Ohio State Parks are open year-round, and offer a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in winter. Try one of our popular guided winter hikes, or strike out on your own.

Cross-Country Skiing

• Cross Country skiing is permitted on multiple use trails at a number of parks
• Many parks also allow cross-country skiing where there are expanses of open areas such as picnic areas, shoreline areas and golf courses
• Cross-country skiing is allowed only when the ground is frozen and completely covered with snow or ice
• Trails are not groomed
• Skiers must provide their own equipment, and rentals are available at some locations

Sledding

• Sledding hills are offered at a number of state parks
• Come prepared for cold weather, and be sure the path ahead of you is clear before taking the plunge

Snowmobiling

• Snowmobiling is permitted on designated trails at a number of state parks
• Snowmobile operation is allowed only when the ground is frozen and completely covered with snow or ice
• Snowmobiling is also permitted on the frozen surface of many state park lakes in designated areas when the lake is posted for snowmobiling
• Snowmobiling hours are limited to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Snowmobiles must be registered with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent state bureau for out-of-state park visitors)
• Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and youth ages 12 to 15 must be closely supervised by an adult when operating snowmobiles in Ohio State Parks.

Ice Skating

• Several state parks offer small ponds or outdoor rinks that are ideal for ice skating
• Many state park lakes also accommodate ice skaters
• If you skate on a state park lake, stay near the shoreline, and be on the lookout for open or thin ice

Ice Fishing

• Ice fishing is permitted on most state park lakes. Ice fishing holes are limited to 12 inches in diameter
• Temporary ice fishing shelters must display the owner’s name and address
• Check with the park office on the condition of the ice and any restrictions

Ice Boating

• Ice boating is permitted on designated areas of many state park lakes when the lake has been posted for ice boating
• Ice boating hours are limited to 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Check with the park office on the condition of the ice, and any restrictions

Special Events and Activities

• Throughout the winter months, a number of Ohio State Parks offer a variety of special events and activities
• Indoor pursuits include festive holiday gatherings, craft workshops and natural history programs
• Guided hikes, sled dog races, cross-country skiing events and late-winter maple syrup festivals provide an outstanding opportunity to enjoy winter scenery and get fit naturally
• For dates and locations, see the calendar of events.

Cottages, Lodges and Camping

• Cottages, lodges, and most campgrounds at Ohio State Parks are open year-round
• Cozy two-bedroom cottages at 15 state parks feature central heating, and many also offer gas log fireplaces for winter warmth
• Nine state park resort lodges offer comfortable guest rooms along with resort facilities and full-service dining rooms
• For cottage reservations at Buck Creek, Cowan Lake, Dillon, Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, Mohican, Pike Lake, or Pymatuning call 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727) or reserve on-line
• For cottage or lodge reservations at Burr Oak, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Punderson, Shawnee or Salt Fork, call 1-800-AT-A-PARK. For Mohican lodge reservations call 1-800-AT-A-PARK
• For Deer Creek Lodge or cottage reservations, call 1-877-678-DEER. For Geneva Lodge reservations, call 1-800-801-9982
• Campground facilities at 56 state parks range from secluded primitive campsites to full-service sites with modern campground amenities
• Most state park campgrounds are open year-round, although many offer limited facilities during the winter months
• Most heated campground showerhouses are closed from November through March to conserve energy
• For camping reservations, call 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727) or reserve on-line.

Enjoy Winter Fun Safely

Come prepared, be aware, and know when to go indoors.

• Dress warmly in layers, keep your head, neck and hands covered, and wear waterproof boots.
• Wear wool or quick-drying synthetic fabrics.
• Drink water to prevent dehydration, and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Be alert for symptoms of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, slow or slurred speech, memory lapses, or clumsiness.

A minimum of five inches of ice is recommended for safe enjoyment of ice skating, ice fishing, ice boating and snowmobiling on state park lakes. However, even if the ice is several inches thick, ice-covered water is never completely safe.

Thick ice can be weakened by thawing and refreezing, and pockets of air can form under the ice on lakes where the water levels are raised and lowered for flood control.

Never venture onto the ice alone, and follow these ice safety practices:

• Let someone know when you will be on the ice and when you will return.
• Wear a life jacket or float coat.
• Carry two screwdrivers, ice picks, or large nails to help gain a firm grip, should you have to pull yourself out of the water.
• Avoid areas of thin ice or open water.

Have Fun on the Ice

Be aware and know how to respond:

If you feel the ice begin to crack beneath you, follow these steps:

1. Do not run.
2. Lie on your stomach and spread your arms and legs (like an airplane).
3. Stretch your arms over your head and bring them together.
4. Bring your legs together and slither like a snake away from the crack. Do not bend your knees or elbows.
5. Roll to safety.

If someone has fallen through the ice:

• Do not go onto the ice-if it broke once,
  it will break again.
• Call for help.
• Tell the victim to hold their hands close to their face and breathe into their hands.
• Toss them something that floats. (Try a cooler, or empty plastic bottle)
• Encourage them to use car keys, a pen, or other object in their pocket to begin to pull themselves onto the ice.

If the victim is close enough to shore, you can help pull them in:

• Kneel or lie face down on solid ground.
• Extend whatever you can find - a stick, fishing pole, rope, twirled blanket, coats tied together or jumper cables.