Trail Trek Challenge kicks off April 26
April 23, 2026
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Outdoor recreation fans are encouraged to lace up their hiking boots for the 2026 Trail Trek Challenge, a year-long, self-guided hiking program hosted by Mississippi Valley Conservancy. Designed for hikers of all ages and experience levels, the challenge invites participants to explore at least five of 19 scenic trails located on Conservancy-protected nature preserves across Wisconsin’s Driftless Area.
The Trail Trek Challenge will officially launch on Sunday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. during Earth Fair at Myrick Park with a guided marsh walk—one of the qualifying hikes for the challenge—and enjoy a full lineup of Earth Fair’s family-friendly activities running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will join Chuck Lee for this family-friendly hike as he leads the group through the La Crosse Marsh with tales of wildlife, water and the importance of protecting land like the marsh to make a more climate-resilient environment.
Individuals and families can register for the 2026 challenge beginning on April 16 at MississippiValleyConservancy.org/ttc. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email with access to a downloadable Trail Guide & Hike Log. The guide provides trail descriptions, space to track completed hikes, and difficulty ratings. Trail maps and directions are available in the Nature Preserves section of the Conservancy’s website, and many preserves also feature printable treasure hunts for those looking to add a fun twist to their hiking experience.
“The Trail Trek Challenge is a great opportunity for people to get to know the nature preserves protected across nine Driftless Area counties,” said Karen Solverson, Communications Director at Mississippi Valley Conservancy. “We hope this challenge encourages our community to spend more time outdoors and discover how accessible these preserved lands are—free, public, and right in their own backyard.”
In addition to exploring trails independently, participants may attend free, guided educational hikes throughout the year as part of the Conservancy’s Linked to the Land series. These guided outings also count toward the five hikes required to complete the challenge. Participants who submit their completed hike log by April 15, 2027 will receive a commemorative water bottle sticker.
With trails ranging from gentle woodland walks to steep blufftop climbs, the Trail Trek Challenge offers options for a wide variety of abilities and interests. Whether hiking alone or with friends and family, participants can expect stunning views, abundant wildlife, and meaningful connections with the landscapes preserved through conservation efforts.
Sponsors of the 2026–2027 Trail Trek Challenge include Dairyland Power Cooperative, News 8 Now, J.F. Brennan Company, Hawkins Ash CPAs, Organic Valley, Trust Point, People’s Food Cooperative, Altra Financial Advisors, Emplify Health, and Explore La Crosse
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