Introduction
The 2026 Outdoor Hiking Challenge pays homage to our American spirit of independence and exploration, and celebrates what gives Ottawa County its grit and glory. Each distinct in their own right, the following 14 Destinations showcase Ottawa County’s varied geography and provide the Trailblazer with different ways to explore – by foot, by bike, or by paddle.
Look for icons next to each Destination, and choose your own adventure!
Hike
Bike
Paddle
Explore 9 out of 14 Ottawa County Destinations between September 8 – November 30, 2026, and earn a pair of logoed Merino Wool Socks – the perfect companion for trekking this great land.
A series of Guided Adventures will also be offered throughout the autumn season (see schedule at bottom of this page) as part of the Outdoor Hiking Challenge. Record your hikes on the Adventures Log Sheet (Guided Adventures may also be recorded on this log sheet). Completed log sheets must be received by December 1, 2026, to earn your Merino Wool Socks. One entry per person. Merino Wool Socks will be distributed December 8-10, 2026, from 9am-2pm, at the Park District of Ottawa County office located at 770 SE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton, 43452, inside the Shores & Islands Ohio Port Clinton Welcome Center.
The Destinations (Self-Guided)
1. Islander Woods and Trailhead, Park District of Ottawa County
2. John Gallagher Memorial Birding Trail, Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ottawa NWR
3. Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile ™, Lakeside Chautauqua
4. North Coast Inland Trail, Elmore, Genoa, Park District of Ottawa County
5. Portage River Water Trail, Park District of Ottawa County
6. Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
7. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
8. Magee Marsh Boardwalk Bird Trail (Closes mid-November), Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife
9. Dieperink Tract Trail in Middle Bass Island Forested Wetlands Preserve, Put-in-Bay Township Park District
Middle Bass Forested Wetland Addition – Put-in-Bay Township Park District
10. Clay Center Village Park, Village of Clay Center
11. Meadowbrook Marsh, Danbury Township
12. East Harbor State Park, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
East Harbor State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
13. Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve, Black Swamp Conservancy, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve – Black Swamp Conservancy Land Trust
14. Duff Homestead, Vineyard and Bayfront Preserve, Put-in-Bay Township Park District
Guided Adventures
Please read each description carefully to learn more about each Guided Adventure!
Wednesday, September 9, September 23, October 14, October 28, 10-11am
Tuesday, September 15, 9-10:30am (also part of Creating Healthy Communities 2026 Recreation Mix fall program series)
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, 13229 W. State Route 2, Oak Harbor, 43449
Join the Division of Wildlife for a short hike in search of birds on their fall migration. We will be on the lookout for migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl on their way south. Fall migration adds a different challenge compared to the spring, though the number and diversity of birds can still be incredible! Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair. Suitable for all experience levels. Meet in the parking lot in front of the west entrance to the Magee Marsh Boardwalk. GPS Coordinates: 41.62994, -83.19338
Friday, September 11, Guided Portage River Paddle, 9am-12pm or 1-4pm, 7870 W State Route 163 Oak Harbor, 43449 (Fairgrounds Kayak Launch)
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED, PADDLING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Link for more information and registration -https://tinyurl.com/2u6uktk5
Saturday, September 26, 10:45am
Dieperink Tract Trail, Middle Bass Island. Ferry travel required.
Join us for a guided walk through the woods at the NEW Dieperink Tract Trail in Middle Bass Island Forested Wetland Preserve. The half-mile trail leads through a regenerating wet forest of Silver Maple, American Elm and young Green Ash, to higher drier forest of Black Walnut and Common Hackberry. Spot migrant songbirds enjoying fruits and insects as they stop for rest and refueling. Take the 9:15am Miller Ferry from Catawba. Middle Bass Island golf cart rental available at J.F. Walleyes; bicycle rental available at Middle Bass Island State Park. From the Middle Bass Ferry Dock, head north on Fox Rd. There is a small parking lot for golf carts and a bicycle rack at the trailhead-between Mueller Rd. and Deist Rd. on the right side of Fox Rd. just before the Middle Bass Island Airport. Questions, call or text 419-366-2087.
Saturday, September 26, 2-3pm, Wolcott Family Cemetery Walk, Meet at 9999 E. Bayshore Rd. in Danbury Township.
Join Doug and Linda Huber of the Ottawa County Historical Society for a one-hour cemetery walk. The cemetery is located about ¼ mile from the Wolcott Keeper’s House at 9999 E. Bayshore Road in Danbury Township. We’ll gather at the house and walk the short distance to the cemetery. Wear comfortable shoes.
Thursday, October 29, 4-5pm, Fall Foliage Walk, Islander Woods and Trailhead, 3655 NW Catawba Rd., Port Clinton, 43452
Observe the vibrant fall colors at the Park District of Ottawa County’s newest public park. Executive Director Jannah Wilson will lead a short walk discussing the seasonal changes at this serene, 7.6-acre park.
Wednesday, November 25, 10-11am, Veterans Park, 600 Washington St., Genoa, 43430
Choose your own adventure at Veterans Park! Upon arrival, select from three choices - pickleball, disc golf, or a guided quarry trail walk with Park District staff. All equipment provided.
Download Digital Outdoor Hiking Challenge Form
Click to download
Forms are also available at: Park District of Ottawa County Office, 770 SE Catawba Rd., Port Clinton 43452, inside Shores & Islands Ohio Port Clinton 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.