The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will host several guided hikes across central Ohio this winter as part of its annual winter hiking series. Now in its fourth year, the program features trails of varying lengths and terrains at state parks and nature preserves across Ohio, providing options for participants to choose hikes that best suit their preferences, according to ODNR naturalist Jenny Richards.
“I think that we all kind of get this cabin fever from the days becoming short, and we tend to stay inside more, and [hiking] really helps remedy all of the things that go along with that,” Richards said. “Our mental and physical health and well-being is really benefited when we go outside and move our bodies around.”
This year’s series includes 56 hikes scheduled throughout December, January and February, with six hikes planned in central Ohio. The local hikes are as follows:
- Jan. 1 – Indian Lake State Park in Logan County, 2–2:45 p.m.
- Jan. 4 – A.W. Marion State Park in Pickaway County, 4–5:30 p.m.
- Jan. 11 – Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve in Fairfield County, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Jan. 11 – Deer Creek State Park in Fayette and Pickaway counties, 3–4:30 p.m.
- Jan. 25 – Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County, 1–2 p.m.
- Feb. 15 – Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve in Pickaway County, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Richards advised participants to research their chosen trail or contact the park office beforehand to familiarize themselves with the route. She recommended that new or inexperienced hikers opt for shorter trails to start.
For winter hikes, Richards emphasized the importance of dressing in layers, including gloves, a scarf, a hat, a coat, waterproof hiking shoes, and wool socks. She also suggested bringing an extra pair of socks in case the originals get wet and avoiding brand-new boots to minimize the risk of foot pain.