Portage Park District

10/20/2026

Wild Hikes Wednesday is a monthly program that allows you to check off part of the Wild Hikes Challenge in the company of people that love hiking and nature as much as you do. Get one step closer to earning your medallion!
Sign up to hike with us tomorrow, October 21st at 5pm at the Portage Hike and Bike Trail Franklin Connector Trailhead. https://bit.ly/4z0k9KB



[Image: A graphic depicts a clipart wooden sign on a teal background. Text reads, "Wild Hikes Wednesday. Wednesday, October 21, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Portage Hike and Bike Trail (Franklin Connector). Wild Hikes Challenge. Find Your Adventure in Portage Parks."]

10/18/2026

This week in YOUR parks fall is sure to show off. We encourage you to explore and invite you to attend park programs for fellowship and fun. Participate in the Wild Hikes Challenge with friends to cheer you on and check out the parks through your lens at Photography Club. Sign up on our Things To Do page: https://bit.ly/42zOShG



[Image: A brilliant sunset with oranges and pinks above the silhouette of Breakneck Creek Park's wetland. Text reads, "Upcoming Programs: 10/21 Wild Hikes Wednesday, 10/22 Pictures in the Park: Photography Club. Find Your Park."]

10/17/2026

The Autism Society of Greater Akron will be holding its annual Halloween in the Park event at Trail Lake Park on Sunday, October 18. The parking lot will be at capacity during this event and the southern portion of the Osprey Loop will be full of tables and families. Registration for this event is full and is taken through the Autism Society. We suggest that you plan your park visit for before 9am or after 4pm on Sunday.

[Image shows children in spiderman costumes playing a game at a table with a costumed adult. Asphalt trail and woods can be seen in the background. Text reads: Trail Alert Sunday, October 18, Trail Lake Park.]

10/16/2026

The wait is over...Towner's Woods Park officially reopens this Saturday just in time to enjoy peak fall color! The parking lots will be full for a 50th celebration setup and open house in the morning until 2pm. If you'd like a less crowded experience, please visit later in the day. View and register for the event on our website: https://bit.ly/4yO0xct Photo credit: Ian Marshall.

[Photo of Towner's Woods depicts varying heights of trees in peak fall colors of red, orange, yellow, and green.]

10/11/2026

Wow! The week ahead is loaded with opportunities to enjoy October on the trails.
Invite a friend to Wild Words Book Club, explore a new park, and celebrate 50 years of Towner's Woods with us. All this and more in YOUR Portage Parks!

Why register for programs? October in Ohio is beautiful and unpredictable. Stay informed of changes that could affect your plans by signing up on our Things To Do page or calling the park office: https://bit.ly/42zOShG



[Image: A dazzling photo of fall leaves boasting bright yellows, orange, and green by Denny Reiser serves as a backdrop for this graphic. Text reads, "Upcoming Programs: 10/13 Wild Words Book Club, 10/14 Butterfly Hike, 10/14 New Park Exploration, 10/15 senior Hike, 10/17 Wild Medicine Hike, 10/17 Towner’s Woods 50th Celebration, 10/17 Wild Hikes Medallion Pickup, 10/17 History Hike."]

10/09/2026

Two of our wonderful volunteers captured the early October beauty of Trail Lake Park and a resident of the wetland habitat there too, an Eastern Musk Turtle!
The LaLonde duo captured this unique reptile as it was enjoying the sun. The Eastern Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus, has "odor" in its name for a good reason. When annoyed, this turtle secretes a yellowish fluid from two gland openings on either side of the carapace (upper shell) in attempt to scare away unwanted visitors with a stink!
We could all use a little space sometimes!
As always, please respect wildlife by observing them from a safe distance like our volunteers did. Snap a photo, then let our wild neighbors enjoy the day. They like sunny, fall days too!


[Images: The first image showcases the striking blue sky of October with puffy white clouds above a paved trail flanked with the first signs of autumn in the meadow and trees. Text reads, "Trail Lake Park. Photo: LaLonde Family." The second image displays a dark turtle basking in the sun on green grass. Text reads, "Owlbert Approved Nature Nuggets. Eastern Musk Turtle, Sternotherus odoratus. Nicknamed the “Stinkpot”, this small turtle measures 3-5 inches and is able to release a musky odor from scent glands on the edge of its shell."]

10/08/2026

10/06/2026

Thank you guys for exploring with us today!

10/04/2026

Early fall is looking gorgeous in YOUR Portage Parks! What can you do at fantastic, free park programs this week? Join our awesome Ranger team for a hike at our brand-new park, Kame Esker Bog! Discover Portage County's geologic side at the Rocktober Museum (multiple days and hours), snag your Wild Hikes Challenge rewards, and try some fall birding. There's so much to do!

Sign up on out Things To Do page! https://bit.ly/3r4mxxy


[Image: A graphic features the PPD Ranger team in full gear along a flat trail. Text reads, "Portage Park District. Upcoming Programs: 10/7 Hike with a Ranger, 10/8 Rocktober Museum, 10/9 Rocktober Museum, 10/10 “Fall”-ing for Birding, 10/10 Wild Hikes Medallion Pickup, 10/10 Rocktober Museum."