Celebrating the 60th annual Fall Hiking Spree

Inaugurated in 1964, the first Fall Hiking Spree marked the beginning of a beloved tradition, inviting residents to hike seven different trails in two months. A total of 1,530 hiking staffs were awarded in the first year to those who completed their hiking spree, collecting ranger signatures on their type-written forms along the way. Participants hiked many trails that may be familiar to visitors today, such as Nuthatch Trail at Sand Run Metro Park and Redwing Trail at Firestone Metro Park.

Sixty years later, hikers of all ages continue collecting shields and memories throughout the Fall Hiking Spree. As we embark on this anniversary year, we celebrate and share memories of family, friends and community. Look for signs at the beginning of this year’s featured trails, and follow the QR codes to hear stories from hikers and others who have made the Fall Hiking Spree what it is today.

Jeff Lane (first row, far left) with his family at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, fall 1982.

Jeff Lane, his wife Heather, daughter Madison and family dog Tucker at Furnace Run Metro Park, fall 2022.

Jeff Lane

Completing the Fall Hiking Spree is a tradition that spans five generations in this family! Jeff Lane recalls hiking with many family members growing up, from grandparents to aunts, uncles and cousins. Though Jeff’s family has moved away, he returns every fall to complete the spree with his wife and daughter.

David and Kayann Hawkins with their family and fellow hikers at Firestone Metro Park, fall 1984.

Kayann and David, spring 2023 at Munroe Falls Metro Park with the Green Islands featuring their family’s photo.

Dave & Kayann Hawkins

Hikers since 1980, the Hawkins family was featured in the October 1984 issue of Green Islands. Pictured left to right, son David S., mom Kayann, dad David and in front Tom and Sheila, finish their hike with Phyllis and Gene Leach. Kayann and David continue to complete the Spree for All and Fall Hiking Spree each year.

Are you a Heritage Hiker?

If you began the Fall Hiking Spree between 1964 and 1975, you qualify for a FREE commemorative hiking staff medallion. Please contact us by calling 330–867–5511 or emailing [email protected].

Fall Hiking Spree Milestones

• 1965: The first shield is distributed to hikers completing their second FHS.
• 1971: For the first time, hikers are offered a choice to complete eight of 10 hikes.
• 1973: A 5.6-mile hike at Deep Lock Quarry is the longest hike ever included in the FHS.
• 1984: SMP hosts a picnic for 44 original hikers to commemorate the 20th spree anniversary.
• 1988: The 25th year is celebrated with the first-ever FHS Kick-Off.
• 1996: The FHS expands to include hikers from outside Summit County.
• 2000: SMP hosts the first Shield Assistance.
• 2015: Dogs become eligible to receive a shield for their collars upon completing the spree.
• 2020: More than 17,000 shields are awarded, breaking all previous yearly records.

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.