By 1808Delaware
If you’ve been meaning to spend more time outdoors, this might be the perfect reason. Preservation Parks is inviting everyone to take part in this year’s Step Into Fall Challenge, a seasonal adventure across all of the park system’s nature trails — including two new paths added this year.
The idea is simple: hike every trail in the system before the season ends. You can sign up for free and get a downloadable trail checklist to track your progress, or, for $15, you’ll receive a custom hiking staff and a collectible medallion to mark your accomplishment. Each year brings a new medallion, so repeat challengers can build a visual record of their hikes.
How It Works
Once you register, you’ll receive an email when your hiking staff and medallion are ready for pickup at the Deer Haven Park Visitor Center during open hours. The trail checklist is available immediately after registration, either as a downloadable or fillable PDF.
To join, visit the registration site and follow these steps:
- Create a free account on RecDesk and add everyone in your household who plans to participate.
- Select the Step Into Fall Challenge under “Programs.”
- Opt in for text updates to get alerts about park closures or weather issues. (Blues Creek, for example, may close temporarily after heavy rains.)
- Access the fillable checklist through your RecDesk profile anytime.
Where to Go
Preservation Parks maintains an impressive range of natural areas throughout the county, each with unique scenery and wildlife. You can find the full list of locations and directions on the Parks & Trails page at preservationparks.com.
Registration for the challenge is open now at
https://preservationparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=897.
Whether you’re a casual walker or an all-season hiker, the Step Into Fall Challenge is a great way to explore new trails, revisit favorites, and celebrate Delaware County’s natural beauty—one step at a time.
