Annual Trails Challenge Opens for East Bay Residents

EAST BAY, CA -- A trails challenge that gives hikers the chance to earn a free commemorative pin for their efforts is underway in the East Bay, East Bay Regional Park District officials said.

Hikers can earn the commemorative pin by completing a minimum of 26.2 miles of trails or by hiking five trails in the park district, according to district officials.

The 24th annual Trails Challenge, which began Jan. 1 and ends Dec. 1, is run on the honor system and is free to East Bay residents. It is self-guided and self-paced, and registration isn't required.

Participants can go to www.ebparks.org to get a PDF copy of this year's trail book or the books are available at participating park district visitor centers. Free T-shirts are also available at participating centers
while supplies last.

Those interested can go to ebparks.org or call (888) EBPARKS and choose option 2 for a list of the participating visitor centers for T-shirts and guidebooks.

Participants turn in a logbook to show they have completed the challenge and are eligible for a pin, which also available while supplies last, district officials said.

Trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging. The guidebook lists 20 trails that district officials want to highlight this year, making it easier to pick out a trail that's best suits each hiker.

Most trails are open to hikers with dogs, according to park district officials, with icons in the guidebook indicating whether hikers can bring dogs along.

Six of the highlighted trails are accessible to wheelchair users.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock