What is the Berks Trail Challenge?
The purpose of the Berks Trail Challenge is to promote a free form of exercise for residents of our community. The challenge encourages individuals, groups, and/or clubs to explore various trails and parks throughout Berks County and enjoy mindful leisure activities.
The 2025 Berks Trail Challenge has officially started! The Challenge is open to residents of all ages and abilities and will take place May 1 through October 31.
Register Here!
Note to Tower Health employees: Please use your work email when registering.
Trail Challenge Card (Coming Soon!)
Print your Berks Trail Challenge card to get started! Submit your completed Berks Trail Challenge Card by Friday, November 7, to be entered to win a prize! 40 winners in total will be selected at random and notified by Friday, November 14, to coordinate prize pick-up.
| Trails Completed | Prize Level Entries |
|---|---|
| Four out of the eight trails | Level one prize entry |
| All six trails and two trails of your choice | Level two prize entry |
No Littering
Please remember to leave our trails better than you found them! Throw away any trash in the proper receptacle or take it with you when you leave.
Participating Trails
| Trail | Difficulty | Terrain | Distance | Trail Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Lands - Green Hills Preserve | Easy | Natural pathway | 2.8 miles | Out & back trail | 553 Gunhart Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 |
| Berks County Parks - Union Canal Trail | Moderate | Flat crushed gravel stone trail | 4.5 miles | Out & back trail | 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, PA 19605 |
Gates open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Easy | Maintained crushed stone trail | 1.2 miles | Loop trail | 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 |
| Blue Marsh Lake - Tulpehocken Creek Loop | Moderate | Packed earth surface |
2.2 miles
| Loop trail | 1230 Palisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533 |
Wyomissing Creek Trail / Reading Public Museum Arboretum Please be mindful of public events that may be taking place. | Easy | Paved surface | 1218 Parkside Drive S., Reading, PA 19611 | ||
| Nolde Forest - Watershed Trail | Moderate | Natural pathway and bridge |
2.2 miles
| Out & back trail | 10 Sawmill Lane, Reading, PA 19607 |
Guided Hikes Schedule
Want to explore a trail but don’t want to go alone? Join our scheduled guided hiking tours lead by experienced hike leaders! All guided hikes will be offered in English and Spanish.
| Trail | Date | Time | Hike Leaders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Boone Homestead | September 27 | 9 a.m. | Becky Hughes |
| Blue Marsh Lake - Tulpehocken Creek Loop | August 23 | 9 a.m. | Kirsten Bell |
| Wyomissing Creek Trail / Reading Public Museum Arboretum | July 12 | 9 a.m. | Rebecca Kunkel |
| Berks County Parks - Union Canal Trail | May 24 | 9 a.m. | Lisa Guaker |
| Natural Lands - Green Hills Preserve | June 7 | 9 a.m. | Erin Smith and Lisa Guaker |
| Nolde Forest - Watershed Trail | October 5 | 2 p.m. | Sarah Presogna and Rebekah Sheeler |
Guided hikes are hosted by members of:
More Trails to Explore!
Looking to explore more trails than what the challenge laid out? Check out the trails below!
*Disclaimer some information may not be up to date .
Berks Trail Challenge FAQs
- Do my ‘free spaces’ have to be in Berks County?
No; while Berks County has plenty of parks, trails, and historic sites to explore, your free spaces can occur in other counties or even states.
- When is the deadline to submit my completed trail card?
Submit your completed Berks Trail Challenge Card by Friday, November 7, to be entered to win a prize!
- When will I get my prize?
40 winners in total will be selected at random and notified by Friday, November 14, to coordinate pick up of their prize.
- What are the prizes?
The prizes will be announced at the end of the challenge. Past prizes included insulated water bottles, hammocks, sling bags, electric fans, and bento boxes!
- What do the prize levels mean?
Complete four out of the eight trails, and you will be entered to win a level one prize.
Complete all six trails and two trails of your choice to be entered to win a level two prize!
- How can I keep up to date with information?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign-up for a monthly email by emailing CommmunityWellness@towerhealth.org.
- What do the symbols look like?
Each park or trail has its own unique animal symbol. While the symbol and color will vary, the symbols all have the same format.
- I have a question that isn’t answered on this page. What should I do?
Please email CommunityWellness@towerhealth.org. We are happy to answer any questions!
Berks Trail Challenge Safety Tips
- Check trail conditions before leaving. Look for alerts on the trail’s webpage or social media accounts.
- Leave a note or send a text. Let someone know where you are going and how long you plan to be gone.
- Know your path. Take a map or save a picture of your route to your phone.
- Ensure your phone is charged before going on your hike.
- Bring plenty of water.
- Stay alert. Keep any music on low (or an earbud out) to hear your surroundings and be mindful of other trail users.
- Wear the right gear. Wear supportive shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, etc.
- Check the weather forecast for the duration of your activity.
More Tips & Tricks
- Take a picture of the name of the park, trail symbol, and trail name; text or email it to yourself.
- Keep your Trail Challenge card in your car to easily log the trail symbol.
- Schedule your trail visits in advance; this will help ensure you have plenty of time to complete the Challenge!
- Make it a day trip! If a trail or park isn’t close by, try making your adventure into a day of fun by finding restaurants or other activities nearby. You could even pack a picnic!
- Enroll your friends, family, or co-workers to join the fun.
- Set reminders to get out and go!