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Parks are closed Sunday, January 25. / Programs are cancelled Jan. 24 & 25.

Group Hikes

Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve got your hiking experience sorted. Explore our curated group hike programs, each with unique themes that cater to diverse interests. While some adventures may call for registration, rest assured, this list is regularly refreshed to align with the changing seasons.

GOLDEN MARATHON

Ages 55+
Get moving this season with SourcePoint’s Golden Marathon outdoor Hikers! We hike in all weather except for temperatures below 10 degrees or a Level 2 or 3 snow emergency. Meet at locations listed, bring your own water and be prepared for the weather and terrain.
Register Here
Mondays, 1:30 p.m.
December 22 – Deer Haven Park
January 5 – McCammon Creek Park
January 12 – Hickory Woods Park
January 19 – Shale Hollow Park
January 26 – Perfect Creek Park
February 2 – Deer Haven Park
February 9 – Hogback Ridge Park
February 16 – Blues Creek Park
March 2 – Char-Mar Ridge Park
March 30 – Gallant Woods Park

Mondays, 9:30 a.m.
April 13 – Hickory Woods Park
April 27 – Emily Traphagen Park
May 18 – Deer Haven Park

YOGA & HIKE

10 a.m., Ages 15+
Bend and stretch outside at a shelter house or inside the visitor center. Come as you are, all abilities and bodies welcome.
January 3 – Gallant Farm Granary
February 7 – Shale Hollow Park McKay Lodge
March 7 – Deer Haven Park Visitor Center
April 4 – Deer Haven Park Visitor Center
May 2 – Gallant Farm Granary

WOODCOCK COURTSHIP SPECTACLE

Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.
Hickory Woods Park, Ages 7+
Join us as we spy on the unique courtship ritual of the secretive American woodcock. This annual spring occurrence is always a treat to witness. Binoculars are recommended; loaners will be available.

GUIDED WILDFLOWER HIKES

Hogback Ridge Park
Delaware County Master Gardeners will lead guided hikes showcasing Ohio’s seasonal woodland wildflowers.
Thursday, April 2, 3 p.m. – All Ages
Monday, April 6, 3 p.m. – All Ages
Saturday, April 11, 1 p.m. – All Ages
Monday, April 13, 3 p.m. – Ages 55+
Friday, April 17, 10 a.m. – All Ages
Monday, April 20, 2 p.m. – All Ages
Friday, April 24, 10 a.m. – All Ages

OFF-TRAIL GEOLOGY HIKE

Monday, May 25, 1 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, Ages 8+
Meet in the shelter house to begin a journey that started millions of years ago. Be ready to jump in the creek and learn about geology along the way. Hike takes place through the creek and over rough terrain.

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Programs

This raised-relief map provides an overview of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to orient themselves before embarking on the trail.

Braille Trail

This 0.4 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to practice mindfulness along the trail.

Delaware County Bird Club

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, enjoy a relaxing time watching birds at the feeders and discussing a new ornithology topic each month. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, share sightings, and deepen your appreciation for our feathered friends.

FLEX Trails (Free Local EXercise)

FLEX Trails are established along the trails at Char-Mar Ridge Preserve. Stations set up along the trails include signs that explain how to do various exercises, right there, with no equipment

Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society

Join us for a lively discussion of each month’s featured book. We typically read titles that were popular during the Great Depression and WWII years, or books focusing on those time periods.

Geocaching in Preservation Parks

Geocaching and letterboxing are fun hobbies that provide a great reason to enjoy the outdoors. Preservation Parks does allow geocaches and letterboxes to be placed in the parks, as long as Park District guidelines are followed.

Group Hikes

Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve got your hiking experience sorted. Explore our curated group hike programs, each with unique themes that cater to diverse interests.

Mindfulness Trail

This 1 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to practice mindfulness along the trail.

Photography Contest

Showcase the beauty and history of Delaware County’s Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments that celebrate these protected spaces. Open to all skill levels. Share your vision and help inspire a deeper appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage.

School & Community Outreach

Looking for a fun and engaging learning experience for your school classroom or community group? From night hikes to live animal programs and farm tours to agricultural heritage programs, the Preservation Parks Outdoor Connections Department offers field trip programs covering a variety of natural and cultural history topics. Most are free for Delaware County groups and organizations only, and a great way to introduce your group to our county’s cultural and natural heritage. Scout groups can check out our Scout Badge Days, offered throughout the year.  

Person in a kayak

Seasonal Program Guide

The program guide is published 4x per year and includes all of the wonderful programs offered throughout the parks.

Winter 100

Walk 100 miles or 100 kilometers (62
miles) from January 1 – March 31, 2026. Register, log your distance, and be connected to a community of walkers this winter.

Winter Letterbox Adventure

The clues located on these pages guide you on a winter exploration of FIVE different parks and help you learn more about the wonders of space. Instead of a traditional letterbox, you will find a sign at each park.

Programs

This raised-relief map provides an overview of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to orient themselves before embarking on the trail.

Braille Trail

This 0.4 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to

Group Hikes

Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve

Mindfulness Trail

This 1 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to

Photography Contest

Showcase the beauty and history of Delaware County’s Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments

Winter 100

Walk 100 miles or 100 kilometers (62
miles) from January 1 – March 31,