For the first time since its inception, our All-Trails Challenge will begin four months earlier, kicking off on May 13 and ending Aug. 28. Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to visit Wissahickon Valley Park, and we decided to take advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures that come with those seasons. (The ATC formerly began in September and ended in November.) 

Since it began in 2016, ATC has raised more than $85,000, and participation continues to increase every year. One of the reasons for the challenge’s popularity is its flexibility; it’s not a race, so you can go at your own pace and on your own schedule. Even if you don’t complete all 50 miles of trails, every little bit helps, whether you cover them on foot, bike or horseback. Repeat participants have told us the ATC gave them incentive to explore new parts of the park and spend more time outdoors, and that they were surprised how quickly they racked up miles and covered more ground than anticipated.

To learn more about ATC, join us for a warm-up event on May 4 from 11 a.m.-noon at Our House Culture Center, 6380 Germantown Ave. You’ll get information about setting up your fundraising page, using tracking and hike apps, scheduled hikes, fun events, our fabulous prizes, and how to raise more money for the park.  

Once again, we are proud to welcome Univest as the lead ATC sponsor, along with our returning early sponsors Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, Kouvenda Media, Wissahickon Brewing Company, Earth Bread + Brewery, and our partners at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. ATC sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting Lorraine Awuku at awuku@fow.org.