Winter Hiking at Clear Creek Metro Park

If you are looking to embark on a hike that is both challenging and picturesque, Clear Creek Metro Park in Rockbridge, Ohio has you covered. This mammoth park spans over 5,000 acres of land, contains over 12 miles of hiking trails, and is home to over 150 species of birds. According to the official website, one could also potentially spot coyotes, turkeys, vultures, bobcats and other wildlife at the park.

While it is technically a part of the Central Ohio Metro Parks system, Clear Creek  could more appropriately be considered part of Southeastern Ohio, as it is located in both Fairfield and Hocking Counties. It is not far from the popular Hocking Hills region, but is different from its neighbor in that there are far less tourists and it is much more secluded. This makes for a more serene and peaceful experience with Ohio's natural beauty.

My first visit to Clear Creek Metro Park was part of the Official Winter Hikes Series (which takes place tomorrow, January 28). Upon our arrival, my friends and I were welcomed by ravishing blue skies and a stunning blanket of snow. While I knew that the wintry landscape would make for an added degree of difficulty during my hike, I did not anticipate just how much of a slick and slippery cardio workout I would be getting that day. Equipped with a hand-carved walking stick and a pair of heavy duty winter hiking boots, I was more than prepared to tackle the assorted terrain ahead.

 

Clear Creek Metro Park is unique in that it provides a varying array of hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult, so that no matter what your level of experience, you will be sure to find a trail that suits your comfort level. Some of the calmer trails include Creekside Meadows (1.7 miles) and Good Prairie (0.3 miles).

Because of my adventurous personality, however, I went right for the extreme trails. The Hemlock Trail, for instance, is a 1.5 mile pathway that, like a roller coaster, winds in and out of wooded regions, alongside sandstone cliffs, and over footbridges that span across the aptly named Clear Creek. This particular trail had rugged, steep hills, which made my aforementioned hiking stick a godsend! Going down these hills became tricky, however, as I slowly scooted inch by inch at some parts.

One of the highlights of the trail was an enormous uprooted tree that had fallen onto the pathway, making for a fun little obstacle. Another great sight to see was the waterfall that had completely frozen over, creating a spectacular wall of icicles.

Having hiked in dozens of parks across Ohio, I can easily say that Clear Creek is one of the most exciting and beautiful parks I have come across. The magnificent rock formations, large selection of trails, and the calming atmosphere make Clear Creek Metro Park a fantastic destination any time of the year.

 

Comments

[Joe Todd]

I put this video together a few years back..enjoy

http://youtu.be/UfSA4uTMFik

Cemetery Ridge Trail is my favorite

[Derek Nicol]

Wow! Ohio does have a lot of natural beauty of its own. Thanks Michael.

[Himalayan Trekking Nepal]

The mammoth park is really nice. It must be a very nice feeling just strolling around it. By the way, I loved the pictures that you have posted.