In winter, Portsmouth-Scioto County transforms into a snowy playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The crisp air and scenic landscapes offer opportunities for various winter activities, from snow sports to nature walks. Whether you're experienced or new to winter adventures, nearby trails, frozen lakes, and views invite exploration. This guide highlights top winter recreational opportunities near Portsmouth to help you enjoy the season.
Top 3 Winter Hiking Spots in Scioto County
With so many choices of places to go for winter hiking, here are the top 3 places to winter hike in Scioto County!
Whether you are a novice or a seasoned hiker, Shawnee State Park is a perfect place to go for winter hiking! With no leaves on the trees, the landscape opens up to breathtaking views. The views are especially incredible as trees are decorated with snow and the lakes are frozen solid with ice.
Popular Winter Hiking Trail: Lake Trail - This easy 0.8 mile trail provides excellent views of Turkey Creek Lake. A bench along the trail offers a lovely view into Slate Hollow where a beavers lodge can be seen. The trail can be accessed from the Nature Center or the Back Pack Trail parking lots. Follow the aquamarine triangles. For a more challenging, yet rewarding hike, the Lake Trail connects is also part of the 5-mile Park Loop trail.
If you are looking for a more challenging, yet quite rewarding hike, take a drive to the east side to the Arc of Appalachia's Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve. While it only has one 1 trail, a 4-mile loop trail, Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve offers beautiful vistas.
Popular Hiking Trail: The Ohio Hanging Rock Trail - This 4.4-mile loop trail boasts several rock shelters and narrow ravines. But its crowning glory is its jumble of immense blocks of rock that are strewn on the upper-elevation hillsides, covered with mosses, ferns, and lichens. The densest rock formations are at the farthest end of the trail.
Raven Rock State Nature Preserve* is a hidden gem in hills of Appalachia. This particular preserve not only has ties to early Native American history, but also has a promontory of Mississippian age sandstone overlooking the Ohio River Valley. This namesake rock formation provides excellent views of the Ohio River Valley throughout the year.
Popular Hiking Trail: Raven Rock Trail: This 2.5-mile, out-and-back trail has some steep elevation gain to reach the top. Be cautious as you hike to Raven Rock as the trail is rocky and covered in tree roots which can be especially challenging when it is wet with snow and ice. Once at the top, you are rewarded with 3 natural archways, one of which is named Raven Rock. The rock outcrops and the archways overlook the Ohio River Valley, perfect to capture amazing winter landscape photos!
*Please note that a permit is required to hike up the trail. The permit is free and can be obtained by visiting the Shawnee State Park Office (open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm) or the Ohio River Campground Camp Store (open 7 days a week).
Conclusion
Winter outdoor recreation in Shawnee State Park, Hanging Rock Preserve, and Raven Rock State Nature Preserve provides a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, featuring natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Each location offers a different take on enjoying the winter landscape.
Shawnee State Park offers hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in the serene Appalachian foothills. Ohio Hanging Rock Preserve provides winter hiking and photography opportunities with dramatic cliffs and snowy landscapes. Raven Rock State Nature Preserve offers a secluded experience with rugged terrain and stunning views for peaceful exploration.
These locations showcase the charm of winter outdoor activities in Ohio, offering solitude, adventure, and appreciation of nature's beauty.