Gear up for Outdoor Adventure’s Backpacking Series

JESSICA TOMASTIK
Outdoor Adventure Programmer

Spring is just around the corner and so is our backpacking season! The Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure team is gearing up for our bi-annual introductory backpacking series, where we share everything you need to know to get your backpacking journey started. From site selection to outdoor ethics, our staff cover all necessary skills and gear that will prepare even the most beginner backpackers for their first overnight trip. With free, interactive classes held weekly, we strive to deliver hands-on activities that you can utilize for the rest of your overnight adventures to come. This program series is one of our absolute favorites, and is open to all ages and all experience levels!

Backpacking in the parks

Did you know you can backpack in the parks? The Metro Parks have two parks that are available for overnight stays — Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park and Scioto Grove Metro Park. Both of these parks have designated sites for visitors to stay at free of charge. It is important to note that you must reserve a campsite before your trip by visiting metroparks.net, and bring all necessary gear with you. Each park has their rules and parking information on the website as well.

Scioto Grove Metro Park has backpacking sites available along the REI River Trail, and is a great option for both beginners and seasoned backpackers. There are five sites to choose from, with most sites requiring you to hike in (meaning you have to carry your gear with you to the site).

Battelle Darby Creek has 10 miles of primitive backpacking trails, and is best suited for more experienced backpackers. There are four sites to choose from, and the trails are primarily unimproved.

Spring backpacking series schedule

Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure spring backpacking series includes six weeks of classes each tailored to a different skill set. Every week, there will be two of the same classes offered to facilitate people’s schedules — classes will be held on Mondays 6–7:30pm, and Saturdays 1–2:30pm at Arrowhead Picnic Area at Scioto Grove Metro Park. After six weeks of classes, there will be an optional overnight trip held at Battelle Darby Creek. In order to be eligible for the overnight trip, we ask each participant to attend at least one backpacking class. The series schedule is:

Week 1: Four Essentials & Site Selection (March 24 or March 29)
Week 2: Water & Waste (March 31 or April 5)
Week 3: Fuel, Fire, & Food (April 7 or April 12)
Week 4: Clothing & Foot Care (April 14 or April 19)
Week 5: Prep, Safety, & Outdoor Ethics (April 21 or April 26)
Week 6: Shakedown Hike! (April 28 or May 3)

Overnight trip (Saturday, May 17–18)