Preservation Parks of Delaware County wants hikers to cover nearly 19 miles of nature trails through Nov. 30. The park district's free "Step Into Fall: Hike Them All" challenge is open to all ages.

Participants register online and download a checklist to track their progress across the district's trail network, which includes two new paths for 2026, according to the Preservation Parks challenge page. The challenge began Sept. 1.

The district, led by Executive Director Mary Van Haaften, runs the challenge across its full system of parks. For Lewis Center and Powell-area residents, McCammon Creek Park offers a local starting point. The 248-acre park along Bale Kenyon and Orange roads in Orange Township features woodlands, restored stream corridors, prairies and trails across three connected sections, according to Delaware Source. Shale Hollow Park in Lewis Center is another district property in the area.

Registration is free. An optional $15 package includes a hiking stick and custom challenge medallion, available for pickup at the Deer Haven Park Visitor Center during open hours, 1808Delaware reported. The merchandise is available while supplies last, and participants can add a new medallion each year, according to the Preservation Parks challenge page.

The district also directs hikers to the OuterSpatial app to join the challenge and log trails.

Guided hikes

Residents who prefer company on the trail have several organized outings on the calendar through October.

SourcePoint's Golden Marathon hikes, for adults 55 and older, visit Deer Haven Park on Sept. 14 at 9:30 a.m. and Shale Hollow Park on Sept. 28 at 9:30 a.m.

An all-ages "Try It: Trek a New Trail" outing on Oct. 24 starts at 10 a.m. at McCammon Creek Park's East Area. Trekking poles will be provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration and the full trail checklist are available at preservationparks.com.