2021 Winter Hike Challenge
Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is starting off 2021 with a challenge to get folks out and about – hiking or walking to enjoy the great outdoors!
The SAHC Virtual Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, on a flat walking track, up a rugged mountain trail, or meandering in fields and forests. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1 to March 1, 2021). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 1.
All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and excursions. We all know that some of our favorite hiking places are experiencing overuse and suffering impacts from their popularity. We will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors, so you can help alleviate stress on fragile trail ecosystems. All participants will receive a Hiking Challenge patch and SAHC mask after the end of the challenge (after March 1). The registration fee will give participants access to the portal throughout the challenge.
Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard. Please note, you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails.
Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months.
Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!
Thank you to our Hike Challenge sponsors!
