Where to find guided hikes at central Ohio state parks this winter

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will host several guided hikes across central Ohio this winter. 

The state department holds a winter hiking series annually, at state parks and nature preserves across Ohio. This year marks the organization’s fourth round of the program. Featured trails include a variety of different lengths and terrains, allowing residents to pick a hike that works best for them, according to Jenny Richards, a naturalist with the ODNR.

“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 throughout December, January and February, including six in central Ohio, which can be found below. 

• Jan. 1 – Indian Lake State Park in Logan County, from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
• Jan. 4 – A.W. Marion State Park in Pickaway County, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Jan. 11 – Christmas Parks State Nature Preserve in Fairfield County, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
• Jan. 11 – Deer Creek State Park in Fayette and Pickaway counties, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Jan. 25 – Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• Feb. 15 – Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve in Pickaway County, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Richards recommended participants familiarize themselves with the trail they plan to hike on, by researching the location or calling the park office ahead of time. She advised new and inexperienced hikers to pick a shorter trail. 

During the winter, she said it is important to dress in layers, including gloves, a scarf, hat, coat, waterproof hiking shoes and wool socks. Richards recommended bringing an extra pair of socks in case the original pair gets wet, and wearing boots that are not brand new to avoid foot pain. 

“I don't think in Ohio that we ever have cold enough temperatures that you can't go out and enjoy,” Richards said. “There's never a bad time to be outside if you ask me. You just have to be appropriately dressed and maybe not go out for a really long extended period of time.”

Richards recommends hikers bring “plenty” of food and water, and let a loved one know where they are and when they expect to get home. That way, if a hiker gets lost or suffers an injury, someone will immediately know something is wrong and where to look for them. She also emphasized that people should stay off frozen bodies of water. 

The turnout for the department's winter hikes can range from small groups to over 100 people. ODNR naturalists give an overview of the trial then lead the group, Richards said. 

“You can see a lot of different things when you're hiking in the winter,” Richards said. “It's fun to look for animal tracks in the snow and ice formations. I like hiking in the winter because there's no bugs out either.”

In order to plan their hike, participants can use OuterSpacial, a free app that allows users to access interactive trail maps and important information about locations in the winter hike series. Users can find these features by joining the “Ohio Community” tab on the app. 

Participants this year will receive a limited edition 2025 winter hike series decal as supplies last. A full list of hikes in this year's series can be found on the ODNR’s website.