Rabun hikers gearing up for Second Annual Trailblaze Challenge

Hikers who want to hike to make a difference should pay special notice to the upcoming Trailblaze Challenge which will be taking place this weekend on the Bartram Trail.

The Trailblaze Challenge is an endurance event where participants tackle 17 miles of North Georgia’s Bartram Trail in one life-changing day. This is a hike, not a race, catering to all levels from novice to advanced outdoor enthusiasts. As well as being an extraordinary physical test, participants are also challenged to raise much-needed funds to grant the wishes of children in Georgia with critical illnesses.

According to Rachel Hoch, this will be Make-A-Wish’s second annual hike.

“This will be our second annual Trailblaze Challenge. We had our first one back in September of last year. We had a great turnout, we had about 50 hikers participate. We raised a little over $146,000,” she said. “We fell in love with Rabun County and Clayton so we decided to make it an annual event. From now on, the Trailblaze Challenge will be taking place every April.”

Hoch said the goal behind the Trailblaze Challenge is not just for hikers to push their endurance to the limits but to also raise funds and help grant local wishes for Make-A-Wish children who are battling life-threatening medical conditions.

“What that looks like is if anyone would like to register, there is a fundraising minimum that they would have to reach, $2,500. Meaning that all of their accommodations, food, and transportation would be taken care of on the trail,” Hoch said.

Hoch emphasized that the Trailblaze Challenge isn’t reserved for just avid hikers, but for anyone who has a passion for fitness, helping out our local community, or shares the love for the great outdoors.

If you are interested in learning more about the Trailblaze Challenge, email Rachel Hoch at [email protected].