HIKER CHALLENGE 2020

354 MILES. 11 MONTHS. 1 EPIC ADVENTURE.

What is the Hiker Challenge?

​Take 354 miles, the current length of the Trace, divide those miles by 12 and then walk that distance once a month and you have the Challenge. The goal is to hike the entire Trace from end to end over 1 year. Each month, two opportunities are planned for you to join a team of like-minded adventurers on a Saturday and Sunday hike of the Trace.  To keep the miles at a level everyone can complete and find somewhat enjoyable, we have added one more hike to make it 12 monthly hikes.  The 2 day schedule is linked at the bottom of the page.

Friday night campouts are planned near the shuttle point to enable participants who are over 3 hours away to come in early and avoid a long drive before dawn.  The first Saturday in December, we all come together to share some stories and celebrate those who have completed the Challenge and become End to Enders.​  

The history of the Hiker Challenge dates back to the earlier years of the STA.  During a weekend hike out to Furnace Arch, south of Clear Creek, Steve Barbour, Executive Director of the STA, and members Dave Dummer and Mike Campbell from Morehead were forced to stop at the Arch to get out of the pouring rain.  While sitting around that evening, Dave Dummer mentioned the idea of hiking a piece of the Trace, one weekend a month for 11 months and calling it the Hiker Challenge.

Over 400 participants have completed the Challenge. After 9 years, enthusiasm is still strong as each January a fresh group of backpackers (and a few who have already completed the Challenge) arrive at the starting point.

2021 Participation Costs

      The Hiker Challenge offers shuttle services for every hike. There will also be a support vehicle to aid in occasional trail magic. The STA volunteers will give clear directions and instructions for every section. In the winter months, a "5-pound-drop" is in effect in order to lighten the load in the months where one's pack would be heavier. Along with these services, the hiker challenge offers the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends.

Pre-​Hiker Challenge Registration $30 (One Time)
2-Day Weekend  $40 (Per Weekend) 
1-Day Only $20 (Per Day)
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Orientations Go Online

To limit Covid exposure we are moving all our orientation sessions online.  A list of dates is included in the registration.  All are from 7 to 9 pm.  Waivers are available for past end to enders and those with extensive backpacking experiences. 

Planning & Paperwork

Planning for the 2021 Hiker Challenge - In 2021 We Go North Bound to Northern Terminus!
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What can you do to prepare for 2021?  First look at your gear and compare what you have with the Gear Checklist provided here.  Backpacking gear can be expensive.  Don't scrimp if at all possible.  What you purchase must fit, must hold your gear, must last for 11 months or 22 days in snow, freezing cold, extreme heat and lots of wet conditions.  Most importantly, think how you can reduce, reduce your total pack weight.  If you are purchasing gear, we encourage you to visit a local Outfitter and try things on.  In Lexington we recommend J&H Outfitters. In Richmond Kentucky we recommend Mike's Hike and Bike.  In Cincinnati we recommend Roads, Rivers, and Trails in Milford and REI.  Most of the big box stores will not have a variety of items. If you prefer to purchase online, there there are many sites with excellent gear direct from the manufacturer.
Beyond gear, start walking.  Just a little each week or each day will get you ready.  If you have never carried a pack with weight, start with small amounts of weight and build.  Build miles without pack and miles with pack.  If you can and we have space, sign up for one day of hiking with one of the Teams in the 2020 Challenge.

Ask for advice on our Facebook pages or other hiking groups.  Hundreds of our fans and friends can give you good solid advice and may even have some gear you can try out before you buy. 
See what Hiker Challenge participants have to say...