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THE WOODPILE
DIY Adventures: The 2021 5 Hikes Challenge Wraps Up With Record Numbers
By Anna Berry
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By exploring Forest Society reservations dotted across the state, from the Sunapee Region’s Andrew Brook Forest to the Lakes Region’s Weeks Woods, more than 350 people learned the value of conservation and reservation stewardship, in addition to getting some fresh air and exercise, in the 2021 5 Hikes Challenge.
From August 30 through October 31, participants had to visit five or more Forest Society reservations, hiking at least one trail at each location, in order to receive a Forest Society buff and some bragging rights with their hiking friends. New to the challenge this year, participants had the option to use the Forest Society’s Mobile App, powered by OuterSpatial, to track their progress and access digital trail maps in the field. Forest Society members were offered free registration for the challenge and most of the participants were returning hikers from the 2020 program. “I love the 5 Hikes Challenge, especially now that it is ‘virtual, ’” one participant noted in a program survey. “I have the freedom to choose from a large variety of hikes… [and find] a hike that fits my needs in terms of strenuousness and driving distance. ” It was the second year the Forest Society ran the popular program in a do-it-yourself format to keep people safe and socially distanced.
One of the youngest hikers in the 2021 challenge was Barbara Daley’s two-year-old granddaughter who climbed Hedgehog Mountain in Deering. Another group combined their hike with a sunrise yoga session at the Morse Preserve in Alton. According to a Forest Society survey, the top reasons participants took the challenge this year were to explore new hiking destinations, get some exercise, boost their mental health and relieve some stress, and have fun with friends and family. Others noted that it was a great way to see protected properties that are well-maintained and safe to hike. Encouraged by participation numbers this year, staff members are already thinking about the ways they can bring back the program in 2022—so stay tuned! In the meantime, check out more photos from this year’s challenge at forestsociety.org/ 5Hikes2021.
