About us
Welcome to the Unlimited Adventures Meetup group! We are situated mainly in Northeast Ohio and the surrounding counties. This is a group for anyone who likes playing in the outdoors, socializing, and generally having a fun time throughout the year with different activities as the seasons change. Some of the fun things we like to do are:
- Kayaking the multiple surrounding lakes, reservoirs, and rivers that are inclusive of all kayakers and boat lengths.
- Hiking in our beloved Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) and Summit/Cuyahoga Metro Parks year-round.
- Biking on the beautifully well-maintained bike trails in the surrounding areas.
- Camping in many of the 75 State Parks in Ohio where often we combine multiple activities into one trip during a weekend stay.
- Winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing during the off-season as weather permits.
- Visiting wineries, craft breweries, and local hometown eatery establishments often conclude activities but are never a requirement to joins us and have a good time.
If staying active and socializing is something you like to do, then join us on one of our Unlimited Adventure!
Liz
***The fine print***
- Safety is a priority and all activities pose at least some type of risk and some activities have more risk than others. In participating in any event that you (or your guest(s)) register for, means that you (and only you) assume all risks that come along with being a participant. Do not join this group if you do not agree to this. The Event Host, and the Unlimited Adventures group, are not liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur, or costs associated, damages, or for expenses associated with cancelled travel plans. Know and recognize your own limits as you are responsible for your own well-being. We are not paid guides with rescue training nor are we medical technicians.
- You should always follow all laws and regulations (Federal, State, City, Parks, or otherwise) when it comes to boating, camping, biking, skiing, etc. Register your boat and wear appropriate safety gear.
- Please be respectful of the event host and other attendees. This means please be mindful to stay away from political, religious, and other widely known controversial topic as means of discussion or to create controversy. Discrimination will not be tolerated. Our group is open and welcoming to attracting people from all types of backgrounds, beliefs, marital status, ethnicities, religions, etc.
- Be prompt. Pay attention to departure times, locations/directions, and read the complete itinerary and updates up until and also during the event as necessary.
- You must have your own gear for the activities that you are participating in that is properly maintained and in good working order.
- A REAL recognizable photo of yourself and your actual name is required to become and maintain membership to this group.
Upcoming events
1
🏕️ Backpacking Oil Creek State Park — 3 Days on the Gerard Trail
Oil Creek State Park, 305 State Park Road, Oil City, PA, US🌲 Join us for a 3-day, 2-night backpacking adventure on the Gerard Hiking Trail!
We're heading to Oil Creek State Park in northwestern Pennsylvania to hike the full 36-mile Gerard Trail loop — one of the best backpacking trails in the state. Think deep forested hollows, four waterfalls, a swinging suspension bridge, historic oil boom ruins, and Adirondack shelters with stone fireplaces to end each day. This is a point-to-point loop, so we park once and return to the same spot — no shuttles, no hassle.This trip is geared toward experienced hikers comfortable with multi-day backpacking and carrying a full pack over hilly terrain. The trail is rated "More Difficult" by the PA DCNR with steep climbs, rocky/rooty sections, and roughly 5,000 feet of total elevation gain across the loop.
📋 THE ITINERARY
Day 1 — Petroleum Centre → Wolfkiel Run Shelter (~11.6 miles) We start at the Petroleum Centre trailhead and head counterclockwise up the west side of the loop. We'll pass through Rynd Farm, explore remnants from the 1860s oil boom, and catch the west-side waterfalls before arriving at Wolfkiel Run shelter area for the night.
Day 2 — Wolfkiel Run → Cow Run Shelter (~14.2 miles) Our biggest day! We cross through Miller Farm, hike past the Boughton suspension bridge, and pass near the Drake Well Museum (birthplace of the commercial oil industry). Then we climb into the east-side ridgeline and descend to Cow Run shelter area. This is the longest day, but also the most rewarding — bring your camera.
Day 3 — Cow Run → Petroleum Centre (~10.7 miles) A shorter final day back along the east side with one more waterfall before we loop back to our cars at Petroleum Centre. We'll plan to finish by early-to-mid afternoon.Park Map:
elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=1737398&DocName=OICR_ParkMap.pdf🏠 WHERE WE'RE SLEEPING
Both shelter areas (Wolfkiel Run and Cow Run) have six Adirondack-style shelters with stone fireplaces and chimneys, tent sites, pit toilets, firewood, critter boxes for food storage, and seasonal potable water.- I have already reserved 3 shelters for each night. If you want to go but don't get a spot in one of the shelters, you will need to book your own tent site.
- Find Entrances - OIL CREEK STATE PARK, PA - Pennsylvania State Parks
- May 15th
- Wolfkiel Shelter #2 - David and Liz
- Wolfkiel Shelter #3
- Wolfkiel Shelter #4
- May 16th
- Cow Run Shelter #1
- Cow Run Shelter #2 - David and Liz
- Cow Run Shelter #3
💰 COST
- The per person will be determined once I have a head count and have determined who will stay in which shelter. It can be paid to Liz via Venmo or PayPal.
💧 WATER SOURCES
- Potable water is available at the trailhead (Petroleum Centre) and seasonally at both shelter areas — I'll confirm with the park office before the trip
- Oil Creek and several tributary streams cross the trail and can be filtered
- Bring a water filter (Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, or similar) and backup purification tabs.
🚗 GETTING THERE & PARKING
Oil Creek State Park is about a 2.5–3 hour drive from the Northeast Ohio area. We'll meet at the Petroleum Centre trailhead (the main park office with restrooms, parking, and potable water).Park address: Oil Creek State Park, 305 State Park Road, Oil City, PA 16301
⚠️ GOOD TO KNOW
- Difficulty: This is a "More Difficult" rated trail with sustained climbs and descents. You should be comfortable hiking 11–14 miles per day with a loaded pack.
- Ticks: Wear treated clothing, tuck pants into socks in tall grass, do a tick check.
- Wildlife: Black bears are present — use the critter boxes at camp and keep food safe.
- Bail-out options: If you need to cut the trip short, you can hike downhill to the valley-floor bike trail or Oil Creek and follow it back to Petroleum Centre or Drake Well.
- Connector trails: White-blazed crossover trails connect the east and west sides of the loop at multiple points — useful if the group needs to shorten the route.
❓ QUESTIONS?
Drop a comment below or message me! Looking forward to an amazing weekend in the woods! 🌿5 attendees
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