The Trailblaze Challenge^® is a 23.4-mile hike where participants can tackle the terrain of the North Country Trail in just one day. This is a hike, not a race, and caters to all levels from novice to advanced outdoor enthusiasts.

As well as being an extraordinary physical test, the real challenge is to raise much needed funds to grant the wishes of children in Pennsylvania and West Virginia with critical illnesses. A wish gives children renewed energy and strength, brings families closer together and unites communities.

Hike Day will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2022, but the entirety of the Trailblaze Challenge event lasts through the weekend of August 12-14.

About North Country Trail and Cook Forest State Park

The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest in the National Trails system. It stretches more than 4,500 miles across eight states. The Pennsylvania portion highlights historic and rural Pennsylvania. The path winds through Pennsylvania State Gamelands and along the wild and scenic Clarion River. It also runs through majestic old-growth forests and connects with the covered woods of Cook Forest. The park is located in Clarion, Forest and Jefferson counties and has a trail system of nearly 52 miles.

What is included in my hike experience?

• Specialized training programs that include bi-weekly group training hikes
• Support and coaching from Hike Leaders and Make-A-Wish^® Staff
• Hotel Accommodations on hike weekend at the Ramada Inn (3 Days/2 Nights)
• Trailblaze Challenge T-shirt for Hike Weekend
• Transportation to and from the trail on Hike Day
• Trail support at multiple locations throughout the journey, including hydration, snacks, first aid and encouragement
• Friday night Pasta Party to carb load before Hike Day
• Saturday evening post-hike Happy Hour to share trail stories
• Sunday post-hike Victory Breakfast before heading home

Is there a fee to participate?

Each Trailblazer will be asked to raise funds to cover their expenses and to help Make-A-Wish^® continue its mission of granting wishes of children that are diagnosed with critical illnesses. Make-A-Wish staff will be there every step of the way to help with fundraising. INFO SESSION REQUIRED: ALL HIKERS MUST ATTEND AN INFO SESSION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT.

How will I reach my goals?

Make-A-Wish will support hikers each step of the way by providing each participant with a personalized fundraising webpage, as well as fundraising materials, tips and advice. Each Trailblazer will be invited to attend info sessions and bi-weekly training hikes. The info sessions start in early to mid March. The training hikes will start in late spring into the summer months.

INFO SESSION DETAILS:
All Info Sessions will meet over Zoom. Please sign up by April 30, 2022, and we will contact you to schedule a meeting time.

If you are interested in attending an info session, please sign up by clicking the button below or contact Jake Seavy at jseavy2@greaterpawv.wish.org or 800.676.9474.