The Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance (CGTA) is a new Non-Profit organization with a mission of working to bring together trail organizations, parks, local communities and volunteers to coordinate, promote, educate and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the area surrounding the Cumberland Gap. As a way to spread the word about who we are and promote fitness in the outdoors, we decided to host a Hike-A-Thon leading up to the Tri State Outdoor Fest.

CGTA Hike-a-Thon is an opportunity for everyone who loves the outdoors to support the trails they love while they hike. Whether you’re a thru-hiker, weekend warrior or find joy outside in your own neighborhood, Hike-a-Thon is a fun way to meet fellow trail enthusiasts while raising funds for CGTA. The goal is to hike a marathon, 26.2 miles at your own pace on the trails you love. You can form a team or participate as an individual.

While you're out hiking, your friends, family and coworkers can sponsor you to raise funds for our cause. Supporting the CGTA Hike-a-Thon is a meaningful way to contribute to the sustainability and enhancement of local trails and parks. By raising funds, you directly support trail maintenance, environmental conservation, and outdoor education programs, promoting a healthier lifestyle and fostering community engagement. Your efforts help expand and improve trail opportunities, making outdoor recreation more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Additionally, fundraising supports initiatives to preserve the natural beauty of the Cumberland Gap area, ensuring its protection for future generations. Participating in the Hike-a-Thon allows you to create lasting memories with fellow hikers, inspire younger generations, and take on a rewarding personal challenge. Ultimately, your involvement strengthens the bond between local communities, parks, and trail organizations, making a positive impact on both the environment and the community

Registration Opens June 10st!
Personalize your fundraising page and collect donations in support of trails
Hike between June 20th and July 20th
Share your trail stories and connect with other hiking enthusiasts in the CGTA Hike-A-Thon Facebook Group
Hikers will be recognized at the Tri-State Outdoor Fest on July 20th in Cumberland Gap!

We will be recognizing the following achievements as they are reached:

Most Miles Hiked by an Individual
Most Miles Hiked by a Team
Most Elevation Gained by an Individual

HOW IT WORKS

Register starting on June 10.

Personalize your fundraising page and collect donations in support of trails.

Hike between June 1 and July 20

Log your miles on the Mileage Log Form

Share your trail stories and tag #CGTA & #TSOF

Win prizes and celebrate your achievements.

WHAT IS HIKE-A-THON?

Hike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event where hikers have an opportunity to support CGTA and celebrate their love of being outdoors. In the month leading up to the Tri-State Outdoor Fest, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures and raise funds that directly support trails in the Cumberland Gap region.

After registering, participants set up and customize their own fundraising webpage (provided by CGTA) and share the page with friends, family or anyone else wanting to support trails in the region. Participants can raise one time donations or receive donations per mile or per hike.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Registration for this year's Hike-a-Thon opens June 10! Hike-a-Thoners can participate as individuals or as a team. Hike-A-Thon Registration Page

IS THERE A REGISTRATION FEE?

No! Registering for Hike-a-Thon is free.

Once you raise $25, you will receive a 2024 Hike-a-Thon t-shirt. You are welcome to get your fundraising started by donating $25 yourself. Hike-a-Thon shirts are available in women's, men's, and youth sizing. All shirts have a crewneck neckline.

WHAT PRIZES CAN I WIN?

Prizes are awarded to leaders in different categories — such as number of miles hiked, amount of money raised, and number of trips reported on WTA’s Hiking Guide. Check back soon for a list of this year's prize categories and prizes.

WHO CAN HIKE FOR HIKE-A-THON?

Anyone who loves to hike can participate in Hike-a-Thon! There are no age restrictions.

CAN I HIKE AS PART OF A TEAM?

Yes. Teams of two to ten members are allowed. You’ll create a personal webpage for your entire team which displays your team's fundraising goal. When you register, follow the directions to create a team.

If you would like to hike as a family, simply register your family members as a team.

DO I NEED TO HIKE ON NAMED TRAILS IN ORDER TO LOG HIKING MILES?

No. To promote the many different ways hikers connect with nature, Hike-a-Thon miles do not need to be on a named trail.

Do I have to hike in the Cumberland Gap Region?

If you can make it to our region's trails please do! If not, any mile hiked anywhere in the world can count as a Hike-a-Thon mile.

WILL MY PARTICIPATION BE MATCHED BY MY EMPLOYER?

Many companies will match participation in cause-related events. Check with your employer’s HR department. Some companies, such as Microsoft, will match your hours spent towards your Hike-a-Thon campaign. If so, the donations made on your behalf by your company will count towards your Hike-a-Thon fundraising goal. If your company would like to participate, please contact us!

CAN MY COMPANY SPONSOR HIKE-A-THON?

Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are always available for any business that wants to support the event. Contact us for more information.

HAVE A QUESTION NOT ANSWERED HERE?

We'd love to hear from you. Email us at GCTA-Hike-A-Thon@cumberlandgaptrailalliance.org

CGTA - Hike-A-Thon

By Cumberland Gap Trail Alliance

CGTA - Hike-A-Thon

Hike into the Tri-State Outdoor Fest!