For a sweet (literally) way to spend time with the family, why not check out the Maple Sugaring Program at Cleveland Metroparks this month? Ohio’s maple trees, including the ones in the Maple Grove Picnic Area in Rocky River Reservation, are normally ready to be tapped for maple sap about halfway through the winter season. From Saturday, March 2 to Sunday, March 17, visitors can go back in time and take walk along the Sugarbush Trail to witness the sap-collecting methods and syrup-making processes used by Native Americans, pioneers and modern sugar farmers.
The History of Maple Sugaring hikes will take place on weekends from 11am to 4pm, with guides leading participants to the Sugarhouse where they can watch the sap collected being boiled into delicious, 100% pure maple syrup. Guided public hikes leave the Sugarhouse every 20 minutes, with the last hike of the day leaving at 3:40pm.
Because of its prime weather conditions, Northeast Ohio is a major producer of maple sugar, with the maple-sugaring season typically lasting between four to six weeks.
This is not only a great family activity, but schools and groups may also be accommodated during weekdays by appointment only. For more information, please call 440-734-6660.
Maple Grove Picnic Area is located off Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, between Cedar Point Road and Spafford Road in Brook Park, south of Rocky River Nature Center.
