
The Northeast Ohio area is known for its vast number of recreational opportunities that make it a great place to live or visit. There's plenty to do outdoors throughout the year, but when the snow starts to accumulate, the real fun begins. Sledding is a popular activity for all ages, and you'll see young kids, as well as adults, zipping down local hills with abandon all winter long.
Fortunately, you can find many sledding hills to visit throughout the area, so you probably won't have to visit the same place twice in a season – unless you want to, of course! From the tamer hills that are appropriate for kids or beginners to steeper ones that will appeal to the more adventurous, Northeast Ohio has sledding hills to suit every age and comfort level.
Grab your sled, bundle up, and check out the following 10 sled riding spots in Northeast Ohio that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping:
2077 Newton St., Akron, OH 44305
Goodyear Heights Metro Park's sledding hill is extremely popular, so you may want to try it during off-peak (early morning) hours to get the best experience. The hill is large and steep and has a rope along the side to help you get back up to the top, and you'll also find fire barrels along the way to help you warm up. And if you'd like to sled in the dark, Goodyear Heights has lights for nighttime sledding.
11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury, OH 44065
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One of northeast Ohio's premier winter sports parks, Punderson has not only sledding but also cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. There's even a cabin to warm up in and a lighted hill if you want to sled under the stars. And if you'd like to stay the night, family cabins, as well as a resort manor house, are available.
9938 Chillicothe Rd. (Rt. 306), Kirtland, OH 44094
If you have young kids, they may not be ready for some of the area's larger sledding hills. But the small hill at Chapin Forest Reservation is perfect for young sledders. It's frequented by cross-country skiers to practice their control skills, but it's also used for sledding. You'll find the hill off the Hobart Road entrance to the park.
4895 Bailey Rd., Madison, OH 44057
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You'll find Riverview Park Sled Riding Hill conveniently located next to the parking lot, so you'll have an easy trip from your car before you can enjoy some fun sledding. This is the park district's steepest hill, and you can whiz down it until 11 p.m. If you need to warm up, there's a fire ring with firewood near the picnic shelter.
387 Furnace St., Elyria, OH 44035
You'll find one of Lorain County's most popular sledding hills at Cascade Park in Elyria. The large hill is visible from the main entrance, and you'll also find a small playground and restrooms conveniently located at the bottom of the hill – two things that will come in handy if you're bringing the kids along.
55 E. Warner Rd., Akron, OH 4431
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Firestone Metropark is great for all ages and for those who are thrill-seekers as well as those who would rather sled on a smaller hill. That's because it has a large hill that has steep sections as well as those with a slower incline. The hill isn't lighted, so come earlier in the day if you're ready to make your way down.
5300 Massilon Rd., North Canton, OH 44720
Summit County's Boettler Park Sled Riding Hill is large and is appropriate for a wide range of ages since the hill has varying inclines. There's also a 30,000-square-foot playground located nearby on Heritage Hill, as well as places to snowboard and cross-country ski. You'll also find heated restrooms conveniently located near the riding hill.
800 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, OH 44313
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North Hawkins Area Sled Riding Hill has been popular for generations of sledders and is still a go-to destination for those who are looking for a large sled-riding hill. Go after dark if you'd like since the hill is lighted. You can also cross-country ski on trails or ice skate on a pond once it's frozen over.
51211 N. Ridge Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089
Zooming down a large sled riding hill at Vermilion River Reservation has been a popular activity for many years, and that remains true. The large hill is on your right as you enter the Bacon Woods area of Vermilion River Reservation, and when you get too cold, you can warm up in a nearby shelter that's partially enclosed.
5465 Quick Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
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You'll find several hills of varying inclines to slide down at Cuyahoga Valley National Park once you go deep into the park (about a mile east of Akron Peninsula Road). There's a separate area for sleds and toboggans, and you'll find a burn barrel to help you warm up at the top.
Which hills will you be zooming down this season? Bundle up and get ready to have some fun!