Cross-country skiing is a great pastime that the family can enjoy during the winter. Thankfully, there are many great spots across Northeast Ohio where you can rent equipment, learn how to cross-country ski, and enjoy the sport during the winter months. Make sure to call and check the weather conditions before heading out. Most locations have a minimum snowfall.

To avoid disappointment, please check the websites listed to confirm hours, pricing, and equipment availability before planning your trip.

Cleveland Metroparks 

Skiing is permitted on the bridle, hiking, and unplowed all-purpose trails, as well as the fairways and rough areas of Big Met, Little Met, Shawnee Hills, Seneca, Mastick Woods, and Sleepy Hollow golf courses when there is a four-inch snow base. Ski rentals are available at Big Met golf course by the hour; for cross-country ski conditions call (216) 635-3270, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. {Find Out More}

Cuyahoga Valley National Park 

Suggested areas and trails for cross-country skiing in the park include Boston Run Trail, Cross Country Trail & Pine Grove Trail at Kendall Lake Trailhead, Ledges Field, Oak Hill Trail & Plateau Trail at the Oak Hill Trailhead, Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and Tree Farm Trail. {Find Out More}

Findley State Park 

There are 5 miles of trails available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Geauga Park District 

Skiing is permitted at more than 20 parks located in the district. A variety of programs are offered on the website. {Find Out More}

Geneva State Park 

There are 2 miles of trails available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Headlands Beach State Park 

There are 1.5 miles of trails available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Lake Metroparks

Skiing is available at Chapin Forest Reservation and Girdled Road Reservation. Ski equipment can be rented at Pine Lodge Ski Center, plus the Chapin Forest trails are lighted for you at night. In south/central Lake County, 9 kilometers at the south entrance of Girdled Road Reservation are groomed – some of it flat, but also some challenging terrain. Each park offers a different experience. {Find Out More}

Lake Milton State Park

There are 1.25 miles of trails available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Lorain County Metroparks

Cross-country skiing is allowed in all 18 Lorain County parks! Bring your own skis and enjoy the parks in the winter as no trails are groomed this time of the year. Note that cross-country skiing is only allowed in Forest Hills Golf Course and the formal gardens at Schoepfle Garden when there is at least 3” of packed snow. {Find Out More}

Medina County Park District

Skiing is permitted in 8 different parks within the district, including Allardale Park, Buckeye Woods Park, Green Leaf Park, Hubbard Valley Park, Lake Medina, Letha House Park, Plum Creek Park and River Styx Park. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Mill Creek Metroparks

Skiing is permitted on 7 trails in the MetroPark areas as well as Mill Creek and Par 3 Golf Courses. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Mosquito Lake State Park

There are 15 miles of trails available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Portage Lakes State Park

There are 5.75 miles of trails available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Portage Park District

Cross country skiing is permitted on 8 of the trails in the district ranging from 1.9 to 7 miles long. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Website}

Punderson State Park

There are 2 moderate-level trails and one easy trail available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Pymatuning State Park

Skiing is allowed on the 1-mile Beaver Dam Trail. You must provide your own equipment. {Find Out More}

Quail Hollow Park

Cross-country skiing rentals will be offered if proper weather conditions (3″ to 4″ inches of snow) are present. All rentals are 2 hours, cash or check. {Find Out More}

Summit Metro Parks

Cross county skiing is permitted in several of the Metro Parks including: Firestone, Furnace Run, Goodyear Heights, Monroe Falls, Silver Creek and Springfield Bog. You are also welcome to ski on the 34-mile Summit Metro Parks Bike & Hike Trail, the 22.4 mile section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail located in Summit County, and the 6-mile Freedom Trail in Tallmadge. Two inches of snow must be on the ground to ski. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

West Branch State Park

There is 1 mile of trail available when the ground is frozen and snow-covered. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

Western Reserve Greenway

This trail is 16.7 miles long and has two trailheads. You must provide your own ski equipment. {Find Out More}

More Winter Fun Things to Do in Ohio

• Winter Fun Guide – Details on 100+ Things to do in Ohio during the winter months
• Sledding in Northeast Ohio – With over 60 locations to choose from, there is sure to be a hill near you.
• Outdoor Ice Rinks – Northeast Ohio is home to a handful of seasonal outdoor rinks.  Admission is typically inexpensive (and sometimes FREE) and there is a small fee to rent ice skates (assuming you don’t have a pair of your own).
• Ski Resorts in Ohio – Ready to hit the slopes?  Whether for skiing or snowboarding Ohio has a number of ski resorts to meet your needs.  All have trails ranging from beginner to expert and offer classes for various skill levels.
• Snow Tubing in Ohio – Experience the thrill of cruising down a snow-covered hill in a tube by yourself or linked with your friends.