What is the Berks Trail Challenge?
The purpose of the Berks Trail Challenge is to promote a free form of exercise for residents of all ages and abilities in our community. The challenge encourages individuals, groups, and clubs to explore various trails and parks throughout Berks County and enjoy mindful leisure activities.
The 2026 Berks Trail Challenge takes place May 1 through October 31, 2026. Register below and print your Berks Trail Challenge Card to get started!
Challenge Prizes
Submit your challenge card with all six completed trails by November 6 to be entered to win a prize.
40 winners will be selected and notified by November 13 to pick up their prize.
Register Here!
Note to Tower Health employees: Please use your work email when registering.
Download Your Trail Challenge Card
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reading Public Museum Arboretum Please be mindful of public events that may be taking place | Easy | Paved surface | 1.2 miles | Loop trail | 500 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 Start by the planetarium |
| Blue Marsh Lake - Tulpehocken Creek Loop | Moderate | Packed earth surface |
2.2 miles
| Loop trail | 1230 Palisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533 |
| Nolde Forest Boulevard to Rock Outcrop | Moderate | Crushed gravel stone, hills with Incline |
2.2 miles
| Out & back trail | 10 Sawmill Lane, Reading, PA 19607 or Fire Gate #3 at 324 Oregon Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 |
| Berks County Parks - Union Canal Trail | Moderate | Gravel trail | 9.5 miles | Out & back trail | Berks Leisure Area at 1901 Tulpehocken Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610 |
Gates open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Moderate | Crushed stone trail | 1.5 miles | Loop trail | 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 Start at The DeTurk |
| Natural Lands - Green Hills Preserve | Moderate | Varying natural pathways | 3 miles | Loop trail | 553 Gunhart Road, Mohnton, PA 19540 |
Guided Hikes Schedule
Want to explore a trail with others? Join our scheduled guided hiking tours led by experienced hike leaders!
| Trail | Date | Time | Hike Leaders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berks County Parks - Union Canal Trail * | May 23 | 9 a.m. | Lisa Guaker and Nelson Weber |
| Natural Lands - Green Hills Preserve * | June 6 | 9 a.m. | Lisa Guaker, Erin Smith, and Nelson Weber |
| Blue Marsh Lake - Tulpehocken Creek Loop | August 8 | 9 a.m. | Erin Bouchette |
| Daniel Boone Homestead | September 26 | 9 a.m. | Becky Hughes |
| Wyomissing Creek Trail / Reading Public Museum Arboretum | October 3 | 9 a.m. | Rebecca Kunkel |
*Offered in English and Spanish.
Guided hikes are hosted by members of:
More Trails to Explore!
Want to explore more? Check out these other great trails in our area!
- The Historic Dreibelbis Farm
- Monocacy Trail
- Crows Nest
- Hopewell Big Woods
- Schuylkill River Trail
- All Trails and TrailLink websites
Note: Some information on these websites may not be up to date.
Berks Trail Challenge FAQs
- Do my ‘free space’ trails have to be in Berks County?
No. While Berks County has plenty of parks, trails, and historic sites to explore, your extra trails can be from 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 6, to be entered to win a prize!
- When will I get my prize?
Forty winners will be selected at random and notified by Friday, November 13, 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!
- How can I keep up to date with information?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our monthly email by contacting CommmunityWellness@TowerHealth.org.
- What do the symbols look like?
Each park or trail has its own unique animal symbol. The symbol and color will vary, but 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!
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 and Tricks
- Take a picture of the name of the park, trail symbol, and trail name. Then 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!
- Encourage family, friends, or co-workers to join the fun.