Launched in 2008, the Great Pennsylvania Outdoor Challenge builds awareness of the exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities available in Pennsylvania, as well as raises funds for work in state parks and state forests.

Between September 11 and October 11, help the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation to virtually hike, bike, walk, swim, ride, or paddle the approximately 30,000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania.

According the PPFF President Marci Mowery, “We know that not many of us have the time to walk ALL of the 30,000 miles, but collectively and virtually we can. Participants set a personal goal—mine is 350 miles of biking, paddling, walking and hiking—for what they think they can accomplish during the month-long event.”

Participants register their event for a $25 fee and receive a GPOC bandana and an Odwalla bar, and be eligible to win some great prizes. Participants can then step it up a notch and raise funds for their favorite park, forest, friends group, project, or for the Foundation by creating their own personal fundraising webpage.

Partiicpants keep track of their miles by Downloading the mileage tracker—either as a PDF or an Excel spreadsheet—at the PA Parks and Forests Foundation website and start tracking their movement. Anything counts! Walk the dog, bike to do your errands, or head out to one of our parks and forests and paddle, hike, or join a program.

What's on your personal outdoor challenge list?

There is so much to see and do in Pennsylvania that folks will have no trouble finding trails to walk or programs to do. Throughout Pennsylvania, specific Great Pennsylvania Outdoor Challenge events will be taking place. These events are open to anyone.

To kick off the Challenge, join the Foundation on September 12 at 10 a.m.t the trailhead for the Doc Goddard Trail at Willow Park in Camp Hill.

Maurice “Doc” Goddard, known as the father of the Pennsylvania Park System, resided for many years in Camp Hill. To honor his contribution to the growth of the Pennsylvania park system, the challenge begins with a walk on this easy trail that meanders through the borough.

“Now, more than ever, we need to show our support for Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests by not only using them, but by demonstrating our support through action,” says Mowery.

Sponsors include Columbia Gas Of Pennsylvania and Clemens Family Corporation. Prize Donors: REI, Inc, Berry Patch Products, Metro Bank, Odwalla, Pa Parks and Forests Foundation

Proceeds benefit the PA Parks and Forests Foundation and Pennsylvania state parks and forests.