Great Trails State Day 2026 – Can We Reach 2,026 Miles?
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Valdese Lakeside Park
2,026 miles. One day. One community. We need YOUR help!
For three years, the Valdese community has come together on Great Trails State Day to hike, bike, walk, run, and paddle thousands of miles at Valdese Lakeside Park. Every year, we’ve set a goal. And every year, we’ve beaten it!
But this year might be our toughest challenge yet.
Our goal is to collectively travel 2,026 miles in a single day on Saturday, October 17. Last year, we reached 2,086 miles, so we know it’s possible. But we need everyone to pitch in!
Whether you walk one mile, hike five, bike ten, or paddle across the lake, every mile counts. Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us keep the streak alive!
How to Participate
It’s simple, and it’s FREE!
- Come to Valdese Lakeside Park on Saturday, October 17.
- Walk, run, hike, bike, or paddle as many miles as you’d like.
- Before you leave, stop by our event tent and tell us how many miles you completed.
- We’ll add your miles to our community total!
Every mile matters, and every participant helps us get closer to 2,026!
Free Food, Fun, and Giveaways!
We’ll be celebrating all day with refreshments and activities for the whole family.
Free while supplies last:
- 7:30 AM – Coffee and Donuts
- 11:00 AM – Hot Dogs
- 4:00 PM – Pizza
Throughout the day, enjoy free stickers, magnets, crafts for kids, water, snacks, and more, while supplies last.
Come early, stay late, or stop by whenever you can. Enjoy the trails, the lake, and a great day outdoors with friends and neighbors.
Our Great Trails State Day History
It all started in 2023, when North Carolina celebrated the Year of the Trail. Friends of the Valdese Rec challenged our community to collectively travel 1,000 miles in one day at Valdese Lakeside Park.
We had no idea how many people would participate. By the end of the day, 509 people and 70 dogs had helped us reach an amazing 1,526 miles!
That first celebration started a tradition that has continued to grow.
| Year | Our Goal | Miles Completed |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,000 | 1,526 |
| 2024 | 2,000 | 2,056 |
| 2025 | 2,025 | 2,086 |
| 2026 | 2,026 | ???? |
Three years. Three goals exceeded. 5,668 miles traveled together!
Can we make it four years in a row?
Read about our previous celebrations:
- 2023 – The Original 1,000 Mile Challenge
- 2024 – Great Trails State Day, 2,000 Mile Challenge
- 2025 – Great Trails State Day Challenge Met!
Celebrating North Carolina’s Great Trails State
Great Trails State Day began in 2023 as part of North Carolina’s Year of the Trail celebration. In 2024, the North Carolina General Assembly officially designated the third Saturday in October as Great Trails State Day, recognizing the importance of trails to recreation, health, tourism, and communities throughout our state.
At Valdese Lakeside Park, we’re fortunate to have trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking, and access to Lake Rhodhiss for paddling. It’s the perfect place to celebrate all the ways trails bring people together.
Join Us on October 17!
Valdese Lakeside Park
1149 Lake Rhodhiss Drive
Valdese, NC
This event is hosted by Friends of the Valdese Rec and Burke River Trail Association with the support of our partner, the Town of Valdese Parks and Recreation Department.
There is no registration fee, no minimum distance, and no pressure to do anything except get outside and enjoy the day.
We made it to 1,526. Then 2,056. Then 2,086.
Will 2026 be the year we keep our winning streak alive?
Come help us find out!