The Tree Farm Path in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park is likely one of the finest winter climbing choices in Northeast Ohio, providing a peaceable and scenic expertise when snow blankets the valley. In winter, the principally flat path turns into a quiet hall of snow-covered fields and options an incredible stretch of pine bushes that feels particularly serene within the colder months. With fewer crowds and simple footing on packed snow, winter climbing on the Tree Farm Path is good for all ability ranges. Open views, crisp air, and delightful dawn gentle make the path a standout for CVNP winter climbing, showcasing a relaxed and underrated facet of the park.
Do not miss dawn at both Horseshoe Pond or close to the Christmas tree fields
Mountaineering the Tree Farm Path
After a protracted day of labor, there are few higher methods to unwind than getting outdoors for a fast hike, and with about an hour of daylight left, the Tree Farm Path in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park appears the right selection. The scenic loop is one among my private favorites in CVNP, and it additionally occurs to be the place Heather and I had our second date—recollections that come again each time I get out onto the path. From the Tree Farm Trailhead, I head out clockwise, saving my favourite part for the top of the hike. The path begins alongside the japanese fringe of Horseshoe Pond, frozen stable after weeks of bitter winter temperatures, earlier than slipping right into a quiet stand of mature pine bushes.
In winter, the Tree Farm Path doubles as a well-liked route for cross-country snowboarding, and contemporary ski tracks line a lot of the trail. I persist with the facet of the path to protect the tracks, shifting via alternating sections of evergreen forest and leafless hardwoods. Across the 0.7-mile mark, the bushes speak in confidence to the north, providing the primary glimpse of Heritage Farm’s Christmas tree fields. A brief distance later, simply earlier than a mild climb, one other opening within the bushes supplies a fair higher view of the rolling fields past.
On the high of the rise, the panorama opens fully, revealing what seems like limitless rows of Christmas bushes stretching throughout the valley. The spot is very beautiful at dawn, however even within the fading afternoon gentle, patches of blue sky and a touch of sunshine makes the view effectively well worth the cease.
From right here, the path continues its rhythm, weaving between evergreen groves, blended hardwood forest, and open stretches that really feel like inexperienced tunnels in the course of the hotter months.
Round mile 2.1, I attain my favourite part of the hike and one among my favourite locations in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park. Towering pine bushes line the path because the final gentle of day filters via the cover, casting a heat glow on the trunks beneath. It’s a type of locations the place images by no means fairly seize the magic—seeing it in individual, particularly at sundown or early morning, makes the hike.
The ultimate stretch alternates as soon as extra between hardwoods and evergreens earlier than looping again to the trailhead at 2.8 miles. As I end the hike, I’m reminded why the Tree Farm Path is likely one of the finest simple hikes in CVNP, particularly in winter. Spring isn’t far off, and I do know I’ll be again—hopefully with Heather—returning at dawn to relive one among our early adventures collectively.
