
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!
With the ease of online shopping, it may be tempting to throw your entire holiday shopping list into your Amazon shopping cart and call it a night. But what if we told you that the Akron & Canton area is home to a bunch of amazing boutiques and shops where you could find unique thoughtful gifts—without leaving the comfort of your hometown?
By #ShoppingLocal, you can support makers and small businesses from your own backyard, all while purchasing original items that you can't find in a big department store. On this list, you'll find trendy boutiques, eclectic home decor shops, record stores and local markets—so that you can find the perfect gifts for your friends and family members. Feel good about your holiday shopping knowing that you've supported a small business this season!
116 East Liberty Street, Wooster | Women's Clothing + Gifts

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Frizell via Blue Spruce Boutique
This adorable, mother-daughter-owned shop in the heart of Wooster offers a little bit of everything. Whether you're looking for the perfect blouse, candle, planter, unique wall hanging or personal knickknack to gift your loved one—you'll be able to find it in their light and open storefront on East Liberty Street.
109 West Washington Street, Medina | Books + Locally Made Gifts
Not only does The Book Store sell high-quality new and used books, but they are also home to over 1,000 handmade products from talented local artisans. From chocolates and literary-themed teas to original jewelry and crocheted products—you'll find an amazing gift made by a member of the community!
15255 Gaskill Drive, Alliance | Antiques
If the HGTV hit Fixer Upper is your loved one's jam, Bridgewater Primitives is a glorious find. The homely Alliance storefront is brimming with well-loved old pieces and homemade goods that any rustic-decor enthusiast will adore. We have a particular fondness for their incredible selection of homespun candles (especially the lovely blueberry scent) that would be a fantastic addition to any decor.
306 4th Street, Canton | Men & Women's Clothing + Gifts

Photo courtesy of Joe Albert Signature Series and Cantonology
When you're shopping for a Canton enthusiast there's only one place to go: Cantonology in the Canton Arts District! Owned by a mother-daughter team who love and appreciate our amazing city, this eclectic store features a variety of hand-crafted souvenirs and gifts all centered around—you guessed it—Canton.
437 Crouse Street, Akron | Crafts + Locally Made Art
Consistently honored as one of the country's top contemporary retailers, Don Drumm Studios and Gallery has plenty of gift options for everyone! Their collection fills two buildings—totaling 5,000 square feet full of jewelry, glass, sculpture, ceramics, metal and graphics created by some of the most talented artisans in North America.
223 West Liberty Street, Wooster | Antiques

Friendtique has an eclectic mix of new and vintage furniture, home decor, personal items, and more truly unique products. It is a one-stop-shop for the creatives in your life who like to think outside the box. And the best part? All profits generated from the store's revenue are donated to LifeCare Hospice Community Care Fund!
451 West Market Street, Akron | Antiques + Home Decor
From crystals and bundles of sage to rustic candles and locally made soaps—no matter what your loved one's style is, Gypsy Grace has something for them! Self-described as a "cool junk" shop, this Akron business is chock full of interesting, one-of-a-kind items that have been up-cycled and given a brand new life. Their inventory is always changing, so make sure to check them out on Facebook to see what new items they have in store for this week!
1015 Edison Street, Hartville | Women's Clothing, Jewelry + Candy
At Hartville Collectibles, you'll not only find a massive selection of collectibles and one-of-a-kind keepsakes, but they also offer a wide array of women's fashion and accessories! While you're there, don't miss the chance to visit the Hartville Kitchen Restaurant, bakery, and candy shop—which are all conveniently located in the same building.
2237 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls | Women's Clothing + Accessories
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Pair a candle and perfume for the perfect small gift for a coworker, purchase a unique top for your best friend, or buy a present for the newest baby in your life. The possibilities are endless at this chic and artsy store in Cuyahoga Falls!
217 2nd Street, Canton | Women's Clothing + Accessories
Kendall & Blue has it all—whether you're searching for clothing, shoes, jewelry, candles, scarves, hats, or other accessories. And because they are committed to providing cute but comfortable clothing to the Canton area, they offer a wide range of sizes and styles so you can find the perfect gift for every lady in your life!
126 South Market Street, Wooster | Music + Vinyl Records
Lucky Records in Wooster is a vinyl lover's heaven, offering a great selection of used and new records from all genres. They even offer a special order service so you can be sure to find that LP your special someone has been looking for!
618 Mulberry Road, Canton | Home Decor

Mid-century modern decor has been all the rage for several years now, and one of the best places to get your modern fix is, of course, Main Street Modern! Their 40,000-square-foot warehouse is the largest gallery of mid-century modern furniture in Ohio and is a go-to Canton spot for funky furniture and groovy decor.
147 East Liberty Street, Wooster | Jewelry
Established in 1982, MacKenzie's Silver Lining is a Wooster institution, offering gorgeous, locally made jewelry pieces with natural stones and quality metals. And if you still aren't able to find that perfect piece, MacKenzie offers custom creations so you can work with her to craft exactly what you've imagined!
21 Furnace Street, Akron | Men & Women's Clothing, Gifts, Art + More
There's only one place in Akron where you can get all of your holiday shopping done in one trip! Northside Marketplace is home to more than 35 vendors that range from coffee roasters and fudge shops to candle makers and soap sellers.
116 South Market Street, Wooster | Men & Women's Clothing + Gifts
If your loved one is obsessed with movies, comic books, games or pretty much anything else that falls into the "Geekdom", there's no better place to shop than Operation Fandom! From Harry Potter to Star Wars to every superhero imaginable—they've got some merch for you.View this post on Instagram
4374 Shreve Road, Wooster | Home Decor + Gifts
Pine Tree Barn is Wooster's favorite shopping destination! Settled in a restored 1868 Dutch bank barn and featuring 25,000 square feet of unique gifts, home furnishings, interior design and more—there's no better place to get your friends and family their perfect gift. And if you get a little famished while you're shopping, stop by their gourmet luncheon eatery, the Granary Restaurant, which is open 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. every day.
229 College Street, Wadsworth | Antiques + Local Art
For those who love a good treasure hunt, Ruby Moon is for you! The store is jam-packed with a unique selection of vintage furnishings and art. Plus, finding a gem at Ruby Moon means your gift recipient will likely be the only person with that one-of-a-kind piece in their home!
Where is your favorite place in Akron & Canton to shop for gifts? Let us know in the comments!

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