Hike, Backpack, & Winter Activities
Scroll down for listings of all upcoming Backpacking, Hiking, and other events
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 13th at Burr Oak. Most hikes are on the 2nd Saturday of the month – check the dates below carefully! Hikes begin at 9 am April-May and earlier in the subsequent hotter months.
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 to be covered by Outdoor Pursuits’ insurance coverage.
2025 Schedule
March 8th – 3 miles – High banks Metro Park – 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, OH 43035
April 12th – 6 miles – A W Marion State Park Campground . 8498 Township Hwy 77, Circleville, OH 43113 – Group camp and “Backpacking 101 Clinic” too!
May 10th – 9 miles – Battelle Darby Metro Park – 1775 Darby Creek Dr, Galloway, OH 43119
June 7th – 12 miles – Clifton Gorge/Glenn Helen/John Bryant – 2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
July 19th – 14 miles – Mohican State Park – 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842 – Group Camp included
August 16th – 16 miles – Location TBD – Group Camp Included
September 13th – 18 miles – Burr Oak State Park – 10153 Williams-Homer Rd, Glouster, OH 45732 – Group Camp Included
** The April hike will include an overnight camping opportunity in conjuction with our “Backpacking 101 Clinic”
** 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 – Dolly Sods (West Virginia)
Thurs. May 8 – Sat. May 10 (3 days/2 nights)
Description: Dolly Sods Wilderness is home to unique bog and heath ecotypes that are typical of areas much farther north than the Mountain State. The stunted red spruces, natural cranberry bogs and huckleberry fields, and sphagnum bogs that characterize Dolly Sods aren’t found elsewhere in the US and are more common in southern Canada. The Dolly Sods area ranges from 2500 to 4700 feet above sea level so colder temperatures can occur anytime of the year. Trails can be muddy and wet so be prepared to get your feet wet. The spectacular views and unique ecosystems make it a popular and highly rated backpacking destination.
Group Size Limit – 8 (plus 2 Leaders) (Sign-up deadline is April 12, 2025)
Ride-sharing/carpooling options will be discussed by Trip Leader
Difficulty: Moderate (21 Miles = 6.5 + 9 + 5.5)
Trip Leader: Jim Villacres – jpvill@hotmail.com
Register Here!
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.