The annual Fall Hiking Spree is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the nation. Trails range from easy to challenging. Choose the trails best for you.
First-year hikers earn a hiking staff and shield. Veteran hikers earn the shield. Spree rewards are FREE to Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents pay to receive their hiking rewards ($10 for first-year hikers, $5 for veteran hikers).
1. Sign up below.
2. Download your participant form.*
3. Complete at least eight designated trails (but only one Hiker's Choice) between September 1 and November 30 to receive rewards.
4. Update your form as you hike your chosen trails. Signatures are not required and will not be provided in 2020 due to COVID-19.
5. When you've completed a minimum of eight trails, drop off the form to receive your rewards (see below for details).
*Forms can also be found in Green Islands magazine (available at most library branches), at spree rewards pickup sessions (see below) and at a dropbox that is disinfected daily at the SMP Administrative Offices (975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron). Summit County residents may also call 330-867-5511 to have a form mailed to them.
This year, the Fall Hiking Spree celebrates the rich history of the properties we proudly manage for your enjoyment and their successful return to nature. Take a journey on this year’s spree and explore the former farms and fields that are now forests. Learn more.
2.3 miles - Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 2749 North St., Clinton 44216
The Ohio & Erie Canal features in Clinton are part of a National Register of Historic Places district because of their importance in canal history, as well as in the development of both Ohio and the United States as a whole. Earn spree credit on this flat, even-surface trail and enjoy the scenes along the way.
1.4 miles – Rating: 2 (Moderate) Download Trail Map 1828 Smith Rd., Akron 44313
Seneca Trail is a mostly unpaved loop leading visitors past pines, a deciduous forest and through an open prairie. Portions of the trail may be considered strenuous due to hilly terrain.
1.1 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 2620 Harrington Rd., Akron 44319
This loop off of Willow Trail shares peaceful views of the Tuscarawas River and travels over a wetland on a wooden boardwalk.
1.3 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield 44286
Earn spree credit along Rock Creek, crossing bridges through scenic beech-maple woods.
2.0 miles – Rating: 2 (Moderate) Download Trail Map 550 Frazier Ave., Akron 44305
Although this trail is named for the many pines once planted in the park, they are giving way to a variety of other species through natural succession, including black cherries, oaks and tulip trees.
1.9 miles – Rating: 3 (Strenuous) Download Trail Map 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron 44313
One of the park district's most demanding hikes, this loop trail crosses several seasonal streams at times, making the crossing difficult to keep your feet dry. Erosion has caused the trail to change over time, revealing some interesting new areas to investigate.
0.6 miles - Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg 44087
Starting near the nature center, this loop trail will take you through a meadow to discover several prairie plants, insects and birds.
2.0 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge 44278
Meadow Trail passes by the County Home cemetery before traveling through woods, a shrub thicket, a wetland woods and its namesake meadow.
1.8 Miles - Rating: 3 (Strenuous) Download Trail Map 2550 Martin Rd., Bath 44333
This challenging, 1.8-mile trail follows a path worn by white-tailed deer and provides scenic views of the Cuyahoga River Valley. It travels along Yellow Creek, one of the Cuyahoga River’s healthiest tributaries.
2.0 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton 44203
Hike Chippewa Trail to see mature trees grown from thousands of seedlings planted decades ago by Girl Scout troops.
1.6 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 1400 Portage Line Rd., Springfield Twp. 44312
This easy trail leads visitors through a now-thriving prairie. During early fall, a variety of wild sunflowers, asters and grasses make for a kaleidoscope of color. There are two observation platforms: one to look over Young’s Bog and the other to look out on the manmade “baby bog.”
1.2 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) Download Trail Map 2121 Barlow Rd., Hudson 44236
Downy Loop Trail travels mostly through beech-maple woods before entering an open meadow, crossing the entrance drive and returning to the parking lot. Boardwalks and several bridges enable hikers to traverse wet areas.
Hike any Summit Metro Parks trail to earn spree credit. Only one Hiker's Choice trail hike will count.
Hike eight or more trails to receive hiking rewards!
In compliance with Summit County's November 19 Stay at Home Advisory, remaining spree rewards pick-up sessions have been canceled. To receive Fall Hiking Spree or Spree for All rewards, hikers should mail their completed forms to 975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron 44313 or scan and email them to nrcsrs@summitmetroparks.org. Hiking spree pins and shields will be mailed FREE of charge to the address listed on the form. Rewards remain free for Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents will be contacted regarding payment for their spree rewards ($5 per pin or shield). Hiking spree staffs for first-year hikers will be distributed at a later date. Learn more about our COVID-19 response.
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