52 Week Hiking Challenge

Join Making Strides as we take on the 52 Week Hiking Challenge, a year-long commitment to completing 52 hikes. This challenge is designed for anyone, no matter your fitness level or hiking experience. Whether you’re exploring a new trail for the first time or revisiting your favorite spot, our group offers a supportive environment to stay active, build connections, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.

What is the 52 Week Hiking Challenge?

The 52 Week Hiking Challenge encourages participants to hike 52 times over the course of a year, averaging one hike per week. The goal is to incorporate hiking into your lifestyle to improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Hiking is a great way to stay active, decompress, and enjoy nature’s beauty. Our group makes it easy to join this challenge by hosting weekly hikes and tracking progress together.

For more details about the official challenge, you can visit 52hikechallenge.com.

What to Expect with Making Strides:

• Weekly Hikes: We’ll host hikes once a week that count toward your 52 hikes. Our hikes will vary in difficulty, from easy to moderate, to accommodate different fitness levels.
• Community Support: You won’t be hiking alone! The Making Strides community is here to cheer you on, offer tips, and provide camaraderie as we take on this challenge together.
• Progress Tracking: In addition to the official 52 Week Hiking Challenge logs, our group will have its own Google worksheet where members can log their hikes, track progress, and celebrate milestones together. Everyone will have access to update their hikes and share their experiences.
• Health and Wellness: Hiking isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s a way to manage stress, boost your mood, and reconnect with nature. We’ll focus on the overall benefits that hiking provides for the mind, body, and soul.

Why Join the Challenge?

The 52 Week Hiking Challenge isn’t a race—it’s a personal commitment to yourself. The challenge allows you to focus on:

• Physical Health: Improve your fitness level by incorporating regular hikes into your life. Hiking is an excellent way to burn calories, build endurance, and improve cardiovascular health.
• Mental Wellness: Spend time in nature to reduce stress, find peace, and enjoy the quiet moments the outdoors offers.
• Personal Growth: Track your progress over the year, reflect on your achievements, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing the challenge.
• Community and Connection: The Making Strides group will offer accountability, support, and friendship as we take on this journey together. You’ll make new friends and share the beauty of the trails with others who share your passion for the outdoors.

How to Get Involved:

1. Sign up for the 52 Week Hiking Challenge: You can officially sign up at 52hikechallenge.com to join a community of thousands of hikers across the globe. You can track your progress, share stories, and get your finisher medal at the end.
2. Join our Meetup Hikes: Every week, we’ll host hikes around our local area. We’ll visit a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging trails to help you build up your stamina and experience the variety of landscapes nearby.
3. Track Your Hikes with Us: In addition to the official challenge, our group will use a shared Google worksheet where each member can log their hikes, record time spent on the trail, and share photos or notes about their experience. This system helps everyone stay motivated and accountable within our community.
4. Share Your Experience: Post your hike photos, stories, and progress with the Making Strides community and on social media. Use hashtags like #52HikeChallenge and #MakingStridesHiking to connect with others and stay motivated.

Resources and Safety:

We are committed to ensuring that all participants have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• The 10 Essentials: Always be prepared for a hike by bringing the necessary gear, including water, snacks, a first aid kit, and navigation tools. The official 52 Hike Challenge website has a great guide on the essential items for hiking safety.
• Trail Difficulty: Each hike will be rated for difficulty. We encourage all members to choose hikes that align with their comfort level and physical condition.
• Reflect and Recharge: Taking time to reflect on your hiking experiences can help keep you motivated. Whether it’s through journaling, sharing with the group, or simply enjoying nature, reflection is a key part of this journey.

By making hiking a regular part of your life, you’ll discover not only the physical benefits but also the mental clarity and emotional wellness that comes with spending time in nature. Join us for the 52 Week Hiking Challenge and be part of a supportive community that helps you reach your goals, one hike at a time!