Pro tips: How to finish the Fall Hiking Spree
We hear it a lot: “I/we wanted to finish the Fall Hiking Spree, but we ran out of time.”
To help get hikers to the ‘finish line’ of the spree, we’ve compiled our best tips for completing the iconic three-month event before its November 30 deadline.
1.) Make it a goal
Want more outdoors time for yourself or your family? Resolve now to make completing the Fall Hiking Spree a goal. Plus, the hiking staff and commemorative shield offer added incentives.
2.) Start early
The Fall Hiking Spree is the longest-running event of its kind in the nation, but it doesn’t last forever. We recommend starting the hikes early, and not waiting until peak fall color, which is usually around mid-October in Summit County. The longer you wait, the better your chances for cold, wet weather and even — gasp! — snow. Come Thanksgiving, if you still have several hikes left, the chances of finishing the hikes dwindle.
3.) Hike more than one park in a day
Fall weekends fill up fast! It’s tough to find a Saturday or Sunday with no plans, so doubling up (or tripling, if you can manage) helps cut down on the total number of weekends needed to hike eight or more trails. Pack snacks and/or a lunch, and make a day of visiting a few parks.
4.) Team up with family or friends
In the same way that workout buddies can help us stick to goals, family and/or friends can be the support needed to finish your hikes. Schedule time to hit the parks together!
5.) Plan your hikes with a Summit Metro Parks naturalist
Want to complete the spree, but don’t feel comfortable going alone? Or, want to learn a thing or two while you enjoy your hikes? There are DOZENS of free hikes each month led by our naturalists that are good for spree credit. See them on our website here, or call 330–865–8065 to learn more.
