Challenges

Don't Try This

In our busy lives, it can be hard to find the time to get outdoors.  To give you some extra encouragement, we have created hiking challenges that set out a series of hikes that you can take in our area.  Each challenge enables you to explore local communities or park systems while committing to a program of regular hikes.  Our maps and checklists help you find a hike and keep track of your progress.  Choose a challenge from our list and get going!

Tips for Using Challenges

The Ultimate Challenge - 50 Hikes

With 50 hikes to take, this challenge may take years to complete, but will let you experience the best hikes and parks in our region.  Keep the checklist handy to help you remember the hikes you have done.  If you are just starting out with hiking, do the shorter hikes first.  You can also organize your program by region.  For example, you could decide to do the hikes near Charlottesville first because they are closer to your home.

These hikes resemble those contained in the book "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Richmond", by Philip Riggan. We have chosen 50 of these hikes to serve as your challenge. You can purchase the book (or check it out from the library) to get more information about the hikes. Note that our version of the hike may differ from that of the book, so use our tracks and directions. The book will provide added information about the park and the environs of the hike. Note also that the majority of the hikes are located outside of the core localities of Richmond - be prepared to do some driving.  Once you complete these 50 hikes, you may want to try the others in the book.

Here is an Amazon link for the 60 Hikes book:
See Book

Challenge Map | Challenge Checklist

 

Take it Easy - Best Easy Day Hikes Near Richmond

This challenge is designed to let you sample some of the best hikes in or near Richmond.  While these hikes vary in length, they are all rated Easy to light Moderate in difficulty.  If you are just starting out with hiking, do the shorter hikes first.

These hikes resemble those contained in the book "Best Easy Day Hikes Hikes Richmond Virginia", by Johnny Molloy. We have chosen 16 of these hikes to serve as your challenge. You can purchase the book (or check it out from the library) to get more information about the hikes. Note that our version of the hike may differ from that of the book, so use our tracks and directions. The book will provide added information about the park and the environs of the hike. Once you complete these hikes, you may want to try the others in the book.

Here is an Amazon link for the book:
See Book

Challenge Map | Challenge Checklist

 

Challenge - Nature Tours

Here are twenty hikes that are sure to please nature lovers of all stripes. Each offers an in-depth look at the wildlife in a given park. Together, there are 10 birding hikes, 5 tree tours, and 5 wildflower excursions. Each guided hike provides clues about where to find specific species, together with details about each species.  Use this challenge to build your skills and learn more about the natural treasures in our parks.

Challenge Map | Challenge Checklist

 

More to Come!