Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree Starts

Put on your walking shoes!

Metro Parks Spokesperson Nate Eppink provides the rundown of what to expect and see this fall in the Metro Parks during the Fall Hiking Spree.

The fall hiking spree starts Thursday, can you explain a few of the highlights for this upcoming season?

Though it's early, we are starting to see some early signs of the changing season. Virginia creeper, which some people confuse with poison ivy, is already turning red, and there are a few yellow leaves here and there on the Metro Parks trails. Two highlights to check out during this year's Fall Hiking Spree are the Meadow Trail at Munroe Falls Metro Park and the Prairie Trail at Springfield Bog Metro Park. Both have opened this year and are new to the spree.

How does one participate in this program?

Hiking forms are available online, at the visitors center at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm at 1828 Smith Rd. in Akron and at all stores. Participants need to choose eight trails from those listed on the form and hike between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, then turn in their forms at the Nature Realm or our administrative offices at 975 Treaty Line Rd. in Akron to receive their hiking rewards. First-year participants get a hiking staff and commemorative shield. Spree veterans earn a new shield.

How many people participate on average each year?

The Fall Hiking Spree is our most popular program/event, hands down. In 2010, more 12,000 people completed the three-month spree (i.e., hiked eight or more trails) and turned in their hiking forms to receive rewards. We estimate that 50,000 people participate in some way. Maybe they do a few hikes and run out of time; maybe they just forget to turn in their forms.

Which trails seem to be the most popular?

Popularity is difficult, and "best" is so subjective. I will say that we see an uptick in visitation in the fall because of the hiking spree and the beauty of our fall colors, which tend to peak around mid-October. Each park and trail has its own "personality" or unique characteristics. The great thing about the hiking spree is that it encourages people to visit parks they may not have been to before. 4B) The Glens Trail in Gorge Metro Park is in Cuyahoga Falls. It's a 1.8-mile hike that carries a "2" rating. That means it's a moderate hike (compared with our "3" rating), but visitors should expect some inclines and uneven terrain.

Click here for a trail map and guide.

What should someone bring or wear to ensure they enjoy their outdoor experience in the Metro Parks?

Some hiking tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes, bring drinking water and put on a hat or sunscreen, as a few trails have little canopy cover. 

• Bring a cell phone, if possible, and hike with a friend or family --that makes the hiking spree more fun. 

• Use the same common sense you'd use on a visit to the mall or grocery store. Don't leave valuables in plain view in your car. 

• Don't leave a wallet or purse on the seat or under a blanket. Take these items with you or leave them at home. Whether it's the economy or just a sign of the times, there are opportunists everywhere.