Lake Erie is a gorgeous addition to the local landscape but, in the colder months, it feeds into lake effect snow that batters communities in and around Greater Cleveland. Of course, some communities are simply destined to get more snow than others. Snowfall varies each year, but you'll typically see Conneaut, Ashtabula, Geneva, and Chardon battling for the top position as the state's snowiest city. Today, we're going to take a look at Chardon, because it's the snowiest city near Cleveland and often claims the spot as the snowiest community in Ohio overall. Grab your winter gear and get ready for a winter getaway in Ohio!

Welcome to Chardon, Ohio... the snow capital of the state!

Over the last few winters, Chardon has averaged 115 inches of snow. This chilly winter city can get twice as much snow as Cleveland on especially brutal years, but it averages somewhere between 20 to 50 inches more. In select years, like 1959-1960, Chardon has seen over 100 inches more snow than Cleveland.

Chardon is uniquely positioned in the Lake Erie snow belt to receive a massive amount of lake effect snow each year, and its winter weather is seriously snow joke.

It takes more than 800 tons of rock salt and cinder to keep local roads safe for travel. But this town of circa 5,000 residents is used to its snowy status, and many have learned to love how it transforms the local landscape.

One of the area's finest attractions is its vast wilderness.

Big Creek Reservation, which is part of the Geauga Park District, carves through the city. Pictured here is the Tupelo Pond area, which has access to 2.9 miles of lovely trails. The park's pond is especially lovely in the winter, creating a peaceful scene that's arguably picture-perfect.

As you hike through Big Creek Reservation, you might even spot the namesake creek.

In the winter, Big Creek is downright dreamy. In total, Big Creek boasts nearly four miles of hiking across nine lovely trails. If you've never explored the park before, you might consider attending a special event to learn more about it. From nature journaling sessions to free holiday hikes, you'll love the unique approach to outdoor education here.

Chardon is also home to Girdled Road Reservation, which you can camp at if you're brave enough to face the snow.

Girdled Road Reservation's south entrance is easy to find right off Route 608. All in all, forests, wetlands, and abundant nature make this park a local favorite.

Girdled Road Reservation is managed by Lake Metroparks, and its 942 acres are a wintertime dream.

There's endless beauty here that's worth exploring! This is a perfect spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Of course, Chardon Square is the crown jewel of this snowy town.

In the warmer months, Chardon Square is oh-so lively. Festivals and fun make it particularly memorable, but that's not necessarily exclusive to summer. Ice carving demonstrations and similar winter-themed events infuse energy in the colder months, but the Square is otherwise sleepy when snow-kissed.

This neat city district is full of local businesses, and it's delightfully walkable.

You'll adore the picturesque gazebo at the center of the Square, and the surrounding businesses will delight you. Even when snow-covered, this area somehow feels warm and bright.

The Square is full of energy and excitement, and it has plenty of places to warm up... like Square Bistro!

Square Bistro is charming and quaint, and its menu options feature local ingredients as often as possible. Burgers, pierogies, soups, sushi, and ramen offer a wide variety of options to delight even the pickiest diners.

Or you could swing by Element 41, which features seasonal comfort food with a delicious twist.

Innovation is at the heart of every seasonal menu at Element 41. From charcuterie to chicken wings, the sharables are irresistible. The entrees? Well, with options like burgers, steak, seafood, and pasta, you simply can't go wrong!

Of course, there's also 7 Ladies Tea Parlor, which is downright darling and endlessly cozy.

Tea parlors are a rare treat for Northeast Ohioans. Here, you can opt for cream tea, which is a lighter fare including a scone, tea fancies, and a small pot of tea, or high tea, which is indulgent and comes with a three-tiered service. Whichever you opt for, be sure to grab a scone of the day for the road... you won't regret it!

If Chardon Square is one of the biggest trip highlights you're interested in, you might consider staying at The Thistle House.

This charming home from 1830 has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and the whole house is yours for just $257 a night. All in all, it's poised to host eight guests, so you can gather a group and make an adventure out of your outing.

Or you might consider staying at The Lodge at Bass Lake, which is a cozy inn starting at just $115 per night.

With a gas fireplace and oversized bathtub complete with jets, this just might be the dose of luxury you're looking for. Plus, an on-site restaurant and easy access to the Maple Highlands Trail make this spot perfect for foodies and nature lovers.

So there you have it! Chardon is the snowiest community near Cleveland, and it's nothing short of a winter wonderland. What's the biggest snowfall you can recall? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

Want to reminisce on one of the wildest winters in Cleveland's history? Let's look back at 1977 and 1978, when Cleveland experienced the coldest winter on record... plus one massive blizzard that locals still talk about.