Make-A-Wish South Carolina Trailblaze Challenge®
Discover the Trailblaze Challenge® – Hike with Purpose. Transform Lives.
Embrace the Challenge and Make Wishes Come True
Join us for the Trailblaze Challenge, a transformative hiking event that supports the incredible children of Make-A-Wish South Carolina. Whether you're a novice explorer or a seasoned trail veteran, this event offers a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and profoundly impact the lives of children facing critical illnesses in our community.
What is the Trailblaze Challenge®? The Trailblaze Challenge is more than just a hiking event - it's a community-driven journey of hope and resilience. Participants hike through some of South Carolina's most scenic trails, raising vital funds to grant the heartfelt wishes of local children. These wishes are not just gifts; they are powerful experiences that uplift families, bring joy to children, and unify communities.
It's a Journey, not a Race - Our mantra, "It's not a race. It's a journey," captures the spirit of the Trailblaze Challenge. There are no winners or losers here - only a group of compassionate individuals coming together to support a noble cause. Your participation means you're not just hiking; you're laying the groundwork for a brighter future for children in South Carolina.
How the Hike Impacts YOU
Trailblaze is about more than a one-day hike. It’s a journey that transforms lives - including yours.
- Renewed sense of purpose
- Improved physical fitness
- Boosted mental well-being
- Supportive, like-minded community
- Expanded local engagement and networking
- And so much more!
Spring 2026 Hike Details
- Recruitment Info Sessions: December - January
- For anyone new to the Trailblaze Challenge, attendance at an in-person info session is highly preferred. If you are unable to attend one of the in-person dates or are a Trailblaze alum, please reach out to TBC coordinators, Jody Wilbanks & Michelle Owens, at outdooradventures@sc.wish.org for more info and/or to register.
- Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026 or until full (75 participants per hike)
- Kickoff Training Hikes: January 17, 2026 (Upstate & Midlands)
- Midlands Hike: April 18, 2026 – Approx. 22 miles on the Palmetto Trail
- Upstate Hike: May 2, 2026 – Approx. 24.6 miles on the Foothills Trail
*Hikers can choose to either do the Midlands or Upstate final hike weekend OR both!
The Trailblaze Journey
We support you every step of the way - from your first info session to the final mile.
Training & Preparation
- Weekend group training hikes
- Daily goals and weekly training calendar
- Gear, hydration, and nutrition guidance
- Supported fundraising tools and coaching
Final Hike Weekend
Friday
- Pasta Party
- Safety Briefing
- Comfort Bags
Saturday
- The Big Hike: 22+ miles* with full support
- Aid Stations
- Transportation
- Motivation & Finish Line Celebration
*exact final hike mileage depends on what hike you choose & current trail conditions
Sunday
- Victory Breakfast Celebration
This is what our “Red Carpet” hike looks like - because every participant deserves to feel celebrated.
Recruitment for the Spring '26 Trailblaze Challenge is now open!
RSVP HERE FOR AN INFO SESSION
Midlands Info Sessions
Central Carolina Community Foundation - 2142 Boyce St #402, Columbia, SC 29201
- Monday, December 1 – 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, December 2 – 12:00 PM & 5:30 PM
Hyatt Place Columbia/Harbison - 1130 Kinley Rd, Irmo, SC 29063
- Wednesday, December 3 – 5:30 PM
- Thursday, December 4 – 5:30 PM
- Saturday, December 6 – 10:00 AM
Upstate Info Sessions
Make-A-Wish South Carolina Headquarters - 225 S. Pleasantburg Dr. STE C17, Greenville, SC 29607
- Tuesday, December 9 – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, December 10 – 5:30 PM
- Thursday, December 11 – 5:30 PM
- Saturday, December 13 – 10:00 AM
Simpsonville Area Chamber of Commerce - 105 W Curtis St Suite A, Simpsonville, SC 29681
- Wednesday, December 10 – 12:00 PM
Simpsonville Rotary - 205 N Maple St #15, Simpsonville, SC 29681
- Wednesday, December 10 – 5:30 PM
Hampton Inn Greer Greenville - 112 N Main St, Greer, SC 29650
- Thursday, December 11 – 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM