Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness launches Hike-a-Day-May challenge

By Reader Staff

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness has launched Hike-a-Day-May, a monthlong walking challenge intended to foster community and get people outside. Participants register and log their walks online, hoping to become “Hike-a-Day-May royalty.”

“After a long, dark winter, we could all use a little fresh air and a reset,” stated FSPW Programs Manager Savannah Willison. “Hike-a-Day-May is about building healthy habits, reconnecting with nature, getting our trail legs ready for a long summer of hiking and trail stewardship, and having fun outdoors together.”

Participants can track their hikes throughout May by visiting the Hike-a-Day-May tab on scotchmanpeaks.org. Registration will remain open for the entire month. At the end of May, the person who hiked the most days will earn the title of “Hike-a-Day-May Royalty” and be featured in FSPW’s newsletter and on its website.

“Whether it’s a short evening jaunt, a weekend summit, a trail run or a stroll with friends, every hike counts as long as it’s on a trail,” wrote organizers.

Participants can also join free FSPW hikes to rack up hours on the trail with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Events include the Wildflower ID Hike in Kootenai Falls, Mont., on Tuesday, May 12; Swamp Creek Fire History Hike in Trout Creek, Mont., on Sunday, May 17; and Big Spar Trail Hike in Montana on Saturday, May 23.

FSPW will celebrate the end of the challenge in the first week of June with a National Trails Day celebration at Utara Brewing Co. (214 Pine St.), with a date and time to be announced.