Montco Trail Challenge Begins Saturday, June 4

NORRISTOWN, PA – Nothing is better for your mental wellbeing than getting fresh air walking on trails and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Montgomery County provides a simple, yet challenging, way to explore the county’s 91 miles of trails.

The 7th annual Montco Trail Challenge begins Saturday, June 4 at 9 a.m. at the Trail Junction Center, 76 E. Lafayette St., Norristown.

The annual family-friendly program encourages participants to track their visits to select Montgomery County trails to earn awards for completing visits to five, 10, or 15 participating trails.

“This is a great way to actively explore the county for people of all ages,” Kristi Goodman, community health program manager, said. "The goal is to visit as many trails as possible.”

In 2021, the Montco Trail Challenge saw more than 2,000 participants ranging in age from 2 months old to 80 years old.

The program draws people from the surrounding region representing Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Philadelphia, and Delaware counties.

“In Montgomery County, we have prioritized building and expanding our trail network to increase access to high quality recreational opportunities right here in our backyard,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, chairwoman of the county commissioners.

“Every year I look forward to taking part in the Trail Challenge, and I encourage everyone to sign up for this year’s event,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence Jr., vice president. "I am a five-time trail blazer."

Lawrence said he receive a hat in the mail for completing the challenge last year.

The trails include:

Audubon Loop, 1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon.

Cynwyd Heritage, Lower Merion Township.

Green Lane Park, Green Lane.

Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Road, Norristown.

Pennypack Trail, Lower Moreland Township.

Perkiomen Trail, Lower Perkiomen Valley.

Perkiomen Water Creek Trail, Oaks to Green Lane.

Powerline Trail, Horsham Township.

Schuylkill River Trail: Philadelphia to Mont Clare.

Schuylkill River Toe Path; Mont Clare.

Skippack Trail, Skippack Township.

Wissahickon Creek Green Ribbon: Gwynedd Valley.

Zacharias Creek Trail, Worcester Township.

At the opening event Saturday, children will receive a free children’s bike helmet courtesy of local organizations.

The event will also feature a pop-up StoryWalk® and a Farm Explorer truck and smoothie bike provided by Greener Partners.

Parking is available at the SEPTA garage on Lafayette Street. Event flyers are available in English and Spanish.

By Dec. 4, participants can drop their trail cards in boxes located in five parks. They are Green Lane Park, Lorimer Park, Norristown Farm Park, Graterford Trail Head, and Lower Perkiomen Park.

Participant awards will be mailed in December after the 2022 Trail Challenge. All entries must be received by December 4, 2022.

Participants are encouraged to use social media to post pictures, recognitions, and encourage their friends to participate and use the hashtag #MontcoTrailChallenge.

The 2021 Montco Trail Challenge survey showed that 92% of respondents visited a new park or trail, and 83% learned something new about their community.

The Trail Challenge also encouraged participants to get active, with 85% of survey takers said they walked more, 23% biked more, and 14% ran more.

Overall, 82% of survey respondents said they improved their physical health, and 91% improved their mental health.