The MetroParks Trails Challenge returns for 2025 with new trails to hike, cycle, mountain bike, paddle and horseback ride. Participants have until Oct. 31 to check off as many of the 28 trails as they can for a chance to win prizes. The trails included offer a variety of outdoor experiences and range in length, terrain and difficulty. Participation is free. Register at metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
New this year, the MetroParks Trails Challenge includes flat water paddles at Eastwood and Possum Creek MetroParks. Additionally, Trails Challenge participants will have an opportunity to complete two MetroParks challenges at once with the new MetroParks Birding Challenge next month. Visit metroparks.org/birding for more information and to register starting March 1.
“We’re very purposeful in selecting trails that can be completed by many folks,” said outdoor recreation coordinator Jordan Hart. “We’re excited to add experiences on the water that are a little easier for people who are new to paddlesports, including one at Argonne Lake, which has an accessible dock. The addition of the Birding Challenge this year is also fun because it will help people slow down and appreciate the nature that surrounds them when they are out on the trails.”
Participants can keep track of their progress in real time by using the free MetroParks mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. MetroParks mobile app can be downloaded by visiting metroparks.org/mobile. Those who wish to keep track by using a Trails Log can download one at metroparks.org/trailschallenge.
Five Rivers MetroParks’ locations are home to 160 miles of natural surface trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The greater Dayton region is home to more than 340 miles of paved recreation trails – the nation’s largest paved trail network – and 270 miles of river corridor.
In 2024, hundreds of participants collectively completed 5,846 trails totaling 9,646 miles of human powered travel – longer than the distance from Hong Kong to the United States.
How to participate:
- Visit metroparks.org/trailschallenge to register, access the 2025 MetroParks Trails Log and learn more about the trails challenge.
- Hike, bike, ride, paddle or horseback ride the designated trails — in any order and at your own convenience. Use the MetroParks mobile app to learn more about individual challenges. Those who have not yet downloaded the app can do so for free by visiting metroparks.org/mobile.
- Track your progress on the mobile app. Everyone can participate — including children.
- Submit your trails log no later than Oct. 31 at metroparks.org/trailschallenge to be eligible to receive prizes.
Try Mountain Biking 2024
How to win prizes:
- Complete just one trail in the challenge, and you will be entered to win a $100 gift card to a local outdoor gear or bike shop of your choosing. You will receive one entry for each trail you complete. Complete all 28 trails and get 28 chances to win.
- Receive one entry to win a Huffy mountain bike for each mountain bike trail completed. Complete all three trails and get three chances to win.
- Youth ages 14 and younger who complete just one trail will be entered to win a Kids Adventure Pack, which includes cool outdoor gear. Youth also will receive one entry for each trail they complete. Note: Youth must complete entries through online form to be eligible.
- Everyone who completes at least 18 trails will receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge sticker. Also, 100 people completing at least 18 trails will be selected at random to receive a MetroParks Trails Challenge T-Shirt.
- Winners will be notified by e-mail or phone. Prizes will be distributed after Oct. 31.
How to plan ahead:
- Some of the trails in the challenge are segments of larger trails, so participants may have to hike, bike or shuttle back to their starting point. Other trails included are loops, starting and ending at the same point. These are marked on the trail log.
- Some of the trails require special gear, such as a mountain bike or kayak, but participants can walk, hike, run or jog 21 of the 28 trails. Check metroparks.org/programs-events-finder throughout the year to register for programs, such as Try Mountain Biking, that allow you to borrow gear to complete trails.
- Participants must use necessary safety equipment, including a helmet and life jacket, during their adventures.
- Check the status of trails at MetroParks’ alerts page (metroparks.org/alerts), the Miami Conservancy District’s Trail Conditions page and the Miami Valley Trails’ alerts page.
