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CHALLENGE YOURSELF: One mile at a time
PROTECT YOUR TRAILS: One dollar per mile. Keystone Trails Association's mission is to provide, protect, preserve, and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Our 100 Mile Trail Challenge makes this mission a reality! It gives you the unique opportunity to hike with a purpose, promotes hiking trails in PA, and protects and preserves trails in PA by generating funds to support our Trail Care Program and advocacy efforts. |
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What's the challenge?
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KTA’s annual 100 Mile Trail Challenge recognizes hikers that complete 100 miles or more of eligible Pennsylvania hiking trails between September 1 and August 31 and secure sponsorship for each mile of their journey (at least $1 per mile hiked).
We're honoring the 40th Anniversary of KTA's Trail Care Program (to be celebrated in 2024) by setting these two goals for the 100 Mile Challenge: 1) have 40+ participants, and 2) raise $4,000+. |
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Why take on the challenge?
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Every dollar raised supports hiking trails throughout the state of Pennsylvania! Not only does the 100 Mile Challenge support the mission of Keystone Trails Association, it is a great way to help meet your own hiking goals like exploring new trails, trying a longer distance hike, being more involved in a hiking club, or committing to give back to a cause you love!
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How do I get started?
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If you love hiking in PA (or want to start hiking in PA), you can participate! It’s easy to get started. Start by filling out this short sign up form. Then you’ll be directed to simple to follow instructions for logging your miles, keeping track of your supporters, setting up an online fundraising page, and how to collect your donations!
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FAQs
How long do I have to complete the challenge?
The 100 Mile Challenge is open between September 1 and August 31.
Who can participate?
Anyone is welcome to participate in the 100 Mile Trail Challenge! You’re welcome to hike some - or all - of your journey with a friend, sibling, parent, child, pet, co-worker, hiking club, youth group, or anyone else seeking a personal challenge!
Can I hike more than 100 miles?
You’re not limited to 100 miles – we encourage you to challenge yourself to 150, 200, or more miles, especially if you are already an experienced hiker!
Is this challenge beginner-friendly?
This challenge is for beginners and experienced hikers alike! If you are a beginner, we suggest starting with shorter, flatter hikes. You may find your endurance improving over time as you continue your challenge. When you feel comfortable, you could try a longer or more technical trail, but that isn’t required!
How long does it take to hike 100 miles?
That depends on which trails you choose and how much time you have to hike! You could complete your 100 miles in as little as one or two long weekends, or spread your miles throughout the whole year.
Can I hike any trail in PA for the challenge?
Any PA hiking trail is eligible for inclusion in the 100 Mile Trail Challenge (including township, private, unblazed trails, multi-use trails, etc.). You can learn about major hiking trails on our website, check with your local hiking club to hike with a group, or use resources like AllTrails or DCNR to plan your hikes.
Who can sponsor me?
Participants must secure sponsorship of at least $1 per mile hiked – a minimum of $100 per 100 Mile Trail Challenge submission – to be submitted with their final Log Book. The sponsorship will go directly towards supporting Pennsylvania’s hiking trails! You may find one sponsor to cover all 100 miles – or ten sponsors to each cover 10 miles – or any combination that works for you! Note: sponsorship contributions are tax-deductible.
I’d like to sponsor a hiker. What do I do?
You can support as many friends, relatives, co-workers, or fellow club members who are participating in the 100 Mile Trail Challenge!
If they created an online giving page, you’ll be able give online by selecting their page here.
If they do not have an online giving page, you can send your donation to the KTA office along with this form.
If they created an online giving page, you’ll be able give online by selecting their page here.
If they do not have an online giving page, you can send your donation to the KTA office along with this form.
What happens when I finish the challenge?
You’ll receive a completion certificate and commemorative t-shirt, which will be presented at KTA's Fall Hike Fest (held in October); One participant will be selected at random to receive a free KTA Hiking Weekend Package for the Fall Hike Fest; plus, you’ll have the personal satisfaction that comes with knowing you have supported the efforts of PA's only statewide hiking organization, strengthened appreciation for PA’s trails, and met your own hiking goals!
If I have questions about the challenge, who should I contact?
If you have questions about the 100 Mile Trail Challenge, contact us.
How do I get started?
