Hiker Challenge
343 Miles. 11 Months. 1 Epic Adventure.
What is the Hiker Challenge?
Take 343 miles, the current length of the Trace, divide those miles by 12, and then walk that distance once a month and you have the Challenge. The goal is to hike the entire Trace from end to end over 1 year. Each month, multiple opportunities are planned for you to join a team of like-minded adventurers on a Saturday and Sunday hike of the Trace. To keep the miles at a level everyone can complete and find somewhat enjoyable, we have added one more hike to make it 12 hikes over 11 months.
Saturday shuttle meet up times are usually early in the morning so we encourage participants more than 3 hours away from the shuttle pick up point to consider coming in on Friday night and grabbing a local hotel, campground, or spot in the woods to avoid a long drive before dawn. On the first Saturday in December, we all come together at the Gathering to share some stories and celebrate those who have completed through the Challenge or section / thruhiked the Trace and become End to Enders.
The history of the Hiker Challenge dates back to the earlier years of the STA. During a weekend hike out to Furnace Arch, south of Clear Creek, Steve Barbour, Executive Director of the STA, and members Dave Dummer and Mike Campbell from Morehead were forced to stop at the Arch to get out of the pouring rain. While sitting around that evening, Dave Dummer mentioned the idea of hiking a piece of the Trace, one weekend a month for 11 months and calling it the Hiker Challenge. The rest is history.
Over 650 participants have completed the Challenge. Enthusiasm is still strong as each January a fresh group of backpackers (and a few who have already completed the Challenge) arrives at the starting point.
The 2026 Hiker Challenge
Registration for the 2026 Hiker Challenge is closed. In 2026 we are hiking North to South, starting at the Northern Terminus above Morehead, KY.
If you would like to join as a hiker of certain sections or a one-time hiker, this is allowed with registration. Talk to the Challenge Director for more information.
2026 Participation Costs
Pre-Hiker Challenge Registration Membership Fee: $35
Monthly 2 or 3 -Day Weekend: $50 (Per Weekend)
1-Day Only: $25 (Per Day)
The Hiker Challenge offers shuttle services for every hike along with an occasional support vehicle. The $50 weekend fee covers the shuttle costs and additional support services provided.
Between January and April, STA volunteers assist hikers with a "5-pound-drop" to lighten pack weight in months where packs are heavier.
STA volunteers provide instructions for each section as we hike along the trail. We offer a 2-day (Saturday-Sunday) one night hike and a 3-day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) 2-night hike with shorter mileage each day. Along with these services, the hiker challenge offers the opportunity to meet like-minded backpackers and make new friends.
Registration is completed through an online form. If you prefer to register an alternate way, or send payments using an alternate method, please contact Steve Barbour at (606)308-0625.
Required Orientation Sessions
To have your questions answered, meet fellow participants, and improve the odds of completing the challenge, we have set up orientation sessions at multiple locations across the region. We also offer online sessions. Waivers are available for past end-to-end hikers and those with extensive backpacking experience, which can be requested by marking “Request a Waiver” on the Registration form.
Orientation sessions are open to everyone including registered participants and those looking for more information before making a decision. Sessions are in person and via Google Meet.
Orientation Schedule for 2026 Hiker Challenge:
Louisville, KY: Quest Outdoor Store - January 6, 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30. 4600 Shelbyville Rd. Suite 133 Louisville Ky 40207
Lexington, KY: J & H Lexington - Monday, January 5, 2026, 5:30 to 7:00. 189 Moore Drive, Lexington, 40503
Cincinnati, OH Area: Roads Rivers and Trails - January 2, 2026, 7:00 to 9:00. 118 Main Street, Milford, OH. *This orientation is specifically sponsored by Darn Tough socks. Dubbed “Pint Night with the STA,” 2026 challenge participants will get a special gift from Darn Tough! To benefit from the fundraising portion of the night’s event, you must register. Registration for this event includes a free pair of Darn Tough merino socks, a raffle entry, drinks, and snacks. You'll also have access to exclusive discounts of 20% off UL equipment in store (same day only). Registration also gives participants a free entry to win a 12 pairs of Darn Tough "Guaranteed for Life" socks (a value of over $250). Register HERE for Pint Night with the STA!
Online: Google Meet - Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Link will be posted to Facebook Hiker Challenge page and sent in email to registrants.
Online: Google Meet - Tuesday, January 13, 2026 from 7:30 to 8:30 PM. Link will be posted to Facebook Hiker Challenge page and sent in email to registrants.
*All times are in Eastern Time.
Registered? Next Steps!
Click the button below to review, download, print, and email or mail the Release of Liability / Media Release to director@sheltoweetrace.org or mail to Sheltowee Trace Association, P.O. Box 6530, Florence KY 41042.
Review the Gear List example. This list will help you prepare for your weekends on the Trace. Pay close attention to the required gear for the winter months. You do not have to send this list in or turn it in. It is for your use.
Send, by text, or email your picture to Steve, the Challenge Coordinator, at 606. 308.0625 with your name. Email is director@sheltoweetrace.org. This will help him and other Challenge leaders to begin to put names to faces. A serious task when we have a large number of registrants.
Visit our online store and purchase the guidebook, a set of maps and/or the FarOut mapping app (the official mapping app of the STA).
Pick an Orientation session (Required). You have a greater chance of completing the Challenge if you attend an Orientation session. They are set up across the region, some in-person, some online through Google Meet.
Take a moment and review the STA Code of Conduct. The Code describes our expectations of participants and what you should expect from us. If you have questions, please let us know.
This is an STA member program, so your $35.00 fee is for your membership. This is a requirement of our insurance provider, and we think it is valuable to you and us. If you are not comfortable with paying online, click pay by check and send your check in to STA P.O. Box 6530, Florence, KY 41022.
The month-to-month schedule is available for download HERE. Remember we are hiking once a month for 11 months covering the 343 miles. Schedule is subject to change based on participation, weather related closings or adjustments.
If you have questions now, feel free to contact us by text, email, or give us a call. We have a separate page just for the Hiker Challenge program on Facebook. Link STA Hiker Challenge.
Links and Paperwork
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 ALL TEAMS , 2 - Day and 3-day Monthly Hike Schedule Updated 14 Nov 2025. Ale 8 is the official soft drink of the Hiker Challenge. We thank them for their support.
Waiver - Release of Liability
Gear Checklist
Code of Conduct
Natural Bridge State Park - Overnight Parking Permit
Leave No Trace: The Sheltowee Trace Association supports Leave No Trace principles, including minimizing the environmental impact of travel and camping, disposing of waste properly or packing it out, leaving natural objects as you find them, using stoves for cooking, limiting campfires to a single small campfire where permitted, respecting wildlife, storing food and garbage securely and being courteous to other visitors. Please do your part and help us keep the Trace, open, accessible, and free of debris and litter. Thanks
Planning for the 2026 Hiker Challenge
What can you do to prepare for 2026? First look at your gear and compare what you have with the Gear Checklist provided here. Backpacking gear can be expensive. Don't scrimp if at all possible. What you purchase must fit, must hold your gear, must last for 11 months or 22 days in the snow, freezing cold, extreme heat, and lots of wet conditions. Most importantly, think about how you can reduce, reduce your total pack weight. If you are purchasing gear, we encourage you to visit a local Outfitter and try things on. In Lexington, we recommend J&H Outfitters. In Cincinnati, we recommend Roads, Rivers, and Trails in Milford and REI. In Louisville we recommend Quest or REI. Most of the big box stores will not have a variety of items. If you prefer to purchase online, there are many sites with excellent gear direct from the manufacturer.
Beyond gear, start walking. Just a little each week or each day will get you ready. If you have never carried a pack with weight, start with small amounts of weight and build. Build miles without pack and miles with the pack. If you can and we have space, sign up for one day of hiking with one of the Teams in the 2026 Challenge.
Ask for advice on our Facebook pages or other hiking groups. Hundreds of our fans and friends can give you good solid advice and may even have some gear you can try out before you buy.