Maple trees tapped at Ohio farms will produce precious gallons of maple syrup. (Credit: Ohio Department of Agriculture)

By Ken Drenten

When late winter and early spring comes, it’s maple syruping time in Ohio. It’s time to check taps on trees, smell the aromas wafting from the sugar shack and enjoy pancakes with freshly made maple syrup.

Maple syrup is unique to North America and is one of the few agricultural products that is native to North America, according to the Ohio Maple Producers Association. Native Americans were the first to discover that sap from maple trees could be boiled into a sugary sweetener. By 1840, Ohio ranked first in the U.S. in maple syrup production.

There are currently 12 states that produce maple syrup. Today, Ohio typically ranks fourth or fifth annually in the United States in maple syrup production, making approximately 100,000 gallons or 1.1 million pounds per year. That’s far less than the country’s largest producer, Vermont.

Five of Ohio’s state parks are offering special events in March to demonstrate the process with several local producers selling their wares.

• Hocking Hills State Park – Maple Sugaring in the Hills, March 9-10, noon to 4 p.m. at the naturalist’s cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
• Hueston Woods State Park – 57th Annual Maple Syrup Festival, March 9-10, noon to 4 p.m., hayride, discussions, food samples and syrup available for purchase.
• Indian Lake State Park – Maple Syrup Festival, March 16, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and March 17, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Maple syruping demonstration, pancake and sausage breakfast, syrup available for purchase.
• Malabar Farm State Park – 47th Annual Maple Syrup Festival, March 9-10, noon-4 p.m. Sugar camp with live demonstration, horse-drawn wagon rides, food and maple products to sample and purchase. Big House tours available.
• Punderson State Park – Maple Sugar Time, March 10, 17, 24 and 31, 8 a.m.-noon. Meet at Manor House lobby to learn more about maple sugar time in Geagua County, and stay for pancake breakfast buffet (reservations recommended (440) 564-9144.

In addition, the Ohio Maple Producers Association is hosting the 2024 Ohio Maple Madness Tour, with nearly 50 commercial maple producers as well as non-profit groups hosting special events this month. Many events happen the weekend of March 9-10. Learn more about the 2024 Maple Madness Tour.

Here are a number of farms in Ohio where maple syrup is produced.

• Bissell Maple Farm. The craft and tradition of maple syrup farming goes back well over 100 years at Bissell Maple Farm. The original sugar shack at the farm was operating during the Civil War. They produce a variety of syrups. 82 W. Ashtabula St., Jefferson (440) 563-3263.
• Butternut Maple Farm. Butternut Maple Farm syrup and maple products are certified organic by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA).  12911 Butternut Road, Burton (440) 537-6995.
• Goodell Family Farms. At Goodell, they have been making maple syrup for seven generations, since 1825. 10220 Peck Road, Mantua (330) 322-3725.
• Richards Maple Products. Richards produces a huge variety of maple products, including syrup, candies, nuts, jerky, sauces, coffee, tea and pet treats. 545 Water St., Chardon (440) 286-4160.
• Sugarbush Creek Farm. This farm, established in 1992, is a family-owned farm that uses the latest technologies to produce their award-winning maple syrup and other maple products. Located in Middlefield.

Ken Drenten is creator and manager of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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