“It’s definitely a different way of seeing the parks,” says Jordan Hart, Five Rivers MetroParks outdoor recreation coordinator. With the foliage gone from many of the trees, “you’re able to see a lot farther, the topography seems different. If you’re down in one of the parks like Germantown and you’re just sitting on one of the hills, you’ll see things that you never saw during the summertime.”
Deer, seasonal birds and other wildlife may be more visible.
“It’s really awesome in the snow to be able to see all the different types of animal prints, because they stick around for quite a while,” Hart says. “When I see a track I don’t know, I take a picture of it and look at it later to identify what kind of tracks they were.”
Ideas for exploring MetroParks in winter
- Go ice skating: The ice rink at Riverscape MetroPark is open until Feb. 28. You can skate, take lessons and learn to play broomball or curling. More information: www.metroparks.org.
- Look for wildlife: Deer and small mammals are more visible with the foliage gone from trees. And while snow is still on the ground, you can identify a variety of bird and animal tracks.
- Learn to identify trees: Cox Arboretum MetroPark offers classes on identifying trees in winter by studying their twigs and bark.
- Go for a winter hike: For beginners and kids, shorter trails may be easier, including those at Hills and Dales MetroPark, Possom Creek MetroPark, Englewood MetroPark and Carriage Hill MetroPark.
- Learn about maple sugaring: Carriage Hill MetroPark Historical Farm will demonstrate maple sugaring on Feb. 22. Anyone can watch the process, and a limited number of guided tours are offered.
- Kids can learn about winter birds Feb. 21 at the Second Street Market story time. Register at www.metroparks.org.
- You can also take a winter hiking class at Sugarcreek MetroPark. Register at www.metroparks.org.
Trail challenge 2025
The MetroParks Trail Challenge starts Feb. 1 and runs through Oct. 31. This year’s challenge includes 28 trails ranging in length from a half-mile to almost 10 miles. Some are paved, some unpaved, and they vary in difficulty.
The challenge includes trails for hiking, biking, horse-back riding, kayaking and other water floats.
To get a Trail Challenge log and for a full list of the 28 trails, go to www.metroparks.org or download the MetroParks mobile app. The Trail Challenge is free, and you can participate on your own time.
Adults who complete at least 18 trails will be entered to win a prize, and children who complete just one trail will have a chance to win a Kids Adventure Pack.
“We’re hoping people are able to explore trails that aren’t really close to their home or different parks that they’re not as familiar with,” Hart says. “We have some people who do the trail challenge every year. It’s nice to be able to introduce people to new places.”
How to stay safe on winter explorations
Winter offers unique opportunities at the parks, but it’s important to plan ahead, Hart says.
“We definitely encourage you to be prepared for the weather,” he says.
Hart suggests dressing in layers to help regulate body temperature. “If you dress in layers, you can take off some layers as you hike and get hotter.” He suggests a “wicking” layer next to the skin, to help wick away sweat, followed by a warm layer and a protective layer.
If it’s snowy, wear boots that come up higher on your leg, and consider attaching traction cleats like Yaktrax if it’s icy.
Hart notes that most trails are not cleared, though sidewalks and parking lots are.
“For the most part, we don’t do a whole lot of clearing because occasionally you will get some people that get out and try cross country skiing,” he says. “We try to leave them as natural as possible during this time of year.”
Instead of meeting friends for coffee or dinner, Hart suggests taking the Trail Challenge together.
“It’s just really great seeing people who bring their kids out or who meet friends on the trails. I had a group of friends, and we would all try and get together and do a trail every couple of weeks or so and check them all out,” Hart says. “It’s great, and I encourage people to try and do that and meet up with some friends when you go out.”
Jana Collier is a member of the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation Board. To learn about the foundation and how you can help, go to www.metroparks.org/about/foundations.
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