addition to beginner lessons, advanced level clinics are held for skiers who want to fine tune their skills.

For information, visit skimadriver.com.

Five Rivers MetroParks

Twin Creek MetroPark in Germantown will host a guided hiking experience from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Jan. 14. This is for ages 16 and older and is free. Hiking occurs along the park’s trails.

Those who go must be prepared for the cold with wearing multiple layers and bringing water. Registration is required; visit metroparks.org.

RiverScape MetroPark in Dayton continues hosting ice skating at its rink. It is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays 4-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, daily through Feb. 27.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Day, the ice rink is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Food and beverages are available on-site at the RiverScape Cafe, and there is a warming tent at the rink as well.

If it’s sledding you want to do, some of the better public hills are at the Englewood and Germantown MetroParks.

Writer Debbie Juniewicz contributed to this report.

In Other News
1
When cancer shows up: Community has surrounded my family in the best of...
2
From a sound recording booth to a photo cube and unique printers...
3
Snow helps track what wildlife are roaming locally
4
The new year brings new opportunities to connect with the outdoors
5
‘There’s always something new to talk about here’: Tourism in Butler...

About the Author

Born and raised in the Dayton area, Alex Cutler has always had a deep passion for the city and its history.  In 2022, he received his degrees in Multimedia Journalism and Communications from Sinclair Community College.