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September 23, 2005
REMEMBER SAFETY WHILE ENJOYING THE TRAILS AT OHIO STATE PARKS THIS FALL
ODNR offers tips for a fun day on the trail with friends or family
 COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio State Parks offer more than 1,000 miles of scenic, forested trails to enjoy great views of fall color. When taking to the woods, visitors are reminded to stay on trail and make safety a priority to ensure a fun day with family or friends, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
State park trails wind their way through some of the state’s most scenic landscapes, some of which harbor sensitive plants, and skirt along tall river gorges, rock formations or cliffs. These are some of Ohio’s most popular hiking destinations, but they also can pose hazards for hikers who wander off designated trails. Even in areas with milder terrain, hikers who wander off the trail into tall grasses risk uncomfortable encounters with ticks and poison ivy.
“Whether your goal is physical fitness, or an enjoyable outing with family and friends, our state parks offer trails of all lengths and levels of difficulty for every type of hiker,” said Dan West, Chief of Ohio State Parks. “But to ensure a good ending to a fun day on the trail, I encourage visitors to be safe, stay on trail, and use good common sense."
Hikers who heed these tips will have a safe and pleasant experience, and also help in protecting Ohio’s natural resources:
- Stay on the marked trail. Climbing or jumping over rocks and leaning against trees near cliff edges that are off-trail could result in serious injury.
- Wear comfortable shoes with sturdy soles and good tread to ensure traction on uneven terrain.
- Bring drinking water. Dehydration can happen any time, even on cool days. On longer hikes, consider bringing a high-energy snack.
- Use insect repellant to protect against ticks, mosquitoes and other insects.
- Plan accordingly before you hit the trail. Know where you are going, how long the trail is, if it is a loop or linear and if there are steep inclines.
- Know your limits and accommodate the least experienced hiker in your group.
- Get an early start to ensure that you have plenty of daylight to complete your hike. Hiking after dark is prohibited on state park trails that feature cliffs and deep gorges.
- Come prepared to pack out what you pack in, including drink containers and food wrappers.
 With 74 Ohio state parks spread across 60 counties in the state, a walk in the woods is less than an hour’s drive from virtually any Ohio city. Ohio State Parks also offer trails for mountain biking and horseback riding, as well as sparkling lakes for boating and fishing, and affordable overnight accommodations. Enjoy a stay at a state park resort lodge, comfortable vacation cottage, or a scenic campsite. Several parks also offer championship 18-hole golf courses, archery ranges and disc golf courses.
More information about hiking trails, camping, cottages, and other state park offerings, as well as a calendar of state park events, can be found at ohiodnr.com, or by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE. For camping or cottage reservations at Ohio State Parks, call 1-866-OHIOPARKS (1-866-644-6727) or reserve online at www.ohiostateparks.org.
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