The Environmental Action Community of Western North Carolina announced a “Haywood Hiking Challenge 2026: All Levels” fundraiser for Oct. 3-4.
This first-of-its-kind event will be a decentralized hike-a-thon over the weekend that inspires locals and visitors to explore some of the many incredible trails in Haywood county, from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway and from the Mountains to Sea Trail to the Pisgah National Forest. Hikers will register as individuals or form a team, gather pledges, plan their own hikes and compete with other hikers for prizes such as oldest/youngest hiker, most miles hiked, largest group, highest pledge earners and more.
Guided hikes of different levels will be offered at the event launch on the morning of Oct. 3 to encourage new hikers to join the fun. All levels, abilities, and ages welcome.
The closing celebration and awards presentation will be at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Waynesville’s Frog Level Brewing.
For more information and to register for the challenge, visit eacwnc.org. Questions can be sent to info@eacwnc.org.