Introduction
Ottawa County is home to several outdoor recreation destinations. As a way to highlight these destinations, the Park District of Ottawa County is offering the third annual Outdoor Hiking Challenge program running September 2 – November 30, 2025.
Participants will earn a cozy Roll-up Camping Blanket by hiking 9 out of 12 Ottawa County hiking destinations. Hikes will be self-guided and on the honor system. A series of Guided Walks will also be offered throughout the autumn season. Record your hikes on the log sheet (Guided Walks may also be recorded on the log sheet). Completed log sheets must be received by December 1, 2025, to earn your Roll-up Camping Blanket. One entry per person. Roll-up Camping Blankets will be distributed December 9-11, 2025, from 9am-Noon and 1-4 pm, at the Park District of Ottawa County office located at 770 S.E. Catawba Rd., Port Clinton, 43452, inside the Shores & Islands Ohio Port Clinton Welcome Center
1. Duff Homestead, Bayfront Preserve and Duff Vineyard Preserve - Put-in-Bay Township Park District
2. Meadowbrook Marsh - Danbury Township
Meadowbrook_Marsh_Map.pdf (danburytownship.com)
3. Great Egret Marsh Nature Preserve - The Nature Conservancy
Great Egret Marsh Preserve | The Nature Conservancy
4. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Grimm Prairie - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Satellite Properties - Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
5. Allen Township Park – Allen Township
Allen Township Ottawa County Ohio
6. North Coast Inland Trail - Park District, Elmore, Genoa
North Coast Inland Trail – Ottawa County Parks (ottawacountyparksoh.org)
7. Veterans Memorial Park – Village of Oak Harbor
8. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Marinewood Unit - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge | Visit Us - Locations | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service | FWS.gov
9. Magee Marsh Walking Trail – Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
10. Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve – Black Swamp Conservancy
Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve | Black Swamp Conservancy
11. Waterworks Park - City of Port Clinton
Places and Attractions To See in Port Clinton - City of Port Clinton
12. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park – Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Saturday, September 13
2 - 3 p.m.
Marinewood Unit, 4640 W Harbor Rd (SR 163), Port Clinton 43452
Join Park Ranger Basia Gawin from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for a 1-mile, family-friendly guided hike to learn about monarch butterflies and their migration, and maybe even see one up close!
Saturday, October 4
10 – 11 a.m.
Duff Homestead and Vineyard, 630 Bayview Ave, Put-in-Bay 43456, Meet in the parking lot.
Join Lisa Brohl of the Put-in-Bay Township Park District for a fragrant walk among grape vines and fruit trees, discussing the fascinating history, and future plans, of this bayfront preserve. Walk the adjoining birding trail to search for migrant songbirds.
Monday, October 6
6:45 - 8 p.m.
Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve, 4400 Muggy Rd, Port Clinton 43452
Join Black Swamp Conservancy for a unique opportunity to explore Nehls’ natural beauty under the glow of the October full moon. This guided hike will allow you to experience the nighttime sights and sounds of the trails and of West Harbor in a completely new light, and connect with nature in a rare and amazing way!
Registration required by contacting Laura Rodriguez at lrodriguez@blackswamp.org or (419) 833-1025. Limited to 15 participants.
Sunday, October 12
2 – 3 p.m.
Meadowbrook Marsh, 8577 E Bayshore Rd, Marblehead 43440
Join Danbury Township Trustee Dianne Rozak for a low-impact 1-mile walk on paved trails throughout Meadowbrook Marsh. Meadowbrook is a State designated birding site and exhibits its own special beauty during every season of the year. Overflow parking is available on the grass at the main entrance. The walk will begin at the bottom of the main drive by the yellow information sign. Binoculars are recommended.
Thursday, October 30
10 - 11 a.m.
Spooky Stories Walk, Depot Park, on the North Coast Inland Trail, 353 Ottawa St, Elmore 43416
Join a guided walk along the North Coast Inland Trail and enjoy spooky train stories and other local lore with staff of the Park District of Ottawa County.
Thursday, November 13
10 - 11 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Park, 600 Washington St, Genoa 43430
Explore all the North Coast Inland Trail has to offer through a guided walk in Veterans Memorial Park and the newly completed portions of the North Coast Inland Trail.
Download Digital Outdoor Hiking Challenge Form
Forms are also available at:
Park District of Ottawa County Office
770 SE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton 43452, inside Shores & Islands Ohio Welcome Center
Submission information
Submit your log sheet by texting a photo to (419) 635-8212, emailing a photo to shill@ottawacountyparksoh.org, or returning completed log sheet to the Park District of Ottawa County Office located at 770 SE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton 43452. Office hours Tuesdays & Wednesdays 1-4 p.m.
One entry per person.
Partnering Agencies:
