Spree celebrates a Greener Future for Summit Metro Parks and our community
Get a head start on the 62nd annual Fall Hiking Spree at the Fall Hiking Spree Kick-Off, Sunday, August 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Liberty Park Nature Center (9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg). Join guided hikes of the 0.6-mile Bluebird Trail at 9:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m., or hike it anytime on your own that day to earn spree credit. Spree forms will be available and Fall Hiking Spree t-shirts will be for sale. To receive your hiking shield, all other hikes must be completed September 1 through November 30, 2025.
This year’s Fall Hiking Spree theme is Greener Future. Summit Metro Parks encourages our community to join us in small changes that reduce waste, conserve energy and support a thriving local ecosystem to benefit native wildlife and our community. Beginning September 1, look for signs at the beginning of each Fall Hiking Spree trail to enjoy learning more about the spree theme. The full list of 2025 spree trails and forms are available at summitmetroparks.org.
A first-time participant who completes eight hikes will earn a hiking staff and metal shield. A returning spree hiker will earn a shield (pictured). Hikes can be completed on a person’s own schedule and at their own pace. Fall Hiking Spree rewards are free to Summit County residents. Out-of-county residents pay to receive rewards ($10 for first-year hikers, $5 for veteran hikers). Guided spree hikes are listed on the park district’s Programs & Events calendar.
Hiking forms are available online, in the September/October issue of Green Islands magazine and at the following locations:
- 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).
- In a dropbox outside the park district’s Administrative Offices (975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron)
- Park kiosks
- Acme Fresh Market locations
Each year, an estimated 50,000 people sign up to participate in the spree. In 2024, there were 13,874 spree finishers.
