Winter Getaway – February 13-16, 2026
(President’s Day Weekend)
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 2026.
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 12th.
The longer hikes later in the season will offer shorter route options and overnight Group Camping for fellowship. Contact the Hike Leader for details.
2026 Schedule
March 14th – 3.14 miles
April 25th – 6 miles
May 9th – 9 miles
June 13th – 12 miles
July 11th – 14 miles
August 15th – 16 miles
September 12th – 18 miles
“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. REGISTRATION COMING FEBRUARY
2026 Backpacking Outings
Oil Creek, PA – March 20-22
Trip Highlights
3-day, 2-night backpacking trip with shelter-based camping
25 miles total on a scenic 35-mile loop
Travel from Columbus on Friday morning (March 20)
Start at Petroleum Center Trailhead
Sleep in trail shelters (no tents required) — fireplaces, firewood, and social space
Small group experience: 8 hikers max (including leader)
Moderate difficulty with potential seasonal weather challenges
Pack-in / pack-out trip — bring your own food and be prepared to filter water
Bear country with proper food storage provided at shelters
Trip Leader: Steven Cole
Outdoor Pursuits: E-mail: events@outdoor-pursuits.org
Shawnee State Park, OH – April 17-19
Trip Highlights
3-day, 2-night backpacking trip
26-mile loop on the Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail
Located near Portsmouth, Ohio
Travel and transportation coordinated from Columbus (cost shared)
Small group experience: 10 participants max (8 hikers + 2 leaders)
Moderate difficulty with significant elevation changes (for Ohio)
Remote, backcountry experience with natural water resupply
Bring and pay for your own food
Landscape often called “The Little Smokies” — rugged, scenic, and wild
Ideal for backpackers seeking a physically challenging, multi-day adventure
Trip Leader: Jim Villacres
Outdoor Pursuits: E-mail: events@outdoor-pursuits.org
REGISTRATION COMING FEBRUARY
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI – September 22-27
Trip Highlights
42 mile point-to-point hike from Grand Marais, MI to Munising, MI over 4 days PLUS 2 days of driving (1 day each driving to and from trailhead).
Hike with early fall colors – many miles of high cliffs overlooking Lake Superior with other stretches along sand dunes, beaches, streams, small waterfalls and a lighthouse.
Moderate difficulty and fitness averaging slightly over 10 miles/day.
Pack-in/pack-out trip – bring your own food and be prepared to treat water.
Travel and transportation coordinated from Columbus (cost shared)
Small group experience: 10 participants max (8 hikers + 2 Leaders)
Trip Leader: Bill Mayr
Outdoor Pursuits: E-mail: events@outdoor-pursuits.org
REGISTRATION COMING FEBRUARY