Summer Hiking Challenge
Stark Parks and Stark Flavor team up to give you a summer exploration opportunity this year. Combining two summer favorites; hiking and ice cream!
The Challenges!
Using a digital Hiking Passport, visit 8 trail locations between May 25 and Sept. 7, 2026 and scan the QR code at the trailhead after your hike. After visiting all 8 trails, you will receive an exclusive t-shirt as your reward.
In tandem with the hiking challenge, check out the Ice Cream Passport presented by Stark Flavor. After your trail time, cool off and visit a local ice cream shop afterwards. Check in works the same way as the hiking passport by scanning a QR code inside the selected ice cream shops. After visiting all ice cream shops on the list, you will receive a different t-shirt for that challenge.
Participation in each challenge is free. Registration opens May 25, 2026. Locate the passport using the button below, create an account, and start checking in this summer! A more detailed description of the location, round trip mileage, address, and what to expect is included on this page along with a Passport tutorial video.
Passport & Registration Coming Soon!
Hoover Trail: Washington Square Loop
Parking: 1325 E. Maple St., North Canton, 44720
Round Trip Mileage: 2.30 miles
Surface: Limestone and sidewalk
Begin at the Hoover Recreation Complex ballfields and head north down the trail at the back of the parking lot. When you get to a split in the trail where a signs states Marquardt to the left and E. Maple St. to the right, head right!
After a short section on the neighborhood sidewalk, you will walk next to Starbucks Drive-Thru. Turn right to use the sidewalk in front of Washington Square shopping center and follow west to return to the E. Maple St. Trailhead parking area. Bonus points if you do some shopping and carry your haul back with you!
Iron Horse Trail: First Christian Church Trailhead
Parking: 1141 W. Beech St., Alliance, OH 44601
Round Trip Mileage: 1.60 miles out and back
Surface: Limestone
Park by the restroom and picnic shelter located next to the church. Take the access path down to the kiosk and head left on the former railroad that once intersected with the Nickel Plate Trail in Paris Twp. The route is very flat with some shade and benches along the way. Try to find the "W" post before approaching Beechwood Ave. That sign meant to blow the whistle, but for this challenge it means your turnaround point is coming up!
Middle Branch Trail: Veterans Park
Parking: 1714 Schneider St., Canton, OH 44721
Round Trip Mileage: 1 mile loop
Surface: Crushed limestone trail
Begin by the kiosk and take the loop to the left toward the fire station or to the right and the dog park in this Plain Twp. park. A nice sunset walk with some short ascents will help appreciate the time outside and some appreciation for the activity. Restrooms are located near the playground and splash pad.
Nickel Plate Trail: Pinevale/McKimm Parking Lot (Louisville)
Parking: 2923 Pinevale Ave NE, Louisville, OH 44641
Round Trip Mileage: 2 miles out and back
Surface: Limestone
Take the access trail from the parking area down to the former railroad route between Louisville and Minerva. Head south by the Welcome to Stark Park sign and head up the short hill, crossing Georgetown Rd. and down the long straightaway until the trail ends. Enjoy the views of rural landscapes and blue skies above as you realize trains used to travel this exact path!
Nickel Plate Trail: Crowl St. Parking Lot (Minerva)
Parking: 15101 Crowl St. SE, Minerva, OH 44657
Round Trip Mileage: 3 miles out and back
Surface: Limestone/Natural Surface
This trail location might provide the most "out there" feeling in this challenge. Expect a primitive experience with no amenities or restrooms at this trailhead. Cross Crowl St. and head south about 1.40 miles until reaching the turnaround point at an access gate. Look around and appreciate the rock formations and solitude.
Quail Hollow Park: Purple Trail: Paved Trail or Purple Loop
Parking: 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville 44632
Round Trip Mileage: 1.80 mile loop
Surface: Asphalt and Natural Surface trail
Veer right when you get to the driveway split to begin behind the Stewart Manor House and a little bit to the left where the asphalt trail begins. Hike this into the woods until the pavement ends. Turn left at Sign P7 and follow the natural surface Purple Trail into the tree line to begin the 1.80 mile loop. You will parallel Pontius St. for a short time and follow the Buckeye Trail (that goes around the state of Ohio). Cut around the fishing pond and use the path heading from the pond parking lot through the tree line to the Manor House. A historical park and a historical walk too!
Towpath Trail: St. Helena Heritage Park
Parking: 123 Tuscarawas St. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Round Trip Mileage: 2 miles out and back
Surface: Limestone
Look for the Canalway Center and Canal Boat next to the Ohio & Erie Canal. The Towpath Trail is the actual path the mules or horses used during Ohio's canal era to pull the boats down the route. You are hiking on that exact path 200 years later! Follow the trail between the water and fields south toward Lock 4. Once you arrive at the lock gates and Locktender's house, head back north on the trail. At Cherry St., ice cream is not hard to find along with many other shops and restaurants.
West Branch Trail: 12th St. to Fulton Rd
Parking: 1305 Stadium Park Dr. NW, Canton 44708
Round Trip Mileage: 2.20 miles out and back
Surface: Limestone and Concrete
Park at the Timken Gatehouse near 12th St. and cross the parkway to the limestone trail running along the creek. Head left. Turn around at Fulton Rd. and head on back down the trail. Dogs are permitted on the West Branch Trail, but are not permitted on the jogging track through this Canton City Park.