The Portage Park District is pleased to announce the "Wild Hikes Challenge," a program designed to encourage healthy recreation in our parks and trails while showcasing Portage County's rich natural and cultural heritage. To participate, walk, hike, skip, jog or run on 8 of the 11 designated trails before November 1st to earn a hiking staff and "2009 Wild Hikes" tag.
The hikes are open to all, whether or not you are taking part in the Wild Hikes Challenge!

You may choose to hike the designated trails on your own or on one of our scheduled hikes led by Park District staff and volunteers as listed below.

Saturday, June 06, 2009 8:00 a.m.** Walter Preserve*
Saturday, June 20, 2009 8:30 p.m.** Dix Park, Fox Loop
Saturday, June 27, 2009 9:00 a.m. Seneca Ponds Park, Swan Loop
Saturday, July 04, 2009 8:30 a.m. Towner's Woods, Forest Path
Saturday, July 11, 2009 8:00 a.m.** The PORTAGE - Franklin Connector
Saturday, July 18, 2009 9:00 a.m. Headwaters Trail
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:00 a.m. Breakneck Creek Preserve*
Saturday, August 08, 2009 9:00 a.m. Dix Park, Fox Loop
Friday, September 04, 2009 8:30 p.m.** Towner's Woods, Butterfly Loop
Saturday, September 12, 2009 8:00 a.m.** Seneca Ponds Park, Swan Loop
Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:00 a.m.** Portage Hike & Bike Trail
Saturday, September 26, 2009 9:00 a.m. Walter Preserve*
Saturday, October 03, 2009 9:00 a.m.** Chagrin Headwaters Preserve*
Saturday, October 10, 2009 9:00 a.m. Towner's Woods, Butterfly Loop
Saturday, October 17, 2009 9:00 a.m. Headwaters Trail

Hikes as listed on form, required for the Hiking Challenge:

Breakneck Creek Preserve* Guided only. May 16, noon; Aug 1, 9:00 a.m.

The PORTAGE Hike and Bike Trail, Franklin Connector section 2.6 miles round trip.
Park at lots located at intersection of Hudson Road and Judson Road. Enter trail from
Hudson/Judson and hike west to Spell Road and back.

Headwaters Trail, Mill St. to Mennonite Rd. Mantua 2.2 miles round trip. Park at lot
behind McDonalds in Mantua on Rt. 44 and Mill Street. Enter Trail and walk west to
Mennonite Road and back..

Dix Park Fox Loop 1.2 miles round trip. Hike out Farm Lane Trail to Fox Loop Trail, do the
loop and return on Farm Lane Trail.

Towner's Woods, Forest Path 0.7 miles round trip. See reference map at kiosk. Follow trail signs.
Seneca Ponds, Swan Loop 0.9 miles round trip. See reference map at kiosk. Follow trail signs.

The PORTAGE Hike and Bike Trail, Lake Rockwell Rd. to Breakneck Creek 1.8 miles round
trip. Park at Lake Rockwell Road lot, just north of Lake Street/Brady Lake Street on Lake
Rockwell Road. Hike west to the bridge over Breakneck Creek and back..

Walter Preserve* Guided only. Must pre-register. 1.5 miles round trip. June 6, 8:00 a.m., Sept. 26, 9:00 a.m.

Chagrin Headwaters Preserve* Guided only. Must pre-register. 1.6 miles round trip. June 20, 9:00 a.m.;
October 3, 9:00 a.m.**

Towner's Woods Butterfly Loop 1.3 miles round trip. Park at Towner's Woods and head east
on the Hike & Bike Trail. Entrance to Butterfly Trail is on your right. Continue on loop and
return on trail to parking lot.

Headwaters Trail Rt. 700 to Freedom St. Garrettsville 5 miles round trip. Park at lot in Hiram,
located on Rt. 700, between Hankee Road and Pioneer Trail. Enter Trail from lot and hike
east to Garrettsville and back.

* These properties are not yet open to the public, except for staff-guided hikes
**These guided hikes will also be educational nature hikes with stops along the way
Hiking staffs and tags will be available after October 1st. Bring completed forms to the Park District office from 8:30 -2:00 Mon-Fri. Suggested Donation: $10.00 for hiking staff; $5.00 for tag.