Up your game and mileage this year by hiking the three longest trails in Will County as part of the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s new Will County Triple Crown Hiking Challenge.
The challenge kicks-off March 1 and runs through June 30, and is patterned on the national triple crown challenge, which involves hiking the three longest U.S. trails – Appalachian, Continental Divide, and Pacific Crest.
“We are taking a fun twist on this idea to encourage people to hike the three longest trails in Will County,” said Jen Guest, the Forest Preserve’s recreation coordinator. “This program is targeting local outdoor enthusiasts and encouraging everyone else to give extended hiking routes a try.”
The challenge requires hikers to walk the: 22-mile Wauponsee Glacial Trail from Joliet to Custer Park; 14 miles of the Old Plank Road Trail from Washington Street in Joliet to Harlem Avenue in Frankfort; and 13 miles of the I&M Canal State Trail from McKinley Woods in Channahon to Brandon Road in Rockdale.
Hike all three paths to earn your Triple Crown and a prize of an adjustable bottle sling cooler with a zipper pouch. Route details will be posted on the Forest Preserve website when the program begins March 1. Submission requirements include a selfie or landscape photo on each of the three trails.
The free hiking challenge is for ages 10 or older and is sponsored by The Nature Foundation of Will County.
“Hiking is an excellent way to stay in shape and spending extended time outdoors can boost mental health,” Guest added. “We hope participants will feel a great sense of accomplishment after completing the challenge.”
Participants may walk the routes in their entirety or do them in sections. Hikers can arrange to be picked up or leave a car ahead on the trail so they don’t have to duplicate mileage.
“We encourage you to pack a lunch, bring binoculars or camera, and really get out on the trails,” Guest advised. “If you are new to hiking, take it slow. It doesn’t matter how you hike it, as long as you complete the three longest trails.”
For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.