We’re quickly approaching National Heart Month, and unfortunately, our recent winter weather has been daunting for those of us eager to get outside and stay heart-healthy. Between the heavy snow, bitterly cold temperatures and the recent freeze/thaw/ice cycle that’s made its way to the tristate, it can be intimidating to try and get those steps in outdoors. If MetroParks’ Winter Hike Series is a little too intense for you in these wintery, cold conditions, I’ve got three short walks to try that will keep your heart rate up and get you back outdoors in 2025.

I generally like to walk on unpaved, rough, grassy, and relatively flat surfaces in the wintertime. I feel less at risk of falling on these trails and they are softer if I do slip. Snow isn’t typically packed down from heavy foot traffic on MetroParks’ natural trails, so be prepared to walk through the snow. I recommend wearing waterproof shoes with a good grip, and bringing walking poles and microspikes if ice is present. If those aren’t your favorite trail conditions for winter hiking, you can still read on for the tasty, heart-healthy soup recipe at the end of the post.

Forest Run MetroPark – Prairie Overlook Trail

The Prairie Overlook Trail is a short, 0.3-mile jaunt through the park’s quiet meadow. I like to park at either end of the parking lot near trail intersections 11 or 12 to lengthen my route by walking through the parking lot to get to either trailhead. If you begin at intersection 11, prepare for a gentle climb to the top of the hill which leads to the park’s observation platform. Beginning at intersection 12 will take you downhill. Repeat this route twice for a good, short walk to get your blood pumping.

Voice of America MetroPark – Cross Country Route 3

Flat, soft walking surfaces are abundant at Voice of America MetroPark. Park at the Lodge or the Overlook lot for easy access to the lengthy Cross Country Route 3. This 3.1-mile looped trail intersects Voice of America MetroPark’s main drive at the west end of the trail, so you can hop on and off of this trail fairly easily and get back to your car if you are feeling cold or hit your steps goal. I rarely walk the whole thing, so feel free to turn around when you’re tired! The Voice of America MetroPark prairie is a great place to observe wildlife, so bring some binoculars with you and spend some time birding while you’re out hiking.

Angst Nature Preserve MetroPark – Ironweed Trail

Angst Nature Preserve MetroPark opened in the fall of 2021, and if you haven’t visited one of our newest MetroParks yet it’s worth the trip! Located in Wayne Township, this park boasts beautiful views of the valley below. Try the Ironweed Trail, located a short walk from the parking lot. The 0.75-mile loop will take you around the edge of the park’s forested areas and through the prairie, without the risk of slipping and sliding down the small wooded hills that lead to the creek. MetroParks’ Natural Resources and Conservation team has been hard at work turning the park’s former farmland back to native prairie, so admire the native grasses while you walk!

Warm Up with a Heart Healthy Soup Post-Hike

If you’ve joined MetroParks for the Winter Hike Series in the past, you know that a hot soup lunch is a welcome reward post-hike. If you can’t join us on the hikes this year, enjoy my favorite vegetarian, heart-healthy soup recipe you can make at home and enjoy after your hike. It’s a great soup to prep in the crockpot or make on the stove.

About the Author:

Katie Ely-Wood is MetroParks of Butler County’s Communication Manager. She’s been with the park district since 2019.