Nature Events
8:15 am
First Annual CO-ED Sand Volleyball Tournament open to HS freshman to Adults 10 teams- The Bracket will be set that morning.
10 AM
Glacial Heritage Hike "Embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque Charles A. Tummonds State Nature Preserve during the Glacial Heritage Hike at this year's Triple Trail Fest. Lead by Adam Wohlever of the ODNR, participants will enjoy a leisurely hike through the woods, exploring the diverse habitats and unique glacial features that date back to the last ice age. This enriching hike will highlight the fascinating remnants of the glacial era and offer insights into the area's natural history. As you traverse the forest above the Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the preserve and gain a deeper understanding of the land's remarkable glacial heritage. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and discover the captivating legacy of the region's glacial past."
10 AM-4:30 PM
Scavenger Hunt Come test your observation skills on this Triple Trail Fest Scavenger Hunt! Pick up your sheet beginning at 10 AM at the Portage Park District table. Turn your completed scavenger hunt back in by 4:30 PM to be entered into a drawing to win a prize! Fun for all ages!
12 PM
Guided Nature Paddle Join Scenic Rivers and Portage Park District on this guided nature paddle down the Cuyahoga River. Educators will provide nature interpretation, pointing out the flora and fauna that call the river home. A limited number of canoes and kayaks are available free of charge from the Scenic Rivers program. Once those have been accounted for, you have the option to rent from Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak. Please gather at the registration table no later than 12:00 PM for Camp Hi to shuttle you to White Oaks River Access. If you are using your own watercraft, you can take the Camp Hi shuttle but will need to get your boat to the launch site. **There is only a fee if they are renting a boat from Camp Hi**
11:45 AM
Buckeye Trail Hike WELCOME TO MANTUA, awesome Buckeye Trail Town and part of the Crooked River chapter. This will be a hike your own hike pace. We will meet at the registration table and carpool to Vaughn Rd. Where we will hike to Camp Asbury which is a lovely spot to take a break and enjoy a snack. We will turn around at the camp. This out and back hike will be approximately 6 miles. ~3 miles out ~3 miles back. There are several options for those looking for less or more miles. The BT shares space with the Headwaters Trail before splitting off by the Asbury Rd waterfalls. We begin in the Mogadore section and turn around in the Burton section. I would say this is an easy to slightly challenging hike depending on your hiking experience. This section is scenic and primarily woods with some inclines/declines. No road hiking. You have the option to turn around at any point. This section is well blazed, so very little chance of getting lost. Although, logs and platforms allow us to cross over swamp land and small creeks, if it has recently rained be prepared for mud. I plan to hike rain or shine, but not lightening. Dress accordingly. Please bring water and a snack.
1:30 PM
River Adventure Take in the sights and sounds of a beautiful afternoon on the upper Cuyahoga River, designated as a Scenic River since 1974. This on-your-own adventure is brought to you by Camp Hi Canoe & Kayak, from whom you will be able to rent a watercraft (Canoe $25, Kayak $20.) They will shuttle you from Buchert Park to their location. From there you will travel the 5 miles back to Buchert Park, passing through a variety of habitats carved out by the glaciers over 10,000 years ago. Please gather at the registration table no later than 1:30 PM for Camp Hi to shuttle you to their location.
2 PM
Ride with a Ranger Join Chief Ranger Kevin Nietert from the Portage Park District for a scenic bike ride along the Headwaters Trail during the Triple Trail Fest. As you pedal, Ranger Nietert will share insights about the area's natural history and points of interest along the trail, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation and education. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the beauty of the trail with an experienced guide. Families are welcome but please note this ride will cover the whole trail, which is 8.5 miles one way. Feel free to turn back when you are ready, and the trail will let you right back to the festival!
2 PM
Yoga in the Park Enjoy the beautiful park while stretching and strengthening your body. Bring your own mat.
3:30 pm
River Exploration Triple Trail Fest wouldn't be possible without a thriving river system so take this opportunity to join the team from Akron Water Supply to learn about the importance of watershed health. You'll get a chance to do hands-on citizen science and learn about the macroinvertebrates that call the Upper Cuyahoga home. Watershed specialists will teach you all about these fascinating critters and what their presence means for the river. If you want to get in the river to help catch these organisms, please wear appropriate clothes and water-safe footwear.
