2025 Overnight Experiences
Start your adventure here! Metroparks Overnight Experiences feature backpacking and camping opportunities for beginner to intermediate skill levels. Guided 101 and 201 programs are designed to give an introduction to backpacking, while Family Overnights cater to the littlest campers. Ready for more? Join a Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club trip and experience the same itinerary as the 101 and 201 programs without a guide.
Backpacking 101: Towpath Trek
(15-Miles)
Bend View, parking lot
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.; Sunday, April 27, 3 p.m.
Reservations Required
Follow the footsteps of history as you backpack 15 miles over two days on the Towpath Trail along the banks of the mighty Maumee River. Trek through Bend View and Providence Metroparks before enjoying exclusive camping access next to the Providence Dam Shelter. Along the way, we’ll be treated to scenic river views, colorful signs of spring, and watch for wildlife, such as eagles, turtles, and herons.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 6:30-8:00 p.m., Oak Openings Lodge). We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Camping 101: Oak Openings Family Camp Out (Ages 4 and up)
Oak Openings Preserve, White Oak Campground
Friday, June 20, 4 p.m. to Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Curious about camping? Join us for an overnight experience just for families at beautiful Oak Opening Preserve Metropark. Make dinner over the campfire, play nature-themed games, explore the park on a guided night hike, and sleep under the stars. Wake up to birdsong and enjoy a continental breakfast before leaving camp with new Metroparks memories!
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700
Backpacking 101: Moseley Trail for Families
(6-Miles, Ages 4 and up)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Friday, July 11, 11 a.m. to Saturday, July 12, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required, FREE
Join us in Backpacking 101, presented by Mercy Health, for a full mind, body and wellness experience with your family. Backpack your way through the dynamic habitats of Secor Metropark, connect to the Moseley Trail, and spend the night camping at the serene Wiregrass Lake. This is the perfect backpacking experience for young explorers and families. Top off your evening with a magical stand up paddle boarding experience on Wiregrass Lake.
This free program is part of a collaborative campaign between Metroparks Toledo and Mercy Health that promotes the power of parks in improving the community’s mental and physical well-being.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, July 8th, 6-7:30 p.m., Oak Openings Lodge). Families are encouraged to attend as we will have a staff member play games with the kids adjacent to the meeting. We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Backpacking 101: Moseley Trail
(6-Miles, Ages 18 and up)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Saturday, September 20, 4 p.m. to Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Join us in Backpacking 101, presented by Mercy Health, for a full mind, body and wellness experience with your family. Backpack your way through dynamic habitats of Secor Metropark, connect to the Moseley Trail, and spend the night camping at the serene Wiregrass Lake. This is the perfect backpacking experience for young explorers and families. Top off your evening with a magical stand up paddleboarding experience on Wiregrass Lake.
This free program is part of a collaborative campaign between Metroparks Toledo and Mercy Health that promotes the power of parks in improving the community’s mental and physical well-being.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, July 8th, 6-7:30PM, Oak Openings Lodge). Families are encouraged to attend as we will have a staff member play games with the kids adjacent to the meeting. We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
Adult backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, pads, stove and cook sets are available to borrow. Please indicate your interest in the registration system. Metroparks staff can assist families with heavy items to be transported via Metroparks vehicle. All guests will be encouraged to carry their version of a backpacking pack. If families choose to do so, young explorers may carry their personal backpack with a water bottle and item(s) of their adult's preference.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700
Backpacking 201: Oak Openings Trek
(15.3 Miles, Ages 18 and up)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m. to Sunday, October 12, 4 p.m.
Reservations Required
Escape into nature for an overnight retreat and explore the incredible variety of habitats protected within Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. View forests, savannas, and prairies in their autumn splendor as you backpack 15.3 miles over two days. At night, learn the tips and tricks for camping on the trail.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Thursday, October 2, 6:30-8 p.m., Oak Openings Lodge). We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club
This affordable opportunity is only for those who have previous experience camping or backpacking. Participants must feel comfortable doing this trip without Metroparks staff. This is not a program and will not be staffed.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Towpath Backpacking
(7 Miles, Ages 18 and up)
Bend View, parking lot
Saturday, May 10, 4 p.m. to Sunday, May 11, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Follow the footsteps of history as you backpack 7 miles over two days on the Towpath Trail along the banks of the mighty Maumee River. Trek through Bend View and Farnsworth Metroparks before enjoying the Maumee River at the Farnsworth Group Campsite. Along the way, you will be treated to scenic river views, colorful signs of spring, and watch for wildlife, such as eagles, turtles, and herons.
Metroparks hike leader volunteers will hike with the group on Saturday, but this overnight experience will have no Metroparks staff or volunteers in camp or during the hike on Sunday.
Equipment is available to rent for a nominal fee. CLICK HERE for equipment rental.
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Oak Openings Backpacking Trail (15 Miles, Ages 18 and up)
Oak Openings Preserve, Beach Ridge Area parking lot
Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to Sunday, October 19, 4 p.m.
Reservations Required
Escape into nature for an overnight retreat and explore the incredible variety of habitats protected within Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. View forests, savannas, and prairies in their autumn splendor as you backpack just over 15 miles over two days on the Scout Trail.
Metroparks hike leader volunteers will hike with the group on Saturday, but this overnight experience will have no Metroparks staff or volunteers in camp or during the hike on Sunday.
Equipment is available to rent for a nominal fee. CLICK HERE for equipment rental.
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
