Third Annual Western New York Urban Hike Challenge

The third annual Western New York Urban Treks Challenge – organized by Outside Chronicles and the Black Rock Riverside Alliance (BRRAlliance) – has officially launched. The Challenge was initially created to inspire more people to enjoy local parks and trails, while staying healthy by engaging with their natural surroundings.

Not only does a walk in the park clear your head and get your blood flowing, but this particular challenge is also informative. Participants learn about the history of the parks, while identifying flora and fauna along the way.

What is included in the challenge

• Challenge Pack – a PDF with information to get you started, park descriptions, trailhead coordinates, maps, checklists, and more.
• Digital cards – each location has a digital map that you can import into the easy-to-use Avenza maps app.
• NEW Challenge app – new in 2024 is an application to track your progress; The app works on iPhone, Android, or in a web browser.
• Private Facebook group – participants can join a private challenge Facebook group to ask questions, share photos, and meet other hikers.
• Improved physical and mental well-being – it’s a proven fact: getting out into nature improves your physical and mental fitness.
• Give back – a large portion of your challenge registration fee will be donated to organizations doing incredible work in WNY.

Give back

According to the BRRAlliance, The WNY Urban Treks Challenge donates 100% of profits to organizations that promote outdoor stewardship, protect the lands we use for recreation, or provide outdoor education for all. All profits from trekker registrations will be donated to the Black Rock Riverside Alliance.

The BRRAlliance created this challenge for all the right reasons, including to improve the health of participants as well as the planet. By being in harmony with our natural environment, we are better equipped to care for nature. And the best way to do that is to engage in the local parks and trails that dot the WNY landscape.

The WNY Urban Treks Challenge includes 16 hikes, each with a unique landmark. Landmarks include: monuments, bridges and trees. Each park has a highlighted “suggested trail” that takes you past each challenge landmark. This year’s hikes are:

• Black Rock – Riverside Park
• Buffalo State and Richardson Complex
• Cazenovia Park
• Circles and walks
• Darwin Martin House
• Delaware Park (Rumsey Woods)
• Erie Basin Marina
• Forest Lawn Cemetery
• Martin Luther King Park (MLK)
• Niawanda Park
• Ohio Street Parks
• Outer port
• South Park
• Symphony Circle
• Tifft Nature Reserve
• Unity Island

Challenge Rules

This year’s challenge offers 16 hikes. Hikers must win 150 points to receive a finishing patch, sticker and bragging rights.