Winter Is This Ohio Park’s Secret Season & Here’s Why You Should Go- Only in your state
Winter in Northeast Ohio is absolutely dazzling... if you bundle up accordingly, that is. The northern half of the state gets the most snowfall, with some cities creeping close to an average annual snowfall of circa 84 inches. In Lake County, you can experience the splendor of a winter wonderland with about half that amount of snowfall, so it's an incredible winter hiking destination. If you're looking for peak winter views - a frozen waterfall, sleepy snow-covered forests, and picturesque boardwalks - you'll want to add Bluebell Valley Path in Hogback Ridge Park to your local hiking bucket list. It's one of the loveliest winter hikes in Ohio, and at just 2.2-miles roundtrip, you can knock it out in less than an hour.
With circa 4,000 residents, Madison, Ohio is a quaint little Lake County village covering a 5-square-mile stretch of land. While most may know the area for its incredible array of wineries, locals will tell you that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the local landscape has to offer.
Hogback Ridge Park is one of many incredible natural attractions in the area, and its name is actually inspired by its landscape. Steep valleys frame one stunning ridge, creating a varied landscape that's further shaped by the presence of the Grand River and Mill Creek. Locals love to go fishing here, and adventure seekers know that the park holds a stretch of the Grand River that's designated as a Wild River by the State of Ohio. The designation is reserved for waterways that are unobstructed by dams or human activity, framed by forests, and clean, so you can expect beautiful views during your visit.
While the park is stunning all year-round, winter brings a certain sort of magic to the landscape, especially near the Bluebell Valley Path area. This route will take you up to the edge of Mill Creek, where the sound of rushing water will instantly greet you... unless it's frozen over, that is.
While the Grand River is a tributary of Lake Erie, Mill Creek is one of the river's tributaries. At 28.8 miles, it's one of the longest branches flowing from the river. Its waterfall is long and fan-shaped, framed by steep banks that give way to a thick forest. In the spring and after a heavy rain, the waterfall has a steady and audible flow. In the winter, however, it's prone to freezing.
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