The Little-Known Park Near Cleveland That Transforms Into A Snow & Ice Palace In The Winter
By Nikki Rhoades|Published February 06, 2023
×
Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
The might of the seasons is stunning in Northeast Ohio. From the sun-warmed palette of summer to the monochromatic sparkle of winter, our landscape offers something for everyone. Exploring the beauty of each season is a particular treat in the Cleveland Metroparks. Their southernmost property, Hinckley Reservation, is one of the most breathtaking places to take in the magic of Greater Cleveland’s beauty. In the winter, one of the little-known parks in this mighty reservation transforms into the best winter hike near Cleveland. Are you ready to get up close to some of Northeast Ohio’s most awe-inspiring beauty? Bundle up, because this breezy hike’s beauty will give you literal chills.
As part of Hinckley Reservation, this unique hiking spot is a bit of a hidden gem. It's off the beaten path out in the countryside, so it offers an incredible way to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
This is one spot where the changing of the seasons is truly magical.
Here, ledges of Sharon Conglomerate sandstone await the opportunity to entrance visitors. These ledges are remnants of Ohio's era as an ancient ocean (millions of years before dinosaurs walked the earth), having formed somewhere around 300 million years ago.
Advertisement
In the warmer months, this is a lovely place to take it easy and enjoy a picnic.
There are picnic tables scattered throughout the park, but this pavilion is a favorite spot for many hikers. You can find it off State Road between Bellus and Ledge.
Advertisement
And the picnic area's overlook is almost as lovely as the ones you'll find deeper in the woods.
That rounded outer wall is a balcony area, and it overlooks an open field and the edge of the wooded area. Whether you stop here before or after your hike, these views are a great addition to the experience.
When things start to cool down, the landscape erupts in a variety of warm-hued colors.
Autumn is a breathtaking time to visit this park. The magical overlooks, the rising fog from Hinckley Lake and autumnal pools, the crispness in the air... it's no wonder hikers love this spot!
In addition to providing excellent views of the setting sun, a landscape gearing up for winter is also gearing up for snow and ice. These cool features add something mystical to the landscape.
Once snow comes, you'll have to be careful... things can get a bit slippery!
As this park is topographically peaked, you can expect to be climbing up and down hills. Wear hiking boots for this excursion and watch your footing along the way.
But the hike is well worth the trip. These snow-covered ledges look like something out of a fantasy world!
The variety of colors in these exposed sandstone ledges contrast beautifully with the sparkling snow. A familiar landscape suddenly feels different when snow creates new features and surprises.
Advertisement
In fact, this hike has been a local favorite for generations.
Pictured here, a troop of Boy Scouts enjoys a wintery hike in 1929. The ledges around Hinckley Reservation have been a site of interest even longer, with some families, like the Wordens, opting to settle nearby. In fact, a section of the ledges is named for that family and can be visited today — nearby Worden's Ledges! Here, historic carvings and works of art infuse a unique vibe into this expansive forest.
Following a sunny day with freezing temperatures, magnificent icicles will further decorate the ledges.
After the sun melts water high up on the ledges, it will freeze as it drips down to the cooler portions of the rock. This creates stunning ice sculptures, effectively transforming the rocks into an ice palace.
This winter hike in the Cleveland Metroparks will take your breath away.
Look for Whipp's Ledges near Hinckley Lake Loop Trail, Hinckley, OH 44233.
If you’re searching for the very best winter hike near Cleveland, you owe yourself a trip to Hinckley Reservation. While it’s a bit removed from the rest of the Metroparks with its location down in Medina County, it is well worth the extra drive time. Have you ever visited this pretty spot? Share your pictures and experiences in the comments below!
Looking for more icy beauty near Cleveland? Check out the incredible ice gardens in Northeast Ohio for winter’s finest artwork.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
