25+ Epic Hiking Challenges To Inspire More Adventures

Hiking challenges can be a great experience for anyone looking to spend more time outside or set ambitious goals.

Whether you’re a beginner hiker or have lots of experience on the trail, you’ll reap tons of benefits from taking on a hiking challenge.

Not only are hiking challenges excellent for your physical and mental wellbeing, but they also provide an opportunity to spend lots of quality time with friends and family (or your own thoughts!) and give you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each trail and the challenge as a whole.

Maybe you already enjoy hiking but want some accountability and motivation to push yourself out of your comfort zone or visit new places.

If all of these positive outcomes sound exciting to you, clear your calendar and get ready to choose from one of the many hiking challenges listed below!

Note that these hiking challenges range in difficulty level and some require special skills and training to tackle certain trails.

Before you begin a challenge, make sure to check out the organization’s web page to read all of the details before you embark on any hikes. Each challenge has its own requirements to document proof of completion and apply for rewards.

Nationwide Hiking Challenges

These nationwide hiking challenges offer multiple locations or can be completed from anywhere in the world. They are great hiking challenges for anyone who wants to hike close to home or otherwise wants flexibility in which trails to choose from.

1. 52 Hike Challenge

The 52 Hike Challenge is the best hiking challenge for many hikers to start out with since it’s the most customizable hiking challenge for hikers of all abilities and locations.

The challenge is to hike once per week for a year.

Hikes in any location and any distance of at least a mile count towards the challenge. This makes it an excellent hiking challenge for every hiker, anywhere in the world and at any skill level.

Just complete all 52 of your hikes within a year from when you begin the challenge.

Several variations of the 52 Hike Challenge are available so you can return to the challenge year after year.

There are pet- and kid-friendly versions if you need a family-friendly hiking challenge.

For a challenge that’s shorter than a year, check out one of the seasonal challenges.

National park lovers can challenge themselves to rack up visits to parks over time.

And hikers who have already completed the 52 Hike Challenge are encouraged to complete it again with additional criteria for extra difficulty.

The 52 Hike Challenge offers several levels of prize packs for completing the challenge. All package levels include patches, stickers, a kick off and quarterly check ins, a year end celebration, plus exclusive deals and discounts from partner retailers.

Alternatively, hikers can sign up for the 52 Hike Challenge for free. Participants who register for free won’t receive prizes but will still have access to the private community and other support resources (and of course, all of the amazing benefits of hiking regularly!).

If you want to push yourself to get outdoors routinely, the 52 Hike Challenge is a great way to do it!

2. Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is one of the lower commitment hiking challenges since it only involves taking on 6 day hikes.

To take part in the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, select the challenge for your area and hike to six of the peaks listed in that challenge within a calendar year. For example, the Colorado Six-Pack lists 12 eligible hikes but you only are required to choose 6 of those trails.

This makes the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge a great hiking challenge to start with because it’s not only a low commitment, but it’s also somewhat customizable based on the difficulty level of the trails since you can pick and choose.

All of the eligible hikes within each destination’s challenge are generally 5-12 miles roundtrip with a substantial amount of elevation gain.

By completing the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, you’ll earn virtual badges throughout the challenge, receive a Finisher Pin, and partake in a finishers’ party. Bonus: you’ll be entered to win a grand prize in the challenge’s gear giveaway.

Registering for the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge also supports a good cause since a portion of each registration goes to Big City Mountaineers, an organization that provides under-served youth with mentoring in the outdoors.

There are over a dozen challenge locations to choose from. They are predominantly in the western US but there are a handful on the east coast, too.

This makes the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge an excellent hiking challenge for anyone who lives in those areas or any hikers who are visiting a challenge area long enough to complete 6 strenuous day hikes.

3. Hiker Babes 100 Hike Challenge

Female hikers who want a hiking challenge with no location or time restrictions should check out the Hiker Babes 100 Hike Challenge.

Hiker Babes is a virtual group of women who share a passion for the outdoors.

Their 100 Hike Challenge is straightforward: hikers just need to go hiking 100 times. 

That’s it! There is no timeline to complete it by, no mileage requirement, and no specific trails or location.

Participants can order a sheet to log their hikes and a patch.

If you want ongoing motivation to get out the door, this is the hiking challenge for you. The 100 Hike Challenge will have you hiking over and over again!

Statewide Hiking Challenges

These statewide hiking challenges will have you hitting trails all over the state that they are located in.

4. New Hampshire 48

The New Hampshire 48 is one of the best-known hiking challenges in the northeastern US.

The New Hampshire Four-Thousand Footer Club formed in 1957 and has been inspiring hikers to take on some of New Hampshire’s best hikes ever since.

To complete this challenge, hikers must climb all 48 peaks over 4,000 feet in the state of New Hampshire. There is no time limit to hike all 48 peaks.

There are two seasonal variations of the New Hampshire 48 awards for an additional challenge. The Winter Award is offered to hikers who summit all 48 peaks in the winter and the Four-Season Award is given to hikers who reach all 48 peaks in all four seasons.

Whether you take on the standard challenge or one of the seasonal variations, hikers will be rewarded with a patch, a certificate, and membership in the Four Thousand Footer Club. Members can come together annually for the group’s awards night dinner.

All but 2 peaks in the New Hampshire 48 have trails to the top. Hikers can find more details about these trails in the AMC White Mountain Guide.

5. Colorado 14ers

Colorado is famous among hikers for its 14ers – that is, mountain peaks that are over 14,000 feet high.

But this epic hiking challenge is not for the average day hiker.

There are 53 peaks in Colorado that meet the definition of a 14er (peaks that are over 14,000 feet high with at least 300 feet of prominence).

Only a few of the state’s 53 14ers have straightforward, well-managed trails leading to the summits. The vast majority of these summits require hiking off trail, scrambling, and mountain climbing.

This is why the Colorado 14ers are not a set of summits for the everyday hiker to try to complete. Hiking them requires a set of skills that makes the difference between life or death when you’re up in these mountains.

So just how difficult is it to summit all of the 14ers? Check out the list of routes organized by Class group and the definitions of Class 1 through 5 routes to learn more and determine if climbing the 14ers is right for you.

Your reward for trekking up all of these difficult peaks? Simply bragging rights, of course.

6. Arkansas Iron Ranger Challenge

If you want to explore more of the public lands in Arkansas, check out the Arkansas Iron Ranger Challenge.

The Iron Ranger Challenge began in 2016 to commemorate the centennial of the National Park Service.

As such, the challenge pushes hikers to complete 100 miles of physical activity on any public lands in Arkansas (100 miles for 100 years of the National Park Service). The 100 miles must be completed within a calendar year.

“Physical activity” in this challenge is not limited to hiking. Activities like walking, running, biking, swimming, and paddling are all fair game. Therefore, it’s a great challenge not just for hikers but also for anyone who wants to mix up hiking with other outdoor activities. 

The reward for becoming an Iron Ranger is a commemorative patch and a certificate.

Arkansas has plenty of trails to complete the Iron Ranger Challenge between the state’s national park sites, national forests, state parks, Army Corps of Engineers sites, National Wildlife Refuge sites, and Game & Fish Commission lands.

So sign up today if you’re ready to start exploring Arkansas!

7. KTA’s Pennsylvania Award

The Pennsylvania Award is one of several hiking challenges administered by the Keystone Trails Association, an organization which preserves and promotes recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania.

To receive the Pennsylvania Award, hikers must trek along 500 miles of eligible trails in the state.

Hikers will receive their award at the Annual KTA Fall Hiking Weekend to celebrate their achievements with fellow hikers in the state.

If you want to set a high mileage goal and explore all over the state, start logging miles towards the Pennsylvania Award!

Regional Hiking Challenges

These regional hiking challenges focus on trails within a specific region of a state or mountain range. Since the trails are generally located in one area, these are great hiking challenges to take on if you live in the area or want to make a vacation out of your hiking challenge.

8. Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit

The Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit is a hiking challenge that takes place in the Moosehead region of Maine.

This challenge consists of 6 peaks with beautiful panoramic views: Mount Kineo, Number Four, White Cap, Eagle Rock, Big Moose, Borestone. There is no deadline for hikers to summit these peaks.

The trails to reach these peaks range from 3.3 miles to 6.8 miles roundtrip, most of which have less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Like many other hiking challenges, the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit rewards hikers with a finisher’s badge and placement on an official online registry of challenge finishers.

There are several variations of the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit for hikers seeking an additional challenge: the Ultra Badge (for completing the challenge in 48 hours), the Winter Badge (for completing the challenge between January 1 and April 15), the Winter Ultra Badge, and the Trail Crew Badge (for volunteering on 4 trail stewardship days).

Between the relatively easy trails and the various challenge badges, this hiking challenge is a good choice for both beginner and more experienced hikers alike.

9. Adirondack 46er

Becoming an Adirondack 46er is another famous hiking goal on many hikers’ bucket lists.

To become a 46er, hikers must take on the 46 peaks over 4,000 feet in elevation in the Adirondack mountains of northern New York state.

The first people recorded to hike all 46 peaks did so in 1925, and the current Adirondack 46ers club was born in 1948. Since then, the 46 peaks have become an iconic hiking list for hikers in New York.

Hiking to these 46 peaks is no easy feat. These strenuous trails range in distance from 6-18 miles roundtrip (most in the double digits) with 2,000 – 4,500 feet of elevation gain.

For an extra challenge, hike all of the 46 peaks during the winter to become a Winter 46er.

Regardless of which version of the hiking challenge you complete, 46ers will receive a certificate during the Adirondack 46ers’ annual Spring Gathering and be eligible to purchase swag with the 46ers emblem to display your achievement at all times.

If this sounds too intense, don’t worry –  there are plenty of other hiking challenges that have been created for the Adirondacks. Keep reading to learn about more of them!

10. New York State Regional Waterfall Challenges

As the Adirondack’s 46 High Peaks have become ever more popular, a series of regional waterfall challenges have been created to encourage hikers to visit other trails in the Adirondacks and around New York.

Each of the challenges has a corresponding guidebook. Hikers must complete a specified number of hikes within a guidebook to complete that challenge.

The Adirondack Fifty Falls Challenge started directly in response to overcrowding occurring in the High Peaks. Participants must hike 50 of the waterfalls listed in the corresponding guidebook. There are 3 difficulty levels in the challenge – green, blue, and red – so participants can vary which 50 hikes are selected to match their experience level.

The Hudson Valley Waterfall Challenge also requires hikers to trek to 50 of the waterfalls listed in the guide. The Finger Lakes Region Waterfall Challenge only pushes hikers to visit 35 of the waterfalls included in that guidebook.

There is no time limit to complete any of these regional waterfall hiking challenges.

Once you’ve completed the designated number of waterfall hikes in a given guidebook, submit your evidence of completing the challenge to receive the corresponding challenge patch.

11. ADK Fire Tower Challenge

If you want a hiking challenge that will take you to great views, consider the ADK Fire Tower Challenge.

The Adirondack Mountain Club started this challenge in 2001.

This fire tower challenge involves hiking to 23 fire tower mountains: the 5 Catskills fire tower peaks and 18 of the 25 fire tower peaks in the Adirondacks. Climbing up the actual fire tower on each peak is not required.

Like many other hiking challenges in New England, there is a second option for hikers to complete the challenge during the winter.

Hike to the 23 fire towers of your choosing and receive the challenge’s patch.

12. Saranac Lake 6er Hiking Challenge

Hikers looking for a shorter hiking challenge in New York, check out the Saranac Lake 6er Hiking Challenge.

The Saranac Lake 6er Hiking Challenge requires hiking the 6 Adirondack mountains around Saranac Lake in northern New York: McKenzie, Ampersand, Scarface, Haystack, St. Regis, and Baker.

There is no time limit to complete the 6 hikes. Take as long as you like!

Most of the hikes are around 6-7 miles long, but they range from 1.8 miles with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain to 10 miles with over 2,000 feet of gain.

For an added challenge, summit the 6 peaks in one day for the Ultra challenge or summit them all on a winter day for the Winter Ultra challenge.

Hikers who complete the 6er hiking challenge earn a patch, a sticker, and a member number. Plus, they will have an opportunity to ring a designated 6er bell to show off their accomplishment.

Like the Six-Pack of Peak Challenge, the Saranac Lake 6er is short enough that it makes for a great challenge for hikers who live nearby and for anyone who wants to dedicate a vacation to hiking.

13. Indian Lake 4-3-2-1 Challenge

The Indian Lake 4-3-2-1 Hiking Challenge is a fantastic challenge for hikers seeking a variety of difficulty levels in their trails.

In this challenge, hikers complete a total of 10 hikes near Indian Lake in the Adirondack mountains of New York.

From a list of trails (page 1 and page 2), hikers choose from 4 of the easy trails (labeled green), 3 of the moderate trails (labeled yellow), 2 of the difficult trails (labeled red), and 1 major hike (either Snowy Mountain or Blue Mountain). Note that the trail distances listed are only one way.

The hikes to choose from include trails as low as half a mile roundtrip up to 8 miles roundtrip with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain (if you choose to hike Snowy Mountain for your major hike).

Hikers who complete the 4-3-2-1 challenge will receive a patch.

14. Lake Placid 9er

In 2018, another Adirondacks hiking challenge was created: the Lake Placid 9er.

This challenge takes hikers to beautiful viewpoints without the need to trudge up the more famous high peaks.

There are 9 peaks to climb to complete this challenge: Cobble Hill, Mt. Jo, Baxter Mountain, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, Big Crow Mountain, Bear Den Mountain, Pitchoff Mountain, Catamount Mountain, and Hurricane Mountain.

The trails to these peaks range from 1.4 miles to 6.8 miles roundtrip. It’s a very doable and enjoyable challenge for both new and experienced hikers.

In addition to the standard challenge, hikers can complete the Lake Placid 9er as an Ultra 24-Hour Challenge, a Winter Challenge (completed over one or several winters), or a Winter Ultra.

Hikers who complete any version of the Lake Placid 9er will receive a patch, a sticker, and a fisher card.

15. ADK-9 Challenge

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hiking challenge, you’re in luck!

The ADK-9 exclusively features dog-friendly trails in the Adirondacks. (Taking on the challenge with a canine in tow is completely optional.)

Created in 2020, the ADK-9 Challenge takes hikers to less traveled peaks in the area that still offer nice views. Those peaks are Bartonville Mountain, Baxter Mountain, Buck Mountain, Castle Rock, Floodwood Mountain, Jay Mountain, Moxham Mountain, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and Silver Lake Mountain.

The trails to these 9 peaks are all rated moderate, ranging from 1.3 miles to 5.5 miles roundtrip.

Complete the ADK-9 Challenge to receive a patch, a sticker, and a roster number for the challenge records. A separate dog patch is available for an extra cost.

16. Western North Carolina Lookout Tower Challenge

Hikers in North Carolina that want trails with great views and a variety of difficulty levels should consider the Western North Carolina Lookout Tower Challenge.

The Lookout Tower Challenge involves hiking to 22 fire towers in Western North Carolina.

Climbing up the actual fire towers is not required. So if you’re afraid of heights, don’t worry, you can still participate in this hiking challenge!

The hikes to these lookout towers vary in distance, ranging from just a mile roundtrip up to over 10 miles total. Some of the 22 lookout towers are actually accessible by car, but hiking at least one mile roundtrip to each tower is required to count towards the challenge.

Hikers must sign up for membership in the Carolina Mountain Club and the Forest Fire Lookout Association in order to receive the rewards for completing this challenge.

Those who complete western North Carolina’s Lookout Tower Challenge will receive a hiking patch, a certificate, and recognition at the Carolina Mountain Club’s annual banquet.

If you just want to complete the hikes to the 22 towers without recognition, the list of lookout towers is available on the Lookout Tower Challenge web page.

17. Waterfall & Cascade 100 (WC100)

Did you know there are more than 1,500 waterfalls in western North Carolina and the surrounding states?

The Carolina Mountain Club’s Waterfall & Cascade 100 will guide hikers to some of the best waterfalls in this region.

The trails to these 100 waterfalls range from less than a mile roundtrip up to a handful of trails in the double digits. Accessing some of the waterfalls requires bushwhacking off trail and descending steep slopes, so keep this in mind if you want to choose a hiking challenge without such obstacles.

There is no set deadline to complete the Waterfall & Cascade 100.

Challenge participants may find the North Carolina Waterfalls hiking guide to be a helpful resource on this quest to chase waterfalls, though the guide is not required.

Hikers who finish the Waterfall & Cascade 100 receive a patch, a certificate, and recognition at the CMC’s annual meeting.

Hiking Challenges for Trail Systems

The hiking challenges in this section will encourage you to explore an area by putting in miles on a single trail system.

18. Pisgah 400 (P400)

Hikers can really get to know western North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest by completing the Pisgah 400.

Completing the Pisgah 400 requires hiking all 400 miles of the trails located in the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest.

All of these trails are included in the National Geographic map 780 of the Pisgah Ranger District, which can be purchased online. Consider purchasing one copy of the map to take on the trail and a second copy to mark your progress as you complete each trail.

In addition to purchasing the trail map, hikers must pay the small membership fee to join the Carolina Mountain Club in order to receive recognition for completing this hiking challenge.

Those who complete the Pisgah 400 receive a certificate and a challenge patch.

19. 900 Miler Club

National park lovers who want to put in a lot of miles on the trail should check out the 900 Miler Club.

The 900 Miler Club membership consists of hikers who have completed all 900 miles of the official trails in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

This group was founded by “Louisiana” Lou Murray in 1995. Since then, over 700 hikers have completed the challenge.

The trail segments that make up the park’s network of trails range from less than a mile up to 8 miles in length.

Hikers who wish to join the 900 Miler Club are merely charged a one-time membership fee.

After completing the hikes and applying for membership, hikers are rewarded with a certificate, a patch, a sticker, and a magnet to show off the accomplishment.

If you really want to get to know America’s most popular national park and explore some of the less-visited trails in the park, this could be a great hiking challenge for you!

20. Hike the Smokies

If you love the idea of exploring Great Smoky Mountain National Park but hiking all 900 miles of the park’s trails sounds too ambitious, there’s an alternative hiking challenge for you.

The National Park Service runs the Hike the Smokies Challenge to recognize hikers who have completed a significant amount of hiking within Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Hikers must record their mileage until they have tracked 100, 250, or 500 miles of hiking in the park. Trails can be repeated; hikers do not need to complete unique trails to count towards their mileage.

There’s a family-friendly version of the challenge, too, for groups of hikers seeking to accomplish shorter distances. Hike the Smokies for Families recognizes the achievements of family members who complete 10, 25, 40, or 50 miles of hiking in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

No matter which version or mileage you complete for the Hike the Smokies Challenge, you will receive a mileage pin and have your name recorded in the park’s Hike the Smokies record book.

Best of all, the Hike the Smokies Challenge is completely free!

Consider tackling this hiking challenge as a milestone towards the 900 Miler Club or if you’re overwhelmed by the goal of hiking all 900 miles of this national park’s trails.

21. New River Gorge 100 Mile Challenge

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is another national park which hosts a hiking challenge.

Like the Arkansas Iron Ranger Challenge, the New River Gorge 100 Mile Challenge launched to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

The 100 Mile Challenge is straightforward: hike 100 miles within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve or the nearby Bluestone National Scenic River.

Any 100 miles of hiking count towards the challenge; you can hike the same trail over and over if you’d like.

There is no deadline to complete all 100 miles.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a dog-friendly national park, so pups can join you on the trails and even receive their own prize!

The challenge is free for both human and canine hikers to participate in.

Hikers who complete the 100 Mile Challenge will receive a decal and, if a dog is participating, a pet bandana.

22. Blue-Blazed Hiking Challenge

Explore trails all over Connecticut by taking on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Challenge.

This hiking challenge involves accumulating miles on Connecticut’s 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. The trail system, which was established in 1929, is managed by the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA).

There are various prizes available for achieving specific mileage goals (50, 200, 400, or 800 miles).

Any trails within the Blue-Blazed Trail System count towards the challenge, and there is no time limit to complete the hikes.

Trails within the Blue-Blazed Trail System range from 1.3 miles in length to the 62-mile Metacomet Trail. So it’s a very customizable hiking challenge for hikers of different experience levels.

While many hiking challenges offer a patch upon completion, the Blue-Blazed Hiking Challenge offers additional prizes to hikers who really rack up the miles. Hikers who are willing to hike hundreds of miles can receive a stainless steel water bottle, a beanie, or a fleece vest.

So if you’re motivated by cool prizes, lace up your boots and start exploring the Blue-Blazed Trail System!

23. Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy 100 Mile Quest

Hikers looking to explore trails in western Pennsylvania should take on the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy’s 100 Mile Quest.

The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy manages 3 hiking trails totaling 170 miles.

To complete the 100 Mile Quest, hike 100 miles of these 3 trails within 365 days.

After completing 100 miles, hikers receive a patch and certificate to reward their efforts.

Trail-Specific Hiking Challenges

If you want to explore one of America’s longer trails without having to hike the whole thing, check out these hiking challenges that will have you put in miles along a single trail.

24. North Country Trail Hike 100 Challenge

Anyone looking for a hiking challenge in the northern United States should consider the North Country Trail Hike 100 Challenge.

The North Country Trail is the premier hiking path across the northern tier of the United States.

It’s the longest trail in the entire National Trails System at 4,800 miles long!

This incredibly long trail passes through North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

It crosses diverse landscapes across these 7 states including 3 of the Great Lakes, 4 National Park Service lands, 10 national forests, and over 100 state parks, forests, and game areas.

So what is the Hike 100 Challenge? The goal of this hiking challenge is to hike 100 miles of the North Country Trail in a calendar year.

Any 100 miles of the trail count towards the challenge. Take on 100 unique miles to explore various sections of the trail or repeat the section that’s closest to your home until you’ve racked up 100 miles.

This makes the Hike 100 Challenge a very flexible challenge. Whether you prefer a hiking challenge that forces you to travel or one that keeps you closer to home, the Hike 100 Challenge can appeal to a variety of hikers and provide motivation to hit the trail over and over again.

Challenge finishers will receive a patch and certificate. Hikers who sign up for the challenge will receive not just finisher’s prizes but also support during the journey like mileage tracking tools and encouragement from the challenge.

The North Country Trail Hike 100 Challenge is free to participate in. Because the challenge is free and the trail crosses so many states, the Hike 100 Challenge is one of the more accessible hiking challenges.

25. Mammoth Hike Challenge

Looking for a hiking challenge in Wisconsin? Check out the Mammoth Hike Challenge!

The Mammoth Hike Challenge is organized by the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

This challenge has a unique twist compared to other hiking challenges: hikers must not just hike a given number of miles within a specified timeframe, but also visit communities that surround the trail.

This makes it easy to spend a day of quality time hiking and celebrating your accomplishments with friends and family. It’s also a great way to support the local economies in the nearby trail communities.

Here are the requirements of the Mammoth Hike Challenge: participants must hike 42 miles on Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail and visit 3 trail communities in the month of October.

Any miles on the Ice Age Trail count towards the goal of 42; the 42 miles do not have to be unique sections of the trail.

Registering for the Mammoth Hike Challenge is completely free. By signing up, participants receive recommended itineraries which pair sections of the trail with nearby attractions as well as access to an app to assist with trip planning. Challenge finishers receive a patch and a certificate as a reward.

Since the Mammoth Hike Challenge occurs in fall, it’s a great choice for leaf peepers. The trail’s website even includes the Ice Age Trail Fall Color Experience Map so you can see where leaves are changing colors along the trail and select your hikes accordingly.

26. 40 Hike Challenge

North Carolina’s 40 Hike Challenge is a great way to see the variety of the state’s beauty ranging from the mountains to the coast.

The 40 Hike Challenge consists of 40 sections of North Carolina’s Mountains-To-Sea Trail, a 1,175-mile trail which connects the east and west sides of the state.

The 40 sections of the trail that make up the challenge are listed in the book Great Day Hikes on North Carolina’s Mountains-To-Sea Trail.

Updates to the trail guide are posted online, so always check for the most up-to-date information before you set out on any hike in the guide book.

Hikers who take on the challenge will experience a diversity of trails and environments from state and national parks to small towns and backroads. Challenge participants will really get to know the state of North Carolina from its landscapes to its culture and history.

The 40 Hike Challenge was designed to welcome hikers of all skill levels. The sections of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail that are included in the challenge range from 0.5 to 8.4 miles one way.

So no matter your fitness level or interest in scenery, there’s something to appeal to all hikers that participate in the 40 Hike Challenge.

27. Appalachian Trail 14 State Challenge

If hiking the Appalachian Trail sounds intriguing but you’re more of a day hiker, consider the Appalachian Trail 14 State Challenge.

All you need to do to complete this hiking challenge is hike a section of the Appalachian Trail in each of the 14 states that the trail runs through: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

It’s much easier than hiking the entire trail!

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the organization that protects the Appalachian Trail and created the challenge, suggests a section of the trail to hike in each of the states as a starting point. These are just recommendations, however, and hikers are not limited to hiking these stretches of the trail.

The 14 State Challenge is free to participate in. Once you’ve completed your hikes, simply print the finisher’s certificate from the challenge web page on the Conservancy’s website.

This is a great option for hikers seeking a hiking challenge that forces them to travel. Turn the challenge into a road trip or enjoy the slow pace of visiting each state over time!

28. New England Trail Hike 50/100 Challenge

Hikers looking to rack up miles in New England should check out the New England Trail Hike 50/100 Challenge.

The New England Trail is a 215-mile hiking trail that crosses through Connecticut and Massachusetts.

In 2018, hikers were challenged to complete 50 miles of the New England Trail to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System. A year later, a 100-mile option was added to the challenge.

To complete this challenge, hike any 50 or 100 miles of the New England Trail within a calendar year. Miles may be unique or repeated sections of the trail.

If a goal of 50 or 100 miles sounds daunting, you can still participate in the challenge in other ways. Instead of hiking all 50 miles, earn points towards the challenge by completing alternative challenge activities such as volunteering, sharing photos, and attending events.

No matter how you participate in the challenge, anyone who completes the New England Trail Hike 50/100 Challenge will receive a patch and printable certificate.

Hiking Challenges Wrap Up

There are plenty of hiking challenges which vary in location, difficulty, and structure.

With all of this variety, there is a hiking challenge suitable for every hiker.

No matter which hiking challenge you take on, you’ll experience plenty of benefits from all of your adventures.

Happy hiking!

Related Articles:

• What To Bring On A Hike
• 101 Funny Hiking Quotes For Instagram: Puns, Jokes, And More
• How Long Does It Take To Hike 5 Miles?

As always, enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Leave no trace on all of your adventures.