Montgomery County Launches Trail Challenge

NORRISTOWN, PA -- Montgomery County is launching its second annual Trail Challenge, encouraging residents to become more active outdoors through the region's diverse park system.

Participants fill out challenge cards with the correct symbol, which can be found on trail markers throughout the county, and can win prizes like patches, medals, and a cooler backpack.

“Last year’s Trail Challenge was a great success, and we’re expecting even more participation this year. And let me be the first commissioner to say: challenge accepted,” said Val Arkoosh, chair, Montgomery County Commissioners. “Look for me out on our many beautiful trails over the next few months, because I plan to be the first commissioner to achieve the Trailblazer level.”

The Trailblazer level is achieved when 15 trails are marked on the card. That's what earns the cooler backpack prize. The Adventurer level (10 trails) recognizes participants with a medal, while the Explorer level (5 trails) earns a patch.

Officials said that 94 percent of participants in 2016 visited a new trail, 76 percent learned something new about the area, and 72 percent exercised more.

Thirteen trails are part of the challenge, which runs from May 6 through Dec. 3. Trails include the 202 trail, Chester Valley, Cynwyd Heritage, Cross County, Green Lane Park system, Norristown Farm Park system, Pennypack, Perkiomen, Schuylkill River, Wissahickon Green Ribbon, Powerline, Skippack, and the Audubon Loop.

Participants then have the option of adding any other two trails to complete the 15 needed to reach Trailblazer level.

The county is also partnering with Zagster to offer bikes for participants to explore the trails.

Print a challenge card from the county's website here, or visit your local library, park, or trail and pick up a copy. Cards can be submitted online or dropped off at Green Lane Park, Lorimer Park, Norristown Farm Park, Central Perkiomen, or Lower Perkiomen Valley Park.

Image via Montgomery County