Brandywine Creek Gorge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park - Video Entry

 

First Hike of 2026 11.9 Miler in the CVNP

I chose to wake up and drive over to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The overnight low was going to be 18 degrees.

I knew that only the silliest of hikers would be out this morning. I saw four woman that must have started when the sun came up lol. They were in their 70’s you go girls!!!

One of the hardest things I think of while hiking below freezing temps is how do I dress?

I carry a pack so I can always take layers off, but if you leave it in the car, you can never have it. So, with that said you need to think of what your pace is going to be and will the heat transfer adequately enough so that your skin stays relatively dry enough.

If the sweat stays on your skin because of the clothing you’re wearing will not allow the sweat to transfer though your layers you will be miserable and cold!!!

I had chosen a nearly 12-mile hike. I had to create this trail loop because it’s a combination of three trails.  The two trails are The Wetmore Bridal, Lake and Salt Run, and part of the Cross Country Trail.

I saw several deer foraging in the woods for food. I did see all kinds of small birds. It was supposed to get to 25 degrees, and I can attest that did not happen ..lol….

Video Compilation from Hiking Brandywine Creek in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on 12.13.2025

 

First Creek Winter Hike on Paine Creek, Ohio

 

Beaver Creek State Park Hike

 

At Beaver Creek State Park you find so many things to do in the warmer months. Here is a link to there website here

Along with fishing opportunities you can canoe, hike, picnic, and take tours. They have an operating mill that is one of the last fully operational mills in Ohio.

The hiking trails are also used in some sections as bridle trails so be aware of that.

The park permits hunting during the regular season. While I was down there today it was shotgun season for deer. I saw two sets of drag marks where people dragged their deer back to their vehicle. I saw one other hunter today and that was it.

I wear a fluorescent green backpack cover, and it’s posted that the park recommends hunter orange while on the trails.