Curious about the Rachel Carson Trail and learning to hike longer distances or tackle tough and technical terrain? Training for backpacking season? Thinking about taking on the 2024 Trail Challenge? We'll be hiking the entirety of the 45.7 mile RCT over a series of 5 section hikes. Join us for one or hike them all!

You can expect a challenge on these hikes, but we'll move together at a steady pace* and take a few snack/water breaks as needed. BYO snacks/lunch and adequate water for each hike.

*While there is not a pace requirement for this hike, hikers should be comfortable hiking on technical terrain, and able to hike at around a 2 mile per hour pace when hilly conditions exist.

HIKE SCHEDULE - All hikes begin at 9am SHARP! October 21 - RCT Section Hike 1 - Eastern Terminus to Bull Creek Road - 9.4 milesOctober 28 - RCT Section Hike 2 - Bull Creek Rd. to Springdale VFW - 10 milesNovember 4 - RCT Section Hike 3 - Springdale VFW to Emmerling Park - 8.1 milesNovember 11 - RCT Section Hike 4 - Emmerling Park to Harmar Shelter - 10.4 milesNovember 18 - RCT Section Hike 5 - Harmar Shelter to Western Terminus - 7.6 miles

* We hike in rain, shine, snow, etc. In the event of severe weather/unsafe conditions, a rain date will be issued. Mileage is approximate. End time 1-2pm is for general planning purposes only - trail conditions often dictate how quickly a section of trail will take to compete. Please plan accordingly.

Led by 3ROC's Sarah, who "discovered" the RCT during her quest to hike 500 miles in 2021. She has loved hiking the trail ever since and completed the 19-mile Homestead Trail Challenge in 2023.

Co-leading the series is Jessica Schaefer, one of our community yoga instructors, runner and hiker.

Each section hike is limited to 15 hikers, so register early and see what this incredible trail system that spans from Harrison Hills to North Park has to offer. It really is INCREDIBLE!

*Specific hike details, recommended gear list, meeting location and ride share/shuttle options will be shared with registered participants via email a few days prior to each hike.

This hike is not geared specifically for hikers planning to complete next year's Rachel Carson Trail Challenge -- we'll be traveling at a more relaxed pace. The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy (RCTC) offers a great series of volunteer led orientation and goal setting hikes for challenge participants and others interested in hiking with a pace goal.