Today, we drove north across the Appalachian Plateau, headed for the North Coast of Ohio. We took Ohio 44, passing through open farmlands and small towns; among the latter was Chardon, the snow capitol of the State, which receives copious amounts of upslope and lake-effect snowfall during the colder months.
Beyond Chardon, we dropped onto the Lake Plain of northeast Ohio. Our first stop was at Lake Erie Bluffs, northeast of Painesville. This Lake County Metropark harbors trails that wind atop the 50-foot bluffs, lead down to the rocky beaches and loop through upland woods and fields. Our second stop was at Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve, at the mouth of the Grand River. There, adjacent to Mentor Marsh, trails and boardwalks lead out across the scenic dunes to a beach strewn with colorful rocks and driftwood. At both locations, large flocks of gulls wheeled above the cold, open waters of Lake Erie, where common mergansers dove for fish.
While Ohio's North Coast is a popular tourist destination during the warmer months, it is in winter that one best appreciates the glacial origins of its topography and can wander its beaches in relative solitude. Just dress accordingly!
Beyond Chardon, we dropped onto the Lake Plain of northeast Ohio. Our first stop was at Lake Erie Bluffs, northeast of Painesville. This Lake County Metropark harbors trails that wind atop the 50-foot bluffs, lead down to the rocky beaches and loop through upland woods and fields. Our second stop was at Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve, at the mouth of the Grand River. There, adjacent to Mentor Marsh, trails and boardwalks lead out across the scenic dunes to a beach strewn with colorful rocks and driftwood. At both locations, large flocks of gulls wheeled above the cold, open waters of Lake Erie, where common mergansers dove for fish.
While Ohio's North Coast is a popular tourist destination during the warmer months, it is in winter that one best appreciates the glacial origins of its topography and can wander its beaches in relative solitude. Just dress accordingly!
