Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve, of Black Swamp Conservancy, is one of 12 featured destinations in the Park District of Ottawa County’s 2025 Outdoor Hiking Challenge. On Oct. 6 at 6:45 p.m., Black Swamp Conservancy will lead a guided walk exploring Nehls’ natural beauty beneath the autumn full moon. (Submitted photo)

PORT CLINTON – Falling leaves, crisp autumn air and glowing blue skies – it’s time to celebrate the approaching fall season with the Park District of Ottawa County (PDOC).

PDOC is excited to announce the return of the Outdoor Hiking Challenge, a program encouraging patrons to get outdoors and explore Ottawa County’s natural and scenic beauty.

Running Sept. 2 to Nov. 30, the Outdoor Hiking Challenge is an on-the-honor-system, free program asking participants to visit and hike 9 out of 12 park destinations to earn a free prize. This year’s prize is a logoed, roll-up camping blanket. Destinations are located throughout Ottawa County and include Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, Duff Homestead and Bayfront Preserve on Put-in-Bay, Allen Township Park, the North Coast Inland Trail, and more.

Hikers record their walks on a provided Outdoor Hiking Challenge Log Sheet that outlines the rules of the program, the 12 featured hiking destinations, and the line-up of guided walks. All are welcome to attend guided walks, and guided walks can be recorded and counted on a participant’s log sheet. This year’s lineup includes a guided monarch migration walk, a nighttime full moon hike with the Black Swamp Conservancy, a fragrant walk among the grapevines on Put-in-Bay, and a local lore and spooky stories walk in Elmore. The full moon hike requires registration, and all other guided walks do not.

Outdoor Hiking Challenge log sheets can be picked up at the Park District of Ottawa County office, the Ottawa County Health Department, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center, and public libraries, government offices and senior centers throughout the county.

The Outdoor Hiking Challenge is free and open to all ages. For more information and to download the log sheet, visit https://ottawacountyparksoh.org/outdoor-hiking-challenge-2025/. Call Administrative Specialist Sara Hill at 419-635-8212 with any questions. Follow the Park District of Ottawa County on Facebook to stay up-to-date with Outdoor Hiking Challenge news and updates.

The Park District of Ottawa County is dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and connecting Ottawa County’s natural and recreational resources for the enjoyment and benefit of all. To learn more about the Park District of Ottawa County, visit ottawacountyparksoh.org and follow the Park District of Ottawa County at www.facebook.com/parkdistrictofottawacounty.