First-year hikers earn a hiking staff and shield. Returning 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 returning 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.
5. When you've completed a minimum of eight trails, stop by or send us the form to receive your rewards (see below for details).
In commemoration of the 60th annual Fall Hiking Spree, this year’s event showcases the personal experiences and memories of individuals and groups who have taken part in this time-honored tradition. Immerse yourself in the rich history and enduring charm of the spree with stories of past participants in their own words. See signs along the trails to learn more! You don’t have to hike every trail to hear all the stories. Get access to 60 years of Fall Hiking Spree memories. Please visit our Alerts page before you hike to see if any closures or other alerts may affect your visit.
4.6 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) 2445 Vanderhoof Rd., New Franklin 44203
Earn spree credit in the southern section of the Towpath Trail in Summit County, where you’ll enjoy a variety of wetland scenes.
1.2 miles – Rating: 2 (Moderate) 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH 44313
The moderate Oxbow Trail provides views of the Cuyahoga River. With a steep uphill climb, you can connect to the Overlook Trail.
1.4 miles – Rating: 2 (Moderate) 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula 44264
This trail provides glimpses of the Cuyahoga River, Towpath Trail and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, as well as a former stone quarry once owned by a founder of Quaker Oats. Named for what was once the deepest lock on the Ohio & Erie Canal, the park is a noted Important Bird Area (IBA) offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
1.4 miles – Rating: 2 (Moderate) 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) 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.
1.4 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) 4955 Townsend Rd., Richfield 44286
This trail travels near Furnace Run, one of the Cuyahoga's healthiest tributaries. Visitors will also enjoy hiking through beech-maple woods and viewing a marker describing the 1929 donation of the surrounding land to the park district.
1.4 miles - Rating: 1 (Easy) 550 Frazier Ave., Akron 44305
This trail leads through the woods to Alder Pond, where a newly renovated and accessible boardwalk travels through a cattail marsh.
2.1 miles – Rating: 2 (Moderate) 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg 44087
Along the trail's west rim, hikers can view evidence of several large uprooted trees that have left large depressions in the ground and huge root systems on display. The east rim of Black Bear Trail skirts Liberty Park's famous ledges, where picturesque sandstone is covered in a living skin of moss, ferns, and lichens.
2.0 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) 1088 North Ave., Tallmadge 44278
From the parking lot of the Tallmadge Meadows Area, Meadow Trail passes by the County Home cemetery before traveling through woods, a shrub thicket, a wetland woods and its namesake meadow.
3.0 miles – Rating: 3 (Difficult) 1400 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron 44313
The wooded Mingo Trail harbors a variety of wildlife and oak, beech and tulip trees. The trail becomes quite rugged, earning Class D (primitive) status.
1.2 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) 5000 Hametown Rd., Norton 44203
Hike through different types of habitats on a fairly flat trail to earn spree credit. You'll pass through an old field, young woods, old forests, and pines. You will also see two quiet ponds on this short loop.
1.6 miles – Rating: 1 (Easy) 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) 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 users 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!
Rewards are free for Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents pay for their spree rewards ($5 per shield and $10 for first-year hikers receiving a hiking staff and shield).
AWARDS PICK-UP LOCATIONS Nature centers are open Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 12 - 5 p.m. The administrative offices are open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Administrative Offices (975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron) F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (1828 Smith Rd., Akron) Liberty Park Nature Center (9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg) Summit Lake Nature Center (411 Ira Ave., Akron) SHIELD ASSISTANCE DATES Need help attaching your shield to your hiking staff? Volunteers will be available to assist you on the following dates: 2024 Hiking Spree Shield Assistance | 1 - 3 p.m.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm Visitors Center
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