Directions: Pre-Trip meets at Garfield Park Center & Trip meets at Trailside Program Center in Brecksville Reservation
Ages: 14 & over (Minors between the ages of 14-17 MUST have a registered and participating adult
Fee: $75 per person (All guests MUST register
Participants must attend the mandatory pre-trip meeting on January 31, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Garfield Park Center, Garfield Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, OH 44125.
- Participants must be 14 & over with a participating adult.
- Participants must complete and bring the waiver to the pre-trip meeting.
Registration Opens: December 15, 2022
Length: 2 days and 1 night
Trip Dates: Pre-Trip: January 31, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Trip: February 4, 11 a.m. – February 5, 11 a.m.
Terrain/Distance: Snow-covered natural surface terrain with slight elevation changes and mileage around 3.5 miles.
Overview
Explore the Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites in beautiful Brecksville Reservation this winter during our beginner friendly backpacking trip. The evening will include learning how to cook a variety of backcountry dinners, campsite selection and set-up, backcountry hygiene, and food storage with a wintertime focus. On day 1, we will embark on a 3.5-mile hike starting at the Trailside Program Center and ending at Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites. Day 2 will start with field-based lessons and end with a shuttle back to the Trailside Program Center. Don’t worry; a pit toilet will be available for this introductory field-based class. Please make sure that you pack a lunch for the first day as lunch will not be provided. Dinner and Breakfast will be provided.
Pre-Trip
This mandatory meeting will prepare you for the upcoming adventure. Specific trip logistics including how to best prepare for a winter backpacking trip will be covered as well as learning how to pack and fit a backpack, and checking out necessary equipment. Guests should bring their personal gear to the pre-trip, so instructors can assure that you are as prepared as possible. The pre-trip meeting is exclusive for all paid trip guests.
Logistics
The following is included with your trip:
- Trip Leaders and guided instruction
- A fully planned trip and route
- Camping permits
- Equipment
- Food (Dinner Saturday and Breakfast Sunday will be provided)
Accommodations and Food
Tents will be provided; however, participants may bring their own if it is appropriate for the nature of the trip. Tent accommodations typically require guests to share them as space is always limited in backcountry sites. Ottawa Overlook Backcountry Sites only consist of three sites. However, due to the ever-changing climate, only family groups will be allowed to stay in the same tent. Tent sites will be determined at the pre-trip meeting based on number of tents needed and be at either the Ottawa Overlook Backcountry sites or in the adjacent field.
Main meals of breakfast and dinner will be provided; reasonable dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Supplemental food/snacks are welcome, but please keep it to only what you believe you will need for a single day as all food must be hung at night as part of food storage protocol in the backcountry. You will need to provide lunch on Saturday that will be eaten in the warmth of the Trailside Program Center. Backpacking equipment can be provided by Cleveland Metroparks. Guests will be responsible for providing their clothes and footwear. Reference the
3Ws of layering for more information about how to dress. A packing list will be emailed to registered guests prior to the pre-trip. Classes will begin promptly, so plan to arrive early. Please bring a completed
waiver
General Information:
By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the
cancellation policy.
General Essential Eligibility Requirements that all participants must meet. A participant….
- …must meet minimum age and pre-trip meeting requirements for each individual program.
- …must meet program fee requirements for each individual program.
- …must be able to remain adequately hydrated, fed, and properly dressed in order to avoid environmental injuries such as hypothermia, heat-related illnesses, sunburn, and frostbite.
- …must refrain from use of alcohol and tobacco before or during outdoor recreation activities and any illegal drugs throughout the duration of a program.
- …must be able, either alone or with the aid of a personal care attendant, or through arrangements outlined on the Request for Administration of Medication Form or an Individual Medication Plan to manage, administer and protect any prescription medications currently prescribed to him or her. All medications, including over-the-counter medications shall be listed as required on the Medical Information portion of the registration materials.
- …must be able, either alone, with the aid of an augmentative communication device, or a personal care attendant to follow directions and communicate needs.
- …must not exceed manufacturers’ maximum recommended weight limit for equipment being used.
- …must be able to manage personal mobility either alone, with a reasonable amount of assistance, with the aid of a personal care attendant, or with adaptive equipment.
- …must be able to independently wear and maintain wearing all safety equipment correctly.
- …must be able, either alone or with the aid of a personal care attendant or adaptive equipment to travel at least 1 mile on varying terrain as well as be able to carry their own gear on backpacking trips.
- …must be able to, for backcountry programs only, travel in a physically demanding, remote backcountry environment for the uninterrupted period of the trip length, which can range from one to ten days with varying temperatures and environmental conditions including but not limited to, rain snow, hail, sun, and wind. The remoteness is such that cell signal may be unavailable, and it may require at minimum an hour, but perhaps in excess of 2 days travel to reach the nearest road and advanced medical care; participant assumes all costs associated with rescue.