Sahc Winter Hiking Challenge

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to host our 7th Annual Winter Hiking Challenge!

The Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own pace. Those can be miles you’ve hiked, run, or walked – through the woods or in your neighborhood – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period. No matter your background or ability this event is designed to get folks outside in the cold winter months!

Registration opens December 1st and the registration fee is $25 per person. Your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2027.

All participants will receive informative emails throughout the challenge with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN, including some new properties SAHC has recently protected. You may enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered by 11:59 PM on March 1. You can enter miles as you go, or all at once in one entry - just make sure you get them in on time!

Anyone who passes the goal of 60 miles will receive a commemorative patch after the challenge is over. The patch will be designed by local artist Solstice Handmade and feature the Northern Saw-whet Owl, a threatened, native species SAHC helps to protect. Find an image of the patch below. All participants, regardless of final mileage, will be invited to an end of challenge in-person celebration at Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium on Saturday, March 13, 2027 from 3 to 6 pm.