Get ready to explore, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors! The 2026 MetroParks Trails Challenge has officially returned, inviting adventurers of all ages to hike, bike, paddle, and ride their way across some of the Dayton region’s most beautiful trails — all for fun and free.
Running now through October 31, 2026, the challenge encourages participants to complete as many of the 28 designated trails as possible while enjoying a wide variety of outdoor experiences.
What Is the Trails Challenge?
The Trails Challenge is a self-paced outdoor adventure hosted by Five Rivers MetroParks. Participants can choose from trails that vary in length, terrain, and difficulty, making it easy to customize the challenge to fit your interests and abilities.
You can hike, walk, cycle, mountain bike, paddle, or even horseback ride your way through the challenge — and many trails are accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and beginner-level explorers.
Participation is free and open to all ages.
A Look Back at 2025
Last year’s challenge was a big hit:
-
More than 600 participants
-
A combined 11,506 miles completed
-
That’s roughly the same distance as hiking the Appalachian Trail more than five times
How to Participate
Getting started is easy:
-
Register
Visit metroparks.org/trailschallenge to sign up and view the full list of trails. -
Choose Your Tracking Method
-
Digital: Download the free MetroParks mobile app powered by OuterSpatial (metroparks.org/mobile) and opt in to the 2026 Trails Challenge.
-
Paper: Download and print the official 2026 Trails Log from the website.
-
-
Hit the Trails
Complete the designated trails in any order, at your own pace, and on your own schedule. -
Submit Your Progress
-
App users are automatically entered as trails are completed.
-
Paper log users must submit their completed log online by October 31, 2026.
-
Tracking Made Simple
The MetroParks mobile app allows participants to:
-
Track challenge progress in real time
-
Navigate trails
-
Find park amenities
-
Share notes with other challenge participants
Paper logs are also welcome for those who prefer the classic pen-and-paper approach.
Prizes & Incentives
Every trail you complete increases your chances to win!
General Prizes
-
Complete one trail → 1 entry to win a $100 gift card to a local outdoor gear or bike shop
-
Complete all 28 trails → 28 chances to win
Mountain Bike Bonus
-
Earn one entry to win a Huffy mountain bike for each mountain bike trail completed
-
Complete all three → three chances to win
Huffy
Youth Prizes (Ages 14 & Under)
-
One completed trail earns an entry to win a Kids Adventure Pack filled with outdoor gear
-
Youth receive one entry per trail completed
-
Youth entries must be submitted through the online form
Completion Rewards
-
Complete 18 or more trails → receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge sticker
-
100 participants who complete at least 18 trails will be randomly selected to receive a Trails Challenge T-shirt
Winners will be notified by email or phone, and prizes will be distributed after October 31.
Planning Ahead
-
Some trails are segments of larger trail systems, while others are loop trails that start and end at the same location — these are marked on the trail log.
-
Certain trails require special equipment like kayaks or mountain bikes.
-
MetroParks offers seasonal programs to help participants try new activities and check off trails.
-
Required safety gear includes helmets and life jackets when applicable.
-
Trail conditions can be checked at metroparks.org/alerts and regional trail status pages.
Trails by the Numbers
-
160 miles of natural-surface trails within Five Rivers MetroParks
-
340+ miles of paved recreation trails in the Dayton region — the largest paved trail network in the nation
-
270 miles of river corridor to explore
