Press Release:
Registration is now open for the 11th Annual Montco Trail Challenge, a free and family-friendly way for people of all ages to get outside and explore Montgomery County through its more than 65 miles of trails. From April 25, 2026, to December 7, 2026, residents can visit selected trails and open spaces, track their stops, and earn prizes for completing five, 10, or 15 participating trails.
Montgomery County will host the Montco Trail Challenge kick-off event on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road in Schwenksville. This public event includes free bike helmets for children, activities, light refreshments, and an opportunity to learn about Montgomery County’s historical past.
“We’re building and caring for trails that are free and open for walking, running, and riding—helping people across Montgomery County enjoy nature close to home,” said Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “The Montco Trail Challenge invites all residents, and especially first-timers, to get outside, explore new places, and connect with their communities.”
Last year, more than 1,700 people—from infants to seniors—took part in the Trail Challenge, along with over 300 dogs. Many tried a new park or trail, learned something new about their community, or were inspired to be more active by walking, biking, or running.
“Montgomery County has one of best networks of 100 miles of well-maintained trails in the country, and they attract millions of visitors every year,” said Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner. “That kind of impact comes from sustained investment in public spaces. The Montco Trail Challenge is a great way for people to experience firsthand why our trails are some of our greatest shared resources.”
This year’s Trail Challenge adds four historic sites:
- John James Audubon Center, Audubon
- Pennypacker Mills, Schwenksville
- Peter Wentz Farmstead, Lansdale
- Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown
“This Challenge helps residents discover the beauty and history right in their own neighborhoods, and to encourage people to explore new places,” said Thomas DiBello, Montgomery County Commissioner. “And adding some of the County’s historic sites to the challenge is a great way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary too. Whether you’ve visited a trail before or not, it’s easy to sign up and you could win a prize for doing something fun and healthy as the same time.”
How to Join the Montco Trail Challenge
- Register online and download a Trail Challenge card.
- Visit as many parks and trails as you can between April 25 and December 7. A full list of trails and a map for the 2025 Montco Trail Challenge is available here.
- Find and record the trail’s unique symbol to show you were there.
- Submit completed cards online or drop it off at one of the five County drop boxes by December 5, 2025.
- Earn prizes based on the number of trails you complete. Awards will be mailed in December.
Flyers for the kick-off event are available in English and Spanish. Participants are invited to share photos and encourage others using the hashtag #MontcoTrailChallenge.
The Montco Trail Challenge is a partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health, Planning Commission, Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, and the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. It is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Community Traffic Safety Project (CTSP) Grant.
About Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites
Montgomery County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites offer wonderful opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy various natural resources, participate in educational and recreational opportunities, and appreciate our historic past. Whether you are a bike enthusiast, a lover of antiques, or just want a quiet space for a family picnic, there is something for you throughout our facilities.
Montgomery County owns and/or manages more than 6,000 acres of open space, which includes nine parks, five historic sites, and over 65 miles of regional trails. These areas include over 125 historic and non-historic structures, playgrounds, a fish ladder, a working historic canal lock, a wildlife center, and an archives/artifact collection of over 53,000 pieces. Our parks, trails, and historic sites combined are enjoyed by over 3 million visitors each year. Park lands include fishing opportunities, environmental education programs, hiking, boat rentals, pavilions, and more. To learn more, click here.
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