Discover the Snowiest Place in Ohio

Have you ever dreamed of experiencing a magical winter wonderland? Look no further than the snowiest places in Ohio! From small towns to sprawling cities, the Buckeye State offers breathtaking views and plenty of snow-filled activities for all ages. But what is the snowiest place in Ohio? Keep reading to find out!

Snow in Ohio

Ohio is a beautiful state that gets a good dose of snow every winter. However, the state experiences a drastic difference in snowfall between its northern and southern regions. While the northern part of Ohio has an average annual snowfall of over 120 inches, some areas in the south receive less than 15 inches a year. 

Northern Ohio typically sees more lake effect snow when cold winds blow across the Great Lakes, while southern Ohio generally experiences lighter, fluffier flakes from convective storms. This is due to cold air passing over Lake Erie and the Ohio River before settling in the north, while the south remains much warmer during winter.

Lake effect snow tends to be wet and heavy, while convective snow is typically airy and light. However, both types of snowfall can cause hazardous conditions during the winter months in Ohio.

The Snowiest Place in Ohio: Chardon

Chardon, Ohio, is a picturesque town in the heart of Geauga County that has earned the title of “Snowiest Place in Ohio.” Each year Chardon receives an average of 107 inches of snowfall — that’s nearly 9 feet! This winter wonderland is located on a 730-foot ridge just 10 miles south of Lake Erie and 15 miles east of Cleveland. 

The city of Chardon was founded in the early 1800s by pioneers. It gets its name from Peter Chardon Brooks, in honor of his generous donation of land to build the iconic Chardon Square in 1812. Since then, both locals and visitors alike have celebrated and cherished the city’s incorporation into the Township of Chardon each year. Today, the city of Chardon is home to around 5,242 people (as of the 2020 census). The city is also home to a wide range of wildlife. Common species seen in the area include deer, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, raccoons, hawks, and songbirds.

Chardon is known for its wintery snow, as well as its maple syrup. In fact, Chardon hosts the annual Geauga County Maple Festival every spring. However, the festival has been postponed multiple times over the years because of snowy weather. Due to Chardon’s position in the Great Lakes “snow belt,” there are occasionally large snowstorms even in April!

Within the “snow belt” of the Great Lakes, Chardon’s location creates perfect conditions for orographic lift. Winter winds blow across the lake, creating heavy snowfall in the area. This snow provides plenty of fun for the residents, from sledding and building snowmen to skiing and ice fishing. Surrounded by Lake Erie’s vast expanse and blanketed by white powdery snow, Chardon has something special to offer during the winter months — a blanket of white covering the landscapes and creating a crisp, clean feel. It turns the ordinary into something special as snowflakes slowly drift down and accumulate on branches, rooftops, and sidewalks. 

The Biggest Snowfall in Chardon, Ohio

The winter of 1959-1960 in Chardon, Ohio was the snowiest in recorded history. With 161.5 inches of snowfall during that year, the entire city was blanketed with a thick layer of white powder, filling the streets with drifts and drudges. 

Then in November of 1966, the city of Chardon was buried under 69 inches of snow in just 24 hours — that’s over 5 and a half feet! And in November 1996, Chardon received a record-breaking 76.7 inches in just one month.

Other Snowy Places in Ohio

In addition to Chardon, some of the snowiest places in Ohio include Cleveland, Akron, Tiffin, Mansfield, Lima, Toledo, and Youngstown. For example, Cleveland receives an average of 51 inches of snow every year. While this can be both a nuisance and a blessing, it definitely keeps things interesting. Snowfall in Cleveland usually begins around late November, but large storms can lead to plenty of snow in October as well. Regardless of the occasional inconveniences that come along with the cold weather, these snow-filled days make for some amazing views of Lake Erie and captivating sunsets over downtown Cleveland.

Snow lovers flock to many hilltop towns in the northeastern part of Ohio where they are able to engage in many winter activities. During the winter months, snow may blanket the countryside and transform it into a majestic winter wonderland. Activities such as ice skating, sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing are popular outdoors during this time as well. 

Up Next:

• Discover the Coldest Place in Ohio 
• First Snow in Ohio: The Earliest & Latest First Snows on Record
• Animals in Ohio
• Mountains in Ohio

The photo featured at the top of this post is © eyerazor/Shutterstock.com