I discovered the Trail Challenge a few years ago. It has been a great way to get outside, explore new places, and appreciate everything nature has to offer. I’ve enjoyed getting to explore those Metroparks that are further from home. Each trail brings something different—from peaceful wooded paths and open fields to beautiful lakes and rivers. There’s something reinvigorating about slowing down, getting some fresh air, and forgetting about all the stressors in my life.

One of my favorite parts is seeing the wildlife along the way. You never quite know what you might come across—a deer peeking out of the brush, birds singing overhead, turtles warming themselves on a branch, and the fish that follow along as you walk around a pond. The Trail Challenge makes getting outdoors feel like an adventure while also reminding me how much beauty and wildlife are right here in my own community. -Lisa