John Bryan State Park is the most scenic state park in western Ohio. With a beautiful limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River, and dense forestry throughout the 752 acres, John Bryan provides a uniquely scenic experience for any hiker.
Nelson Kennedy Ledges might seem like a relatively small state park at just 167 acres, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beautiful features and a thrilling experience. From rugged cliffs to diverse plant life, it features four scenic hiking trails sure to please even the pickiest of hikers.
If you're looking for a larger park, Caesar Creek might be more to your liking with 3,741 acres of clear blue waters, scattered woodlands, meadows, and steep ravines. Supplement your hike with some boating or fishing in the creek, and bring the whole family along!
Mohican State Park encompasses over 1,110 acres and is adjacent to another 4,525-acre state forest. It's well known locally for its outstanding beauty as one of Ohio's most unique natural regions. The Clear Fork Gorge, hemlock forest, and scenic Mohican River are all highlights in the Mohican State Park.
The Zaleski State Forest is the second largest forest in Ohio with several hiking trails including the main 26-mile trail, a 10-mile day loop and easy access to the Moonville Rail Trail. With a wide variety of plant and animal life, you need to experience the scenic hikes in Zaleski.
]]>West Creek Reservation is a great place to go trail running, because they are dedicated to keeping the environment around them preserved, clean, and pristine. You'll appreciate the healthy and vibrant plant life on miles of running trails.
Three Creeks is named for the point where Alum Creek, Big Walnut Creek, and Blacklick Creek join as one. You'll be able to spot owls, blue herons, and more than one hundred different species of birds on your run. You might even spot a beaver, mink, coyote, or deer!
Little Beaver Creek Greenway is a great place for trail running for beginners and experts alike. The trail can accommodate mountain bikers, wheelchairs, cross-country skiers, or people just looking for a nice walk, too!
This 587-acre park makes for a wonderfully scenic trail run. The area also features a pristine 13-acre lake and a rustically beautiful forest. There are five trails to choose from to go for a run, including the .4-mile Lake Trail, the 1.2-mile Mitchell Ridge Trail, the 1.2-mile Wildcat Hollow Trail, the half-mile Greenbrier Trail, and the half-mile CCC Trail.
This 11-mile trail near Harrison County is among the best locations for running. The trail is located in the beautiful Appalachian foothills. The route is mostly easy, but can be relatively bumpy in certain areas. Keep in mind that this area is shared with cyclists and walkers, as well.
]]>At Briarcliff MX, riders will find three different levels of motocross track, so it’s suitable for even the least experienced rider! There are 2.5 miles of trail loop to explore. The facility has a gradual to moderate elevation change (30-40 feet) making it a nice, well-rounded track.
TV Land MX is a massive dirt bike track with regularly-scheduled races and demos for you to enjoy or participate in. With rough terrain through the woods including rocks, water crossings, and many difficult obstacles, this track is not for the faint of heart.
Pusheta Creek MX Park is a long winding track that's ideal for dirt bikers both new and experienced. With no annual membership fees and standard open practice every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can hone your skills or just have some fun here!
Route 62 MX was built off the feedback of real MX riders to ensure you get the greatest experience for your money. They have an indoor track for winter racing with pit stalls available. They have three outdoor tracks of varying degrees of difficulty, so there's something for everyone.
East Fork Motocross Park has tracks built through the woods as well as man-made dirt tracks of varying degrees of difficulty so there's something for every level of Motocross rider to enjoy and test their skills. Don't miss the East Fork MX Park!
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Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to go on a birdwatching hike because it's home to species of birds that are nearly impossible to see anywhere else. Bald eagles, yellow-rumped warblers, dunlins, and more, abound here! The refuge was established as a habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds.
The Black Swamp Bird Observatory aims to inspire appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of birds and their habits through education and outreach. At this lush observatory, catch sight of the gray-cheeked thrush, northern saw whet owls, and nearly 150,000 other birds! It’s simply incredible.
The Walborn Reservoir comprises nearly 2,500 acres of terrain and open water. Dozens of species of birds are native to the area and make their home in this reservoir. If you're looking for a great place to have a nice hike and watch beautiful birds, this is it.
The Birding Station at Jeffrey Point boasts almost 10,000 impressive acres of grassland, woodlands, wetlands, and more. The Birding Station features an immense array of bird species and serves as one of the most important birding areas in the state.
The Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area in Curtice is 558 acres of marshland on Lake Erie located 13 miles east of Toledo. The water levels that create the marsh environment provide optimum vegetation for wetland wildlife and unique species of birds.
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Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserves encompasses 956 acres of woodland trails, rivers, and natural rock formations in Lucking County. With over 10 miles of trails winding through the preserve, you can make a whole day of it. Enjoy towering cliffs, riverside views, and a heart-pumping hike.
The Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve in Lancaster is over 554 acres of beautiful nature. Take a hike up to the Jacob's Ladder rock formation, a Black Hand Sandstone formation towering 250 feet above the valley of Arney Run. The three-mile-long trail has two separate loops of moderate difficultly because of their steepness.
Cedar Falls is one of the most picturesque hiking locations in Hocking Hills. Check out the route that passes through Cedar Falls for a real challenge. This isolated chasm is blooming with hemlock and characterized by steep rock walls, grottos, and waterfalls.
In Monroe County, the Lamping Homestead area offers camping, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, and a scenic hiking trail with two loops, one at 3.5 miles and the other at one and a half mile. A two-acre pond at the site is stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish.
The Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs is a 268-acre preserve that protects a spectacular dolomite and limestone gorge. It became a landmark in 1968 and encompasses a two-mile stretch of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.
]]>If you’re in Ohio and looking for a great weekend getaway, then make your way to Hocking Hills State Park, one of the most popular recreational areas in the state. This sprawling park features miles of tranquil trails and waterfalls, as well as caves and cliffs for the more adventurous thrill-seekers.
Located in the Northern part of Hocking Hills State Park, Cantwell Cliffs is a remote hiking destination meant for more advanced hikers. It’s a challenging hike, but those who are up to the challenge will be rewarded with one of the most stunning views in all of Hocking County. The narrow trail winds through the deep valley, steep cliffs, and there is a rock shelter.
In the southernmost part of Hocking Hills State Park, visitors will encounter Ash Cave—the largest recess cave in the state. To get to the cave, visitors must make their way through a short but narrow gorge lined with incredible flora. Upon arrival at the cave, visitors can soak in the stunning views of the horseshoe-shaped cave and cascade.
Campers can head to Happy Hills, a beautiful campground located near the state park attractions that features both spacious campsites and cabins for larger parties. A stay at Happy Hills includes access to a private fishing lake, playground, and modern facilities for showering and doing laundry. Wi-Fi and cable television are also available throughout the campground so you won’t feel like you’re far from home!
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Just 20 minutes away from Hocking Hills State Park, a visit to the Logan Antique Mall is a must for any lover of antiques. Featuring over 100 vendors, visitors can comb through a variety of furniture, pottery, glassware, and memorabilia from every decade. Logan Antique Mall is also open seven days a week.
Another place not to miss in the scenic Hocking Hills is a visit to downtown Nelsonville. Dozens of galleries and retail shops line the streets carrying everything them from unique gifts, fine art, handmade soap, fabrics, antiques, and more. Special events are also on the schedule every month, so be sure to check the calendar when planning your visit.
For a comforting meal after a long day of exploring, head to Rhapsody, a casual fine dining restaurant located in downtown Nelsonville. Rhapsody is famous for its comfort food prepared from locally-grown produce and ingredients, such as house-made cheese spreads and locally-raised chicken dishes.
]]>Pine Cove Campground is a family-owned and operated campground and RV park, accommodating everything from tents to large RVs. They have a specific focus on providing a family atmosphere with activities for both children and adults like swimming, canoeing, corn hole, basketball and more.
The Dayton KOA Campground has all the amenities available for kids who aren't looking to live too rough during your vacation. With electricity, running water, mini golf, bike rentals, and more, you can get away without having to leave life behind. But you can also enjoy fishing in the lake and nature walks around the grounds.
The Frontier Campground in Waynesville spans 11 acres and is within walking distance of the Spring Valley Wild Life Area and the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail. With a playground, basketball, ping-pong, ski ball, movies, music, and more at the lodge, it's the perfect family getaway.
The Lazy River at Granville is a top 100 rated park located in the beautiful Welsh Hills. It's located far away from freeway and railroad noise, so you truly feel like you're in the isolated wilderness, but the area attractions are perfect for a young family with kids. Zip line, swimming pool, gem mine, mini-golf and more, are just a short drive away!
This KOA campground is over 40 years-old, but they make a point of staying up to date with the standards of fun for kids and adults alike. New amenities are being added all the time, including a jumping pillow, gem mine, and swimming pools.
]]>The Wilmington RV Resort is one of the nicest RV campsites in Ohio. With a well-maintained clubhouse, a huge swimming pool, clean restroom and shower facilities, and even laundry facilities to wash your clothes, Wilmington has everything you need.
Cross Creek Camping Resort is a family-oriented camping resort that takes pride in offering beautiful surroundings, lots of fun activities, and even themed weekends. Cross Creek is one of the top-rated parks in Trailer Life, Good Sam, and Guest Rated, so come and see what the fuss is all about!
Berlin RV Park is the RV campsite you're looking for if you want to experience the beautiful and scenic Amish country in Ohio! You can sit back and watch horse carriages roll by, or take a walk through the scenic hiking trails.
Countryside Campground offers the quiet of the country with plenty of family activities like jungle safari days, miniature golf, hayrides, and giant checkers to keep you busy. They have clean and well-maintained facilities, so you can feel comfortable and relaxed on your camping trip.
Timbercrest Camp and RV Park is a great place to take your RV and relax for the weekend. It's nestled in a quiet, peaceful area near Walnut Creek. They offer free Wi-Fi, clean showers and bathrooms, and it's pet friendly so feel free to bring along the animals.
]]>For all of your hiking, climbing, and exploration gear needs, head to Appalachian Outfitters in Peninsula. As one of Ohio’s largest outdoor specialty stores, Appalachian Outfitters carries an extensive lineup of products, sportswear, and gear that hikers love.
Outdoor Source is an independent outdoor retailer that specializes in the very best outdoor apparel and equipment for any hiking adventure. Based in Columbus, the dedicated staff can help you pick out the right gear from the best brands in the business, such as Patagonia, the North Face, Smartwool, and much more.
Benchmark is an independent outdoor shop located in Cincinnati that has been in the outfitting business since 1974. Beyond the extensive inventory and top-notch brands, Benchmark can offer hiking enthusiasts expert advice and help when it comes to finding tailor-fit gear that suits any outdoor needs.
Great Miami Outfitters is a premium supplier of outdoor and hiking gear, apparel, and supplies located in Dayton. This shop is conveniently located near the Twin Valley Backpack Trail and a vast park system so you can stock up on everything you need for a day out hiking. From trekking poles and water bottles to the best footwear and apparel, Great Miami Outfitters has it all.
Since 1932, Geiger’s has been the one-stop-shop for families looking for women's and men's clothing, footwear, accessories and gear for snow sports, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The locally-owned shop has expanded to three locations in Ohio and carries high-quality hiking boots and apparel in brands like Merrell, KEEN, Salomon, and more.
Kames Sports was founded in 1963 and provides Northeast Ohioans with a place to find high-quality outdoor gear for hunting, hiking, motocross, and everything in between. Be prepared for any hiking trip with apparel from brands like TRAILCREST, Rocky, and more.
Sun & Ski in Cincinnati specializes in making your outdoor dreams come true. This specialty shop offers the best in hiking gear, clothing, and shoes in brands like Salomon, Merrell, Sperry, and more. For friendly, personalized service and an easy shopping experience, make your way to Sun & Ski for everything hiking-related.
Delamere & Hopkins has been a Cincinnati staple among the outdoor community for over 23 years. This outdoor gear shop sells the best products and apparel for fishing, hiking, hunting, and any other outdoor pursuit. Not only do they provide the gear but they also organize a number of classes and trips for the local community to enjoy.
One of the most important things anyone who loves hiking must have is a great pair of shoes. If you’re in need of some fresh, comfortable gear for your feet, then head to Vertical Runner. This friendly specialty store has everything you need for a quick race or longer hiking adventure. Find locations in Brecksville, Hudson, and Wooster, Ohio.
The Backpackers Shop is a family-owned and operated shop that is well-equipped with the best in backpacking and hiking gear in the Cleveland area. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to lend a helping hand to help you pick out the right hiking footwear and accessories.
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This lake park is designated as a premier largemouth bass fishery. The use of gas-powered motors is prohibited, which makes this reservoir the perfect place for a quiet day of fishing. Currently, the lake is only open dawn to dusk from Friday through Sunday. It does have a boat ramp, fire rings, and picnic tables, but you won’t be able to camp on site. The town of Vinita is proud to have this lake open to the public for some excellent fishing.
The Wildlife Department stocks Medicine Creek with rainbow trout in the winter months, but the fishing here is good all year long. It’s family friendly and easy for kids to access because granite rock lines the banks of the creek. For anyone that needs to pick up live bait, ice, and other supplies before hitting the water, the Little Dam Bait Shop right in Medicine Park is a reliable option. After your day of fishing is through, you can enjoy restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Lake Eufaula is one of the premier vacation spots in Oklahoma, but it’s also one of the most popular fishing destinations. It’s the largest lake in Oklahoma. You’ll find bass, crappie, sunfish, catfish, and walleye. There is a kid’s pond, perfect for when you have youngsters not ready for the lake, and there’s even an enclosed fishing dock for colder months. Fishing is so popular in the area, the park has a tackle shop and a marina.
Grand Lake is one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country and it hosted the 2016 Bassmaster Classic. With more than 1,300 miles of shoreline, it might be difficult to figure out where to start, but the Bernice Area is a good place to put your line in the water and get a taste of what’s available. You’ll find smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, multiple varieties of catfish, and hybrid stripers. People fish off the bridge and on the banks at the park. Check the fishing reports to make sure the lake levels aren’t too high to get into the park.
Lake Tenkiller is a water paradise with year-round fishing. The lake has black bass, striped bass, crappie, walleye, bream, and trout stocked in the river below the dam. You’ll find three heated fishing docks if you like to fish in the winter. Field and Stream ranked Lake Tenkiller as one of the best fishing holes in the country. There are plenty of places to put your boat in the water or just fish from the shore. You’ll also find many local resources to help you figure out the best spots around the lake to catch the fish you’re hoping. If you are coming in from the Tahlequah, Oklahoma, area and you’re in need of some gear for catching crappie, stop in at S & S Spoons for handmade crappie spoons.
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Hocking Hills is full of great places to hike, but Ash Cave is your number one must-see. The massive horseshoe-shaped cave is nearly 700 feet-long and 100 feet-deep. Such a marvel of natural formation is sure to put a smile on the faces of kids and adults alike. It's just a short hike from the road, and from there you can turn back or continue deeper into the woods to see everything Hocking Hills has to offer.
Some hiking trails can be a lot to ask of your kids, but Lanterman’s Mill will help you avoid this. It's just a short two-mile loop. Halfway through, you can stop and look at the historic mill built in 1845, which is still operating to this day.
The Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve is made up of two loop trails of just over two miles, and if the family is feeling ambitious, they can be combined into a nice 4.75-mile loop hike. With numerous rocky outcroppings, fern-carpeted lands, and mature forests that stretch all the way to the horizon, you'll find yourself in awe at the beauty of nature.
If you're not necessarily looking for an in-and-out hike, and you want to stay for a while, the Lamping Homestead at Wayne National Forest has six walk-in campsites, eight picnic sites, a two-acre fishing pond, and two loop trails to hike, one at 3.5 miles and the other at 1.5 miles. Take the family away and get away from it all in the secluded and beautiful Lamping Homestead.
The Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve has lots of places to hike, but if you want to keep things simple for the kids, the Marie Hickey Trail and the Oak Knob Trail form a 2.5-mile loop for even the most novice of hikers. The preserve is full of rocky cliff faces, mature trees, stunning wildlife and flowers, and so much more. It's sure to bring the family together!
]]>Walleyes aren’t so picky, and all the traditional waters such as the Mississippi River, Big Saint Germain Lake in Wisconsin, Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota and Great Lakes feeder streams give up tons of ’eyes in the fall.
One Last Salmon Fling
The big attraction nowadays is king (chinook) salmon that make their fall spawning runs up rivers and creeks. Whether fishing from a small boat or a Great Lakes charter boat, latching on to a 20- or 30-pound king can quickly warm up an otherwise chilly fall day.
Hot Spots To Fish: Michigan’s Grand River, which empties into the eastern side of Michigan, is a prime destination for salmon. Getting Bit Guide Service (616-570-2946, gettingbitguideservice.com) in Grand Rapids is a good starting point. In fact, any port of call along Lake Michigan on either the east or west sides is likely to have plenty of knowledgeable salmon guides or charters. Fishing from jetties or piers – such as the famed McKinley Pier in Milwaukee – is also productive during the fall salmon runs.
In northwestern New York, the Salmon River lives up to its name through mid-October, but the run might linger into November in the Lake Ontario feeder, depending on the weather. Coho and steelheads also are in the mix too.
The Yankee Angler (315-963-2065, yankeeangler.com) in Pulaski, N.Y. keeps tabs on the fishing. In the big waters of Lake Ontario’s southern shore at Rochester, N.Y., give Reel Em In Sportfishing Charters (585-317-5325, reeleminsportfishing.com) a call.
Farther to the northwest, the waters and feeders of Lake Superior near Sault Ste. Marie are teeming with big salmon. One of the benefits here is that you can always slip in to the St. Mary’s River System to get away from those rough autumn nor’ westers. Live To Fish Charters (906-440-7797) can help make it happen.
Tackle You’ll Need: Salmon tackle and striped bass tackle (see above) are practically interchangeable. Fish might range from a few pounds to well over 20 pounds, and rods and reels should be in the medium- to-heavy range. A light- to-medium spinning outfit capable of holding a couple of hundred yards of 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament or 30- to 50-pound-test braid should do for most applications, especially when casting lures. Try the Okuma Epixor XT-20 with a matching rod.
Quick Tip: Just to hedge your bets, tie a foot-long section of 2x mono to your streamer hook and add a beadhead Prince nymph or similar pattern to the other end. When salmon are finicky, they might flash at a streamer, but not take it. Sometimes, a smaller mouthful such as a nymph trailer will seal the deal.
Best Lures/Bait: For the most part, spawn-run salmon hit spoons, crankbaits or roe bags out of reaction rather than hunger. Shiny lures, such as the Luhr-Jensen Twinky Rig behind a flasher, the Acme Kastmaster Spoon and a variety of soft-plastic swimbaits or hard crankbaits, will elicit strikes. Fly fishermen favor Dahlberg Divers, Wooly Buggers, Hex Nymphs and Glo Bugs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Walleyes Are Hungry and Willing
In similar fashion to bass, walleyes follow baitfish from the bigger lakes to feeder creeks and rivers with current.
Hot Spots To Fish: The Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea (701-421-0360, vanhookguideservice.com) in North Dakota is a prime walleye destination, as is Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago (920-598-0586, walleyepatrol.com)
Tackle You’ll Need: Power fishing it’s not. Though walleyes might fatten up to well over 10 pounds, 2- to 4-pound fish are more the rule. Depending on the average size of the fish, 4- to 10-pound-test monofilament or fluorocarbon will do.
For spinning enthusiasts, the Quantum Vapor PT with matching rod will work. If you prefer trolling to casting, or bouncing a weight and natural bait on the bottom, try a baitcasting outfit such as a Fenwick/Pflueger Night Hawk or Iron Hawk combo.
Quick tip: Trolling at night with diving jerkbaits, such as the Storm Original ThunderStick or Lucky Craft Pointer 110, is a great way to catch walleyes. Troll in patterns from deep to shallow and back again, as the fish tend to relocate up and down drop-offs and channel runs depending on bait movement.
Best Lures/Bait: Leeches, nightcrawlers, minnows and everything from crankbaits to spinners will find favor with hungry fall walleyes. Top picks include: Rapala’s Shad Rap, Berkley’s Flicker Shad, Mepps’ Black Fury, Rapala’s Husky Jerk and Northland Fishing Tackle’s Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
Beach City Nature Preserve has several great spots to climb including the “Big Wall,” the Dundee Falls Corner, Hobo Cave, the Lower Springs Quarries, the Railroad Boulders, and the Three Beach Rocks, so you can hike around and make a day of it!
The Logtown Quarries near Lisbon is a sunny spot with shady trees that's a little off the beaten path, but it's well known by locals as a great little rock climbing spot. With 70 total rock climbing routes, you'll never run out of experiences to have there!
The Bridle Trail Rocks near Athens make for a great rock climbing spot if you're looking for something a bit more challenging than your typical climbing destination. There are dozens of different climbing possibilities to be explored on this boulder!
Lake Vesuvius is named for the old Vesuvius Iron Furnace in the Wayne National Forest. Take a hike around the 143-acre lake or through the 1,200 acres of land and hit up several great cliffs and ledges for rock climbing to fill out your day!
This not too isolated yet not too busy climbing spot makes for a perfect days’worth of climbing. There are 25 climbing routes available, and the area is mostly tree covered.
]]>John Bryan State Park is the most beautiful state park in Western Ohio. It has over 752 acres to explore containing an extraordinary limestone gorge cut by the Little Miami River.
Mohican-Memorial State Forest has 32 miles of hiking trails that provide beautiful foliage and scenery for you to spend the day enjoying. The trails curves through the primitive and scenic areas of the forest.
Sugarcreek MetroPark has oak trees that are estimated to be over 550 years-old, a tallgrass prairie, and woodlands. The scenic Sugar Creek beckons visitors. Much of the 618-acre park used to be farmland but now provides scenes of gorgeous foliage!
The Scioto Trail State Park is an idyllic 218-acre state park, nestled in the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest. The ridge tops and snaking forest roads offer awe-inspiring vistas of the Scioto River Valley in a beautiful remote setting.
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve is 87 perfectly-preserved acres of forest land with beautiful foliage in Hocking County. Its sheer cliffs of Black Hand sandstone rise almost 200 feet above the valley floor and the gorge is 100 feet wide in places!
]]>Morgan's Riverside Campground in Morrow offers a great place to camp if you're looking to enjoy the river. They have a livery on-site where you can rent canoes and kayaks for the day, or you can just spend the day hiking Fort Ancient!
The Mohican Adventures Campground is the perfect fall camping spot because it offers something for everyone. Whether you're bringing along your RV, staying in a cabin, or pitching your tent under the stars, you can spend your days hiking, fishing, riding go-karts, and more!
Beechwood Acres Camping Resorts is the perfect place to go camping this fall if you still want to experience the beach! Whether you're looking to rough it with a bare bones cabin or live in luxury with the deluxe cottage and hot tub, Beechwood Acres has what you're looking for.
Frontier Campground is open year-round, but it's never more beautiful than in the fall! With wooded campgrounds that span 11 acres, an in-ground swimming pool, scenic trails, wildlife, fishing, and hiking, you can even bring your dog along as Frontier is pet friendly!
Buckeye Lake is the perfect fall camping spot because it's far from the noise of the highway or city. It features activities like golf, fishing, boating, drag racing, canoeing, hiking, and even a little zoo. With plenty of things to keep kids and adults alike entertained, you'll want to come back every fall!
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