Park District of Ottawa County hosts Outdoor Hiking Challenge

Ottawa County is home to multiple recreation destinations, and in this special America 250 anniversary year, the Park District of Ottawa County is adding a patriotic touch to its annual Outdoor Hiking Challenge program, kicking off Sept. 8 and continuing through Nov. 30.

With Ottawa County’s swift riverbeds, forested wetlands, unique islands, sprawling farmland and coastal habitats, the 2026 Outdoor Hiking Challenge celebrates and acknowledges the area’s varied geography by providing patrons with different ways to explore destinations — by foot, by bike or by paddle — and earn a prize.

Participants will earn a free pair of logoed merino wool socks for exploring 9 out of 14 Ottawa County Destinations and recording their self-guided visits on a log sheet. Icons next to each Destination on the Outdoor Hiking Challenge program flyer denote whether each site is ideal for hiking, biking and/or paddling. A series of Guided Adventures are also included that can be recorded and counted on a participant’s log sheet.

This year’s Guided Adventures line-up includes a guided paddle on the Portage River Water Trail, a guided cemetery tour, a guided walk on the new Helman Tract Trail on Middle Bass Island, a fall foliage walk at the Park District of Ottawa County’s debut park, Islander Woods and Trailhead in Catawba Island Township and more.

“This year’s Outdoor Hiking Challenge celebrates what gives Ottawa County its grit and glory,” administrative specialist Sara Hill said. “We really wanted to honor that American spirit of exploration because our corner of Ohio is so incredibly special. The Outdoor Hiking Challenge is enjoyed by so many people each year because it really celebrates the county’s natural and scenic beauty, the magic of the autumn season, and the joy of being outdoors.”

Beginning Sept. 8, Outdoor Hiking Challenge log sheets can be picked up at the Park District of Ottawa County office, the Ottawa County Health Department, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center and public libraries, government offices and senior centers throughout the county. The Outdoor Hiking Challenge is free and open to all ages.

For more information and to download the log sheet, visit OttawaCountyParksOH.org/outdoor-hiking-challenge-2026. Call administrative specialist Sara Hill at 419-635-8212 with any questions, and follow the Park District of Ottawa County on Facebook to stay up-to-date with Outdoor Hiking Challenge news and updates.