Recurring hike series, backpacking outings, and other “leg-power” group activities for all abilities. Our leaders are experienced and provide safe routes, outings guidance, and welcoming sessions for newer participants.
Annual Winter Getaway scheduled for Feb. 9-12, 2024!!
Winter Getaway Details at this link
Register Here!
The longstanding tradition continues! Enjoy a long weekend of winter nordic activities and camaraderie with friends. COP secures the entire Wilderness Lodge in Wattsburg, PA for our party. The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for a group our size! If the snow is lousy (unlikely), we hike, explore, and enjoy the “lodge experience.”
Proceeds from this gathering will support the hiking & backpacking activities of COP. This weekend also facilitates the planning of those activities for 2023.
Click here for more details and registration links
Updated for 2024 – The “18 Challenge”
The “18 Challenge” is a monthly series of progressively longer hikes that culminate in a challenging 18-mile hike on September 14th at Burr Oak. All hikes are on the 2nd Saturdays of the month and begin at 9am.
Register for one, or all of the hikes at any time. You’ll need to pre-register for hikes in advance in order to be covered by Outdoor Pursuits’ insurance coverage.
2024 Tentative Schedule
- March 9th – 3 miles – Quarry Trails Metropark – 2319 Quarry Trails Dr, Columbus, OH 43228
- April 13th – 6 miles – Battelle Darby Metro Park – 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
- May 11th – 9 miles – location TBD
- June 8th – 12 miles – Wolfe Run Regional Park / Honey Run 17686 Yauger Rd, Mt Vernon, OH 43050
- July 13th – 14 miles – Mohican State Park – 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842 – Group Camp included
- August 10th – 16 miles – Tar Hollow State Park – 16396 Tar Hollow Rd, Laurelville, OH – Group Camp Included
- September 14th – 18 miles – Burr Oak State Park – 10153 Williams-Homer Rd, Glouster, OH 45732 – Group Camp Included
** The July, Aug & Sept hikes include a group camping opportunity for Friday and/or Saturday nights. We recognize these state parks require a longer drive, so COP has reserved group sites for each weekend. Enjoy the comraderie before and/or after the day’s hike!
“18 Challenge” hikes are free, but COP membership or a $20 donation is suggested to cover costs for volunteer leaders and our insurance needs. Please consider joining COP as a MEMBER. PLEASE PRE-REGISTER so there’s no delay at the start of the hike. Two Outdoor Pursuits Hiking Leaders will attend each hike. Leaders contact information can be found in the “more info” link on the registration page.
Find specific hike dates and distances and Register Here for the “18 Challenge.”
Backpacking and Bikepacking Trips
Bikepacking 101 – Preparation Clinics and Weekend Outing
Join Outdoor Pursuits and Trek Gahanna for a beginner-friendly introduction to bikepacking with our two-part clinic series to prep for our bikepacking trip.
Clinics – February 25 and March 24, 5:30 pm, at Trek Gahanna, 1374 N Hamilton Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230
Shakedown Ride – April 20 – Camp Chase Trailhead on Alkire Road depart at 10:00 a.m. 8465 Alkire Road. We will ride to London to the Madison County Senior center, and return to our cars. 26 miles. We are going to offer the option of spending the night at the center too. Registration Required
Weekend Bikepacking Trip – May 18-19 – The trip is from Bexley, Ohio to Alum Creek State Park Group Campsite. Approximately 28 miles one way. We will meet at 9:30 at the Bexley Pool parking lot, 2100 Clifton Avenue. We have permission from Bexley Parks & Rec with an overnight watch by Bexley Police. Trek will be there to offer any assistance and last-minute checks to riders Registration Required
Clinic Topics:
• The bike
• The gear
• Prepping and training for a trip
• How to pack
Bikepacking Trip Information
Experienced bikepacking leaders will provide guidance and support to first-time bikepackers. The trip from Bexley to Alum Creek Park is approximately 28 miles. Rest and lunch opportunities will be available in xxx. Return distance is the same. Ride leaders will distribute detailed ride itineraries during the clinics. Trip Leader is Penny Marchal, 614-562-0983.
Registration is required for the Shakedown Ride and/or the Weekend Outing.