Enjoy an Illuminated Evening of Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Kirtland

The recent fall of heavy lake effect snow that swept across northeast Ohio between Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 — leaving as much as 2.5 to 3 feet of snow in certain areas — was certainly a departure from what residents have seen the past few years. But was it a welcome one? Well, it depends on who you ask. 

While a snowfall like this can be cause for distress, it also creates the perfect backdrop for embracing winter’s unique pleasures, from skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing and sledding. Now, with a soft blanket of snow covering the landscape, Chapin Forest Reservation in Kirtland offers a scenic escape for those looking to embrace the beauty of the snowy season.

Spanning 390 acres, Chapin Forest boasts 6 miles of groomed trails that range in difficulty, so that both seasoned cross-country skiers and those new to the sport are able to find a route that suites their pace. Of the seven trails available to traverse, the Arbor Lane Loop Trail (accessible from the reservation’s Pine Lodge Ski Center entrance off Hobart Road) offers what is possibly the most magical way to experience the park this time of year.

Visitors can ski, snowshoe or hike along the moderate 1.25-mile trail, which is illuminated each evening by strands of lights that hang overhead. The trail stays lit from the time dusk falls until the park closes, creating an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.

The on-site Pine Lodge Ski Center offers ski and snowshoe rentals, which can be booked at both hourly and daily rates. There is also a practice hill just on the other side of the parking lot, so you can get some test runs in before taking on the longer trails.

Whether you’re looking to experience a daylong trip through the snow-covered forest, an enchanting nighttime walk or simply an hour or two of family fun, Chapin Forest Reservation offers a wintery haven for some can’t-miss seasonal joy in a season that is already showing promising snowfall. 

For more information, visit lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/chapin-forest-reservation.

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