North Carolina State Parks challenges all residents and visitors to join the 100-Mile Challenge, a health and wellness program that encourages citizens to complete 100 miles of hiking, biking, walking, running, paddling, skating, rolling their wheelchairs or riding their horses within the state.
The program, first launched in Fall 2016, aims to showcase the state's naturally wonderful trails and waterways, including nearly 1,500 miles of hiking trails across the state, including over 660 established miles of the Mountains to Sea State Trail.
So far, nearly 5,000 people have signed up for the challenge. Recreational activities on state trails and in state parks range from common pastimes like hiking, paddling and biking to horseback riding, swimming and birding. The 100 Mile Challenge offers a new way to set goals for exercise outdoors for a broad range of activities.
“This program connects North Carolina’s state trails and state parks to the goals and activities of our citizens and visitors,” State Parks Director Mike Murphy said. “Setting goals and getting outdoors to experience the best of North Carolina’s natural environment brings people together while improving their health and establishing good habits. I’m thrilled to see our parks and trails enjoyed this way.”
This year, North Carolina State Parks will feature the challenge at the North Carolina State Fair, where visitors can experience exploring state parks virtually. The 100-Mile Challenge is funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and managed by North Carolina State Parks.
Outdoor enthusiasts and beginners alike are encouraged to sign up for the program at nc100miles.org. Users can keep track of their miles as they progress toward the 100-mile goal and earn digital badges along the way as they explore state parks, participate in events and reach mileage targets. Participants can also earn prizes at 100, 200 and 1,000 miles logged. More information of the challenge is available at nc100miles.org.
About North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina State Parks manages more than 232,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.