The MetroParks Trails Challenge is back for 2022, with new trails. Participants have until Oct. 31 to check off as many of the 28 trails as they wish for a chance to win prizes. Included trails offer a variety of outdoor experience, including hiking, walking, cycling, paddling, running, mountain biking and even horseback riding. Participation is free. Register at metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
New this year, participants can keep track of their progress in real time by using the MetroParks mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. MetroParks mobile app can be downloaded by visiting metroparks.org/mobile.
Five Rivers MetroParks locations’ are home to 160 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The greater Dayton region is home to more than 340 miles of paved trails — the nation’s largest paved trail network — and 270 miles of river corridor.
Thousands of people registered for the 2021 Trails Challenge, with participants completing more than 12,731 miles of human-powered travel — about six times the length of the Appalachian Trail.
“Participants explore the trails on their own time and at their own pace, making it really accessible to anyone who wishes to participate,” said MetroParks outdoor recreation coordinator Angie Sheldon. “People of all activity levels have a chance to improve their physical and mental health by enjoying this outdoors in a friendly, non-competitive way.”
How to participate:
- Visit metroparks.org/trailschallenge to register, access the 2022 MetroParks Trails Log and learn more about the trails challenge.
- Hike, bike, ride, paddle or horseback ride the designated trails — in any order and at your own convenience. Use the MetroParks mobile app to learn more about the individual challenges. Those who have not yet downloaded the app can do so for free by visiting metroparks.org/mobile.
- Track your progress on the printable trails log. Everyone can participate — including children. Those who wish to use the mobile app to track their progress can do so, as well.
- Submit your trails log no later than Oct. 31 to be eligible to receive prizes.
How to win prizes:
- Complete just one trail in the challenge, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local outdoor gear or bike shop of your choosing. You’ll receive one entry for each trail you complete. Complete all 28 trails and get 28 chances to win.
- Youth ages 14 and younger who complete just one trail will be entered to win a Kids Adventure Pack, which includes cool outdoor gear. Youth also will receive one entry for each trail they complete.
- Everyone who completes just one mountain bike trail will be entered to win a Huffy Mountain Bike. Participants will receive one entry for each mountain bike trail completed. Complete all three trails and get three chances to win.
- Everyone who completes at least 18 trails will receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge sticker. Also, 100 people completing at least 18 trails will be selected at random to receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge T-Shirt.
- Winners be notified by e-mail or phone. Prizes will be distributed after Oct. 31.
How to plan ahead:
- Some of the trails in the challenge are segments of larger trails, so participants may have to hike, bike or shuttle back to their starting point. Other trails included are loops, starting and ending at the same point.
- Some of the trails require special gear, such as a mountain bike or kayak, but participants can walk, hike, run or jog 21 of the 28 trails. Check metroparks.org/programs-events-finder throughout the year to register for programs, such as Try Mountain Biking, that allow you to borrow gear to complete trails.
- Participants must use necessary safety equipment, including a helmet and lifejacket, during their adventures.
- Check the status of trails at MetroParks’ alerts page (metroparks.org/alerts), the Miami Conservancy District’s Trail Conditions page and the Miami Valley Trails’ alerts page.
The 2022 MetroParks Trails Challenge is presented by Huffy with additional support provided by Dayton Children’s Hospital, Wright State University and Miller Valentine Construction.