2026 Mega Hike at Long Hunter State Park

20th Annual Long Hunter Mega-Hike is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th at Long Hunter State Park. It's that time of year again! The 20th Annual Long Hunter Mega-Hike is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at Long Hunter State Park. As always, the plan is to hike all of the park's trails -- about 26 miles -- in a single day. This year we are getting T-shirts, which are $25 each and can be purchased on our website through October 4, 2026. You can go to https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/X6XWQ7WMX86BY to purchase a shirt . We encourage those who sign up to hike to purchase a T-shirt by October 4 so we have them available the day of the hike. Due to parking and other considerations, the event is limited to the first 40 who sign up.) Participants should meet at the Couchville Lake parking lot (in Area 2) at 6:45 a.m. and be prepared to hit the trails at 7 a.m. sharp. The plan is to complete the hike by sunset, but there's always a chance we could still be out on the trails after dark. So participants might want to bring a light source. If you're unable to hike all 26 miles (or just aren't interested in hiking that many miles), no worries -- you can stop whenever you want. Some people hike only a mile or two with us. The main objective is to have fun while enjoying the fall colors and variety of habitats that Long Hunter has to offer -- whether you hike just two miles or all 26. Different segments of the hike will be led by various members of the Friends of Long Hunter State Park. Those who complete the hike will receive a medal. Remember to bring lunch and snacks and plenty of water -- and perhaps extra socks and clothes. Wool socks are really helpful! Since Long Hunter's trails are spread out and many of them do not intersect, participants will return to their cars several times in order to drive to different areas of the park. In other words you won't need to carry a heavy backpack around with you; you can leave extra food and clothes in your vehicle and get them later if you wish. You'll also have access to park restrooms at a couple of different locations.As for the weather, the hike will take place regardless of the temperature. However, if it's raining or if the weather looks threatening, the event might be postponed since attempting to hike 26 miles in the rain might prove to be difficult -- and probably not much fun. The plan is to hike the trails in the same order as recent years: Couchville Lake Arboretum Trail, Nature Loop, Inland Trail, Bluff Trail, Deer Trail, Group Camp Trail, Day Loop, Volunteer Trail, Couchville Glade Trail, Jones Mill Trail, Point Trail, Bryant-Grove Trail. The order is subject to change, but the hike will always start at Couchville Lake. No pets, please. Kids are welcome. Meeting Time: 6:45 AM. Meeting Place: Couchville Lake parking lot. Hike Distance: up to 26 miles. Estimated Hike Time: Plan on about 12 hours if you decide to hike the entire 26 miles. Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous (depending on how far you choose to hike!) Hike Leaders: Bob Phelps and members of the Friends of Long Hunter State Park. Those who complete the hike will receive a medal.