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Guide leading a group along a wooded ridge trail

Our Guides & Safety

Every group walk is led by a trained guide with verified credentials, terrain experience, and a clear safety protocol for remote trail conditions.

Group Leaders

Certified Walk Guides

Each leader holds current wilderness first aid certification and navigation credentials. Terrain specializations are listed on their profile cards.

Portrait of a walk guide in outdoor attire

Marcus Ellison

Leads rocky ridge and mixed-elevation routes across central Ohio metro parks.

Wilderness First Aid Map & Compass Nav Rocky Ridges
Portrait of a walk guide with navigation equipment

Priya Nair

Specializes in wetland boardwalk routes and paved urban trail systems with accessibility considerations.

Wilderness First Aid GPS Navigation Wetlands Paved Paths
Portrait of a walk guide at a mountain overlook

Daniel Ortiz

Focuses on long-distance ridge walks and autumn terrain with variable footing conditions.

Wilderness First Aid Advanced Navigation Deep Autumn Climbs

Safety Manifesto

Our group walk safety policies are published here for full transparency. Every participant receives a verbal briefing before departure.

  • Bad-Weather Evacuation: If sustained rainfall, lightning, or wind exceeding 25 mph is forecast within two hours of departure, the walk is rescheduled. Participants are notified via email at least 12 hours in advance when possible.
  • Pace Management: Guides set a moderate baseline pace and schedule regroup points every 1.5 miles. No participant is left behind; sweep guides monitor the rear of the group.
  • Headcount Protocol: A formal headcount occurs at departure, each rest stop, and trail completion. Missing participants trigger an immediate search protocol within the mapped route boundary.
  • Emergency Communication: Each guide carries a satellite communicator on remote routes and a standard mobile device on metro park trails with cell coverage.
  • Turnaround Policy: Any participant may choose to turn back at a rest point. A guide will accompany them to the trailhead when group size allows.
Terrain Types

Route Classifications

Our walks are categorized by terrain to help you select routes that match your comfort level and preparation.

Paved Paths — Flat or gently sloped surfaces suitable for standard walking footwear.
Wetlands — Boardwalk and soft-ground sections. Waterproof footwear recommended.
Rocky Ridges — Uneven footing with elevation changes. Sturdy trail shoes required.
Deep Autumn Climbs — Leaf-covered trails with moderate elevation. Trekking poles suggested.
Guide pointing out terrain features to walk participants

Questions About Our Guides?

Reach out to learn more about guide credentials or safety protocols for a specific route.

Contact Us