Winter is great time to experience nature in your Five Rivers MetroParks. With a little patience, a few extra layers and a positive attitude, you will find plenty of opportunities for adventure. So put on your winter woollies and get outside. Contact with nature reduces stress, promotes physical and emotional well-being and has even been shown to boost cognition — people actually think more clearly after a hike in the fresh air. And don’t forget your binoculars! The lack of foliage and a snowy backdrop make finding birds and other wildlife easier.

Featured Locations

Cross-Country Skiing

This recreational activity is a peaceful way to explore nature in winter while getting a low-impact workout. Paved trails and the flatter hiking trails throughout the district are great for cross-country skiing. Trails are not groomed specifically for skiing, so conditions are best after a fresh snow. Possum Creek MetroPark and Carriage Hill MetroPark are popular with cross-country skiers when conditions are right.

Broomball & Curling at RiverScape

237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402 Directions >

Got a competitive streak? Head to the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape and join a broomball or curling league. Leagues play in January and February. Broomball — which is similar to hockey in its formation and rules but also incorporates soccer strategies — is a fast-paced game that requires teams of six. In slower-paced curling, which requires teams of four, participants slide special stones on the ice toward a target circle. Learn more about the leagues by contacting Dayton Broomball or Curl Troy.

Sledding — Englewood MetroPark

100 E. National Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377 Directions >

The sledding hill is located along the dam in the West Park. It’s steep, but there’s lots of room for multiple launches for races or stunt competitions.

Sledding — Germantown MetroPark

6206 Boomershine Rd., Germantown, OH 45327 Directions >

It’s farther away than some MetroParks locations, but the big hill at Germantown MetroPark is well worth the drive. Located 20 minutes from Dayton, it is arguably the best hill in the MetroParks for sledding.

Sledding — Taylorsville MetroPark

1200 Brown School Rd., Vandalia, OH 45377 Directions >

Grass turf, a few bumps, no obstacles and a gentle grade make for safe, long-distance sledding at Taylorsville. The hill slopes only 30 degrees and you’ll slide about 400 or 500 feet before you stop. The entrance is on the east side of Brown School Road, south of U.S. 40.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to get around when the snow gets deep enough on the trails to make walking challenging. As with cross-country skiing, paved trails and the flatter hiking trails throughout the district are best for the sport.

Ice Fishing

Anglers don’t have to put away their hooks and lures when it gets nippy outside. A few MetroParks offer opportunities for ice fishing on ponds and lakes. Fishing can also be good in deeper sections of our local rivers and near warm water discharges. A note to anglers: Before you shimmy onto frozen lakes and ponds, be aware that ice conditions are NOT monitored by staff; please use safety precautions when heading out on the ice. The best winter fishing locations are: Carriage Hill MetroPark’s Cedar Lake and pond, Englewood MetroPark ponds off of Springfield Road and Possum Creek MetroPark fishing ponds.

Winter Sports in Five Rivers MetroParks

Winter is an amazing and powerful season in MetroParks. Whether you want to hike, watch wildlife or cross-country ski, you have more than 150 miles of trails to choose from, even when the snow flies and temperatures fall. The best places to experience winter include:

Programs & Events

Rent the Rink

Put your party on ice!

Sheltered under the covered pavilion, the MetroParks Ice Rink is the perfect place for your next school field trip, club activity, office or family outing, birthday parties and more!

Learn more about renting the rink

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Resources

Featured Organizations

Partners

Leave No Trace

Resources

For a complete list of local outdoor clubs, businesses, and equipment rentals go to OutdoorDayton.com

Winter Sports