Toboggan Chutes Now Open In Strongsville

STRONGSVILLE, OH — For 50 seasons, twin toboggan chutes at Strongsville's Mill Stream Run Reservation have given Northeast Ohioans a sweet adrenaline rush. The chutes opened for the 50th time Friday.

The Cleveland Metroparks says the chutes are the tallest and fastest in Ohio. The chutes feature a 70-foot vertical drop and can reach up to 50 miles per hour. The chutes are about 700-feet long.

Each chute has its own speed-readers so riders can record their top speeds. The speed-readers are also useful for friendly competition.

Notably, the chutes can operate with or without snow. So residents don't need a blizzard to enjoy some tobogganing.

The chutes are open to riders of all ages, though participants must be at least 42 inches tall. There's a lift system to transport toboggans to the top of the chalet. Gloves are required to ride the chutes.

For parents, or other family members, or friends that don't want to ride the chutes, the reservation's chalet has hot chocolate, a snack bar and a fireplace. There is also a large screen TV and views of the chute.

The Toboggan Chutes are located at Cleveland Metroparks Chalet Recreation Area, 16200 Valley Parkway, in Mill Stream Run Reservation.

If you're planning a trip to the chutes and are worried about weather, call 440-572-9990 option #6 and get operation updates.

Toboggan hours are as follows:

• Fridays: 6 - 10:30 p.m.
• Saturdays: noon - 10:30 p.m.
• Sundays: noon - 5 p.m.
• **In addition, from January thru March 2017/2018, the chutes are also open Thursdays: 6 - 10 p.m.

Photos from Cleveland Metroparks