The 2014 Metroparks Autumn Adventure will kick off at 2 p.m. Aug. 31 with a free hike at Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton. For the 25th year, Metroparks of Toledo Area is challenging participants to hike any eight of 10 qualified trails. This challenge runs until Nov. 18.
“It’s become kind of a tradition,” said Scott Carpenter, director of public relations for the metroparks.
“You can pick from the 10 trails we have listed or you can pick any four trails in the metroparks to get to eight,” Carpenter said. “You can do them on your own or you can come to one of our scheduled walks with a group.”
There are 15 group hikes scheduled. Some of these hikes are free and others have a small cost.
A complete list of scheduled hikes and the registration form for participation are available at the website www.metroparkstoledo.com.
“The first 50 people to complete the challenge get a free T-shirt,” Carpenter said. “Every year we design a new Autumn Adventure graphic, and the shirts have become kind of a collector’s item. Some people do the program every year just to get the shirt.”
Carpenter said last year’s kickoff hike had nearly 50 participants.
“It’s all a wonderful excuse to get outside and enjoy the parks during the prettiest time of year,” he said.
Local musician Kerry Patrick Clark will play an acoustic set before the walk, starting at 1:30 p.m. Toledo Free Press Editor in Chief Michael S. Miller will lead the three-hour walk.
