Winter Hiking Challenge gets started Jan. 15

It’s winter 2024, and that means time for Local Roots Market and Cafe to once again tell everyone to take a hike by joining the annual Winter Hiking Challenge.

The challenge started several years ago as part of a Healthy Living Series in conjunction with Wooster Memorial Park and other area organizations as a way to encourage people to get outside in the winter and explore the park.

The next year Emily Speelman, a Local Roots producer and Hiking Challenge coordinator, took the lead and included other area parks. Last year the event expanded further, and additional activities and prizes were added. The number of participants has grown each year, and the 2023 challenge brought 134 participants out to the parks.

The challenge invites residents to get outside in the colder months and get to know all the many area parks.

“In the cold winter months, it’s sometimes hard to find the motivation to get outdoors,” Speelman said. “The Hiking Challenge strives to inspire people to stay active, even when it’s cold. As the old adage goes, ‘There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.’ By dressing for the season and taking along a hiking pole, hiking in the winter can be a wonderful experience.”

Hiking Challenge participants hike at least six of the eight local parks between Jan. 15 and March 11. Parks include Barnes Preserve, Brown’s Lake Bog, East Union Township, Kinney Field, Sippo Valley Trail R2T, William J. Robertson NP, Wooster Memorial Park and a hiker’s choice of any area park.

Upon completion of the hikes, individuals turn in their completed form to Local Roots. Anyone completing the challenge also is entered into a raffle drawing. By completing bonus activities, additional raffle entries may be earned.

Bonus activities include picking up trash while hiking, hiking in the snow, joining a group hike, sledding, taking a yoga class, going on a bike ride, joining a group run and taking photos that tag Local Roots when a hike is completed.

There will be a celebratory group hike at the end of the challenge on March 10.

Kate Frichtl, community engagement coordinator at Local Roots, said one of the many facets of the market is to build community through sharing a passion for local food, artisan goods and wellness.

“When folks are in our market, it is a similar vibe to an outdoor farmers market where people tend to be more social and engaging,” she said. “Inevitably, connections are made through simple conversations. We love the idea of furthering that connection outside of our walls and into nature.”

The challenge is for everyone of every age and level of fitness.

“Nature is for everybody,” Speelman said. “Take each step at your own pace. It isn’t a competition. We are lucky to have a wide variety of diverse areas for hiking/walking. Many of the parks have shorter paved trails like the Kenwood Trail at Wooster Memorial Park, the short loop at Barnes Preserve, and the Joan and Gene Buehler Trail at Oak Hill. Make it your own hike. Go at your own pace.”

The Hiking Challenge is currently looking for sponsors. Frichtl said, “Sponsors could be hiking enthusiasts as well as local businesses interested in promoting wellness.”

Anyone interested is invited to reach out to Frichtl at kate@localrootswooster.com or 330-263-5336. For questions regarding the challenge, email Frichtl.

A Local Roots $10 gift certificate and specially designed challenge sticker will be awarded to everyone who completes the challenge. Participation forms are available at the market and online at www.localrootswooster.com/waynewinterhikingchallenge.

“I notice while I’m out there hiking to promote the challenge and enjoy it myself, my mood definitely is improved by increasing my time outdoors,” said Annie Yoder, who works in marketing for Local Roots. “While I love the beauty of winter, I, like many, have a hard time getting outside in the winter. This gives me that extra nudge to get out in nature when it’s cold, and I definitely notice the benefits. I feel better every time after my hike.”

So pull on a few warm layers, grab a hiking pole, invite your friends and take a hike.