The Fall Hiking Spree has become part of life for many Summit County families. Every year they come together for eight hikes. That’s eight adventures. Eight possibilities to learn something new. Eight opportunities to appreciate nature. Eight chances to have deep conversations. Silly conversations. Conversations about the past that will reverberate into the future.
From parents and their children to longtime friends and newlyweds to the solo hiker, the Fall Hiking Spree offers the chance to make lasting memories. Take Heritage Hikers Sam and Anne, for example. The couple started the spree in 1977 when they moved to Akron from Pennsylvania. Exploring Summit Metro Parks was a way for them to stay involved in their new community and learn about the area.
When their daughter was born, Sam and Anne carried her on hikes, and she received her hiking staff at 1 year old. They later had another child and, as a family, they hiked the spree every year until their kids moved out. These days they hike with their grandsons or another couple, continuing to make memories and share laughs.
When asked how she felt about having the title of Heritage Hiker, Anne said, “I don’t need a title. I just like hiking.”
Heritage Hiker Susan received her hiking staff and first shield as a child in 1968. Her family did the spree every year, bringing along friends or kids from the youth group her parents led. When she got married, her new husband went too. And, of course, when they had kids of their own, they joined the tradition. Their son, Chris, received his hiking staff at only 6 months old after enjoying the trails from a backpack. He now works at Summit Metro Parks as a park ranger.
Susan continues doing the spree and hikes year-round. As for the Heritage Hiker moniker, she says, “It feels kind of cool. It says something about the spree lasting so long, and I’ve been part of that.”
Over decades, these families set aside time to complete the annual challenge together. And thousands of others do, too. We can only imagine the range of conversations that happen on our trails during the Fall Hiking Spree, and we’re excited for you to share them with us this year.
Are you a heritage hiker?
If you started the Fall Hiking Spree between 1964 and 1977, and you haven’t received your reward, you qualify for a FREE commemorative hiking staff medallion.
For more stories like this, check out Green Islands magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.