Blog

Snowshoeing in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Posted By: Stacy Rhea on 01/02/2011

After five minutes of trekking on the lightly snow-covered trails, I was hooked on the world’s fastest growing sport: snowshoeing.  And what better place than Cleveland to enjoy a sport like this?

On Monday, Dec. 27, Coach Tim Edwards introduced me to this easy-to-do sport. Tim and I trekked the Meadows Trail, a 3-mile loop, in 45 minutes. The terrain is easy for beginners, and offers a few heart-pumping hills to burn off those extra holiday calories.

January 22
Tim and I will lead a group of 12 snowshoers, Jan. 22, on a 3-mile hike on the Meadows Trail, in the Brecksville Reservation. If there isn’t enough snow on the ground, we will move the clinic to Feb. 5.

Time/location
Meet at the Meadows Picnic area shelter, Brecksville Reservation, 9 a.m.
Tim and I will hand out the snowshoes. Tim will then discuss snowshoeing basics, before we hit the trails. while on the trial, Tim will teach you the necessary skills for future trekking adventures. The hike will last about 60 minutes. We can hike longer, if the group would like. I will lead others back to the shelter,

Hot Lunch
After the hike, a hot lunch will be served. The menu is not set, but it will one of the following: soup, stew or chili. If you follow a special diet, such as a vegetarian diet, please let Stacy know as soon as possible.

Directions to the Meadows Picnic area
I-77 - From the north or south, exit at Routed  82 east (Royalton Road.)
For Meadows picnic area, go east on Route. 82 past the Route 21 intersection. Entrance to Brecksville Reservation will be on the right. Go to the first right (Meadows Drive) and follow back to the shelter on the left.  If you start to descend into the valley, you have gone too far. Look for the FT balloons.
GPS -   Lon:  81.61567  Lat: 41.31526

What to wear
Outdoor activities require special attire. Please read through the following outline and make sure you have the proper cold-weather gear.  

No cotton
Stay away from cotton, it holds moisture and will keep you chilled and wet.
 
Base layer is the layer closest to your body and should be form fitting. The material should be Dri-fit/Cool-Max. Craft, Nike and Under Armor are three of the most populars brands.  

Insulating layer or middle layer should be fleece, this includes bottoms too. Stay away from jeans. 
 
Outer layer should consist of material that is wind resistant/waterproof, this includes bottoms too.  The outer layers blocks the wind and will keep you dry.  

Hat and gloves
Fleece hat with Dri-fit lining, and for the gloves nylon, this way your hands won’t get wet, if you touch the snow.
 
Sunglasses
Will prevent the sun's reflection from hurting your eyes, plus, if it is windy, your eyes are protected.
 
Foot wear
Running shoes or light hiking boots.  Two  layers of socks.  Thin base layer, followed by a  pair of fleece or wool socks.  Wear gaiters if you own a pair.
 
Water
Bring a water bottle in a fanny pack or a Camelback.  It’s easy to get dehydrated.

If you have any question, contact Stacy