Holy Hiking is Back in 2023!

Join Deacon Matt Harley for a walk in nature.

Meet Deacon Matt Harley and our holy hikers to reflect on God’s Word, experience the beauty of God’s creation, and share the journey with some of our members. Deacon Matt loves the outdoors and is eager to share the journey with you.

For more information, or to be on the Holy Hiking monthly eblast/invite, send him an email: mharley@StAmbrose.us.

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Walking Our Path to Holiness

Spend time reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation as well as the splendor of God’s Word.
Scroll down to see others in our community sharing about their Holy Hiking Challenge!

Hiking Anytime Challenges!

Go either yourself or with your family
Take a selfie of you and your family at the park
Share on the form below where you went and how long you hiked
Lastly, share where you saw God in nature

What a gift it will be to see everyone enjoying God’s creation! God bless you and happy hiking!

NOTE: Be sure to double check the status of the parks before you venture out :)

Parks: Allardale, Buckeye Woods, Brunswick Lake, Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage, Green Leaf, Hubbard Valley, Lake Medina, Letha House, Plum Creek, River Styx, and Holmesbrook.
Nature Preserves: Black River, Chippewa Lake, Killbuck Lakes, Medina Marsh, Princess Ledges, Schleman, Sharon.
Multipurpose Trails: Lester Rail, Chippewa Inlet, Chippewa Rail, Montville.

For more information: Visit medinacountyparks.com.

Local Hiking Locations

Click any location below to open the challenge info!

Allardale Park

Scripture for Reflection

Job 12:7-10: “But now ask the beasts to teach you, the birds of the air to tell you; or speak to the earth to instruct you, and the fish of the sea to inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of God has done this? In his hand is the soul of every living thing, and the life breath of all mortal flesh.”

1. While you go hiking today, take a deep breath. Realize that with every breath, God is holding you into existence.
2. When you find a good place to pause, take 10 deep breaths, and with ever breath, say “Thank You Jesus”. What a gift life is…

Brunswick Lake

1473 Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick

Scripture for Reflection:

Song of Songs 2:12: “Flowers are appearing on the earth. The season for singing has come. The cooing of doves is heard in our land.”
2 Corinthians 5:17: “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.”

Can you spot any flowers along the way?
Can you hear the birds?
Have you seen any signs of new life along the way? Perhaps baby ducks or little fish?

As Christians we know we are an Easter people and alleluia is our name! We know that sin and death are not the end, but new life is! Hope is what it is all about. Enjoy your walk!

Lake Medina

Scripture for Reflection:

Luke 8:22-25: “The Calming of a Storm at Sea. One day he got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger. They came and woke him saying, “Master, master, we are perishing!” He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided and there was a calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” But they were filled with awe and amazed and said to one another, “Who then is this, who commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey him?”

1. What are you most anxious about in life?
2. Do you realize that God has the power to calm any storm in life?

As you journey today, give Jesus permission to calm the storms of your life. Have faith in the one who even the winds and seas obey!

Hinckley Reservation – Whipps Ledges

Scriptures for Reflection:

Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?”
1. Have you spotted any birds today?
2. If so, what kind? If you don’t know, take a picture and look it up! What a great opportunity to learn!

While you go hiking today, reflect on who you are. Reflect on how important you are to God, to your family and to your community. What a gift you are to one another!

Hinckley Reservation - Hinckley Lake Loop Trail

Scripture for Reflection

Psalm 23:2: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”

Ezekiel 36:25-26: “I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

1. Give the Lord permission to lead this walk today.
2. Give the Lord permission to lead your life today.

As you walk near the quiet water today, think about the new heart you received at your baptism.
When your heart hardens, do you come back to the one who made your heart new in the first place?

Hopkins Park

3089 Laurel Rd, Brunswick

Scripture for Reflection:
Psalm 104:24-25: “How varied are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, great and wide! It teems with countless beings, living things both large and small.”
1. Ponder the wisdom of the Lord in his creation.
2. Think about how connected it all is.

What creatures did you find on your journey today?

North Park

3595 Grafton Rd, Brunswick

Scriptures for Reflection:

Psalm 147:8: “Who covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, makes grass sprout on the mountains…”
Psalm 104:14-15: “You make the grass grow for the cattle and plants for people’s work to bring forth food from the earth, wine to gladden their hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread to sustain the human heart.”

Can you spot the new grass growing today?
Is it raining? I hope not.

As you hike today, reflect on how the gift of God’s creation is given to us to sustain us in all we do

How have you last experienced his sustenance?
What ways has he sustained you throughout life?
Physically, emotionally, spiritually?
How has God fed you in your journey of life?

Where did you see God in nature?

In the serenity of nature. In the people quietly fishing on the shore or in boats. In the beautiful, warm sunshine embracing me on the trail. In short, God was everywhere I went. – Joe, Brunswick Lake, 3.11 mi.

I noticed so many wildflowers and learned to identify some of them. I saw skunk cabbage, spring beauty, may apple, trilium, marsh marigold, and trout lily. So much diversity which makes up God’s creation. I have become better at spotting birds. I saw a whole flock of red-winged blackbirds, two bluebirds, a kingfisher, and even an osprey. Each hike leaves me refreshed and gives me time to pray and thank God for all his wonderful gifts in nature. Today is the 50th Earth Day. Let us all become more dedicated to taking care of this wonderful planet God has given us. – Marty…Hubbard Valley Park, Buckeye Woods, Columbia Reservation, Bonnie Park and Valley Parkway, Mill Stream Park

Two things gave me peace: At Hopkins park a bird soaring directly above me in small circles, and later at Brunswick lake the wind moving across the water creating ripples. – Del Ruiz, Hopkins and Brunswick Lake

In the trees beginning to bloom. To me it speaks not only of renewal but of the unchanging character of God. He is always there, giving life, no matter how it looks to our eyes. Played worship music in my earbuds and prayed and sang as I walked and enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air. – Carol, River Styx Park

We saw God in the sunshine, we felt his warmth and comfort shining down on us. We heard him in the kids playing, ducks swimming, and dogs walking. We saw Him in the friendly faces walking past, it was a beautiful hike. – Ashley

Everywhere! In the warmth of the shining sun, the reflection of the lake and all the beautiful trees surrounding us. Also I saw God in all the people we passed, everyone was friendly and said hello with a smile, very grateful for today! – Michelle

We saw God in the flowers and trees and animals. We made a cross out of some of the things we found on our walk! What nice weather the lord has provided. – Noah & Christina

We walk our trails every day and look for signs of Spring. In our recent walks, we saw God in nature in the blooming flowers and trees. – Catherine, on the trails in our neighborhood

I saw God in the colors of the blossoming flowers, along with the kindness shown within those walking by saying hello. Everything from the sights to the sounds and smells, all created by God. I felt so blessed that he could share that beauty with us during these trying times in the world. The best part was being able to do it with my mom, who I have not seen in a few short weeks- we tried our best to stay 6 feet apart! What a blessing! – Jessica, Hinckley Lake Loop Trail

Today we reflected on Jesus’ holy hike with his disciples on the road to Emmaus from today’s gospel. We remembered that Christ is with us today on our hike and in our life. We hiked with our daughter Sarah – with the appropriate social distancing!!! – Mike, Marian & Sarah, Hinckley Lake

We saw God seeing animals He created…today’s adventure brought birds, ducks, geese, squirrels and turtles. Seeing green plants sprouting up was definitely a sign of hope. Teaching the kids how to balance along logs. Finding peace along the walk. – Darren, Brunswick Lake