Time again to sign up for the Winter Hike Series

It's that time again. Sign-up for the ever-popular Winter Hike Series at Great Parks of Hamilton County is now open.

Held on the first five Saturdays of the year, the hike rotates around the park district from Winton Woods, Sharon Woods, Woodland Mound, Shawnee Lookout and Miami Whitewater Forest.

The series – headed into its 31st year – has a cult-like following, with 200-300 people attending weekly. The large group is broken into groups of 15-25 and leaders take them off in different directions, so it is more intimate than it might sound.

Last year, I had just started my new beat covering outdoor recreation and the environment for The Enquirer. My husband and I participated in three of the hikes. I wrote the following column about the experience.

Prior to hiking with the group, I had written a preview for last year's series, introducing some of the dedicated volunteers, who lead the hikes or make and serve the hot soup and beverages and freshly baked cookies each week.

The cost is $6 per hike, which lasts about three hours each weekend, starting at 10 a.m.

The hikes fill up fast. Sign up at the Great Parks website.