Hike, Backpack, & Winter Activities

Monthly Hiking – 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.

The longer hikes later in the season will offer shorter route options. Contact the Hike Leader for details. 

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 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 – Germantown Metro Park – 6910 Boomershine Rd, Germantown, OH 45327

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.”

 Winter Getaway – February 14-17, 2025

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 2025.

Click here for more details and registration links