GET OUTSIDE. GET YOUR SELFIE ON. GET FREE STUFF!
Welcome to #10Trail Challenge, a great way to explore the trails of Michiana!
Please fill out a participation form to register for the #10Trail Challenge.
Registration is free, please have one registration per household under one social media handle.
Go out and explore what Michiana has to offer! During the month of July, Chikaming Open Lands is proud to partner with non-profit nature centers, township parks, county parks, the DNR, and local colleges and businesses to bring you 15 nature preserves. You have the option to hike any 10 out the 15 trails that you want. You can find information and directions for each of the preserves by clicking on their names:
1. Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve
6. Edward & Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve
7. Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve
9. Episcopal Church of the Mediator
11. Warren Dunes State Park * parking at Floral Lane Entrance
13. Brown Sanctuary
15. Pilgrim Haven Natural Area
Find selfie station location clues HERE.
We expanded the #10Trail Challenge to include 15 trails in our area. You still have the option to hike any 10 out of the 15 trails that you want. Want to take the challenge even further? Take it to the extreme, the #Extreme15! Hike all 15 trails and you will receive the prize for completing 10 trails and you will be eligible to win a larger #Extreme15 prize in a special drawing!
Once you are out on the trails look for the #10Trail Challenge picture frame selfie stations! Snap a pic and tag us on Facebook or Instagram by typing @chikamingopenlands in the caption. Don't have social media? You can email us the selfies at col@chikamingopenlands.org. COL must receive selfie station pictures for participants to claim prizes. Frames will be out from July 1 to July 31.
*If your Instagram account is set to private, we will not be able to see your selfies. Please send us your post or email us your selfies.
Hike any 5 to 9 trails, send in the selfies, and you will receive one $5 gift card to one of the sponsoring restaurants of your choice (1 per registration/household). Thank you to Arriba! Taqueria, Forte Coffee, Viola Cafe, andScoops Ice Cream Shop for sponsoring!
Hike any 10 to 14 trails, send in selfies, and you will receive one $10 gift card to one of the sponsoring restaurants of your choice (1 per registration/household). Thank you to Biggby Coffee Sawyer, Nola Roux, and Burn'EM Brewing for sponsoring!
Take it to the extreme, the Extreme15! If you hike all 15 trails, you will receive the prize for completing 10 trails, and in addition, you will be eligible to win a larger Extreme15 prize in a special drawing that is available only for those that have completed all 15 trails! This year we are happy to have four wonderful Extreme 15! prize sponsors. Wanderlust Outfitters: $100 gift certificate, Third Coast Paddling: $100 gift certificate, Unsalted: No Sharks: Swag Basket, and Villwocks Outdoor Living: 10, $25 Gift cards (1 per winner)!
Bathrooms - Bathroom facilities are not offered at most preserves. Please "take care of business" before you begin your hike to have a comfortable and fun day!
Dog Policy - Dogs are permitted on most preserve trails but must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Please pick up after your pet. **Dogs are NOT permitted at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh or Fernwood Botanical Gardens. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Picture Policy - By submitting your photos, you give us permission to share them on our website, Instagram page, Facebook page, or in print materials.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is appropriate hiking attire?
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as you may encounter uneven terrain and wet/muddy spots along the trails may be possible. Protect yourself from biting insects such as flies, mosquitoes and ticks by wearing long pants, a hat/bandanna and applying insect repellent.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate, although some of our partnering organizations do have an entrance fee. Fernwood Botanical Gardens is a wonderful asset to the community, showcasing a variety of native and cultivated plants. Check out their admission page to plan your visit.
Which trail do I take?
Most of the trails have multiple trail systems. Follow this link to find the selfie station location clues.
Are the preserves only open on the weekends?
No, most hiking trails are open every day from dawn until dusk. Please visit their website for hours of operation. For the #10Trail Challenge, you can visit them whenever it is convenient for you. You also do not need to visit the trails in the numbered order. Don't forget; you have the entire month of July to complete this challenge, so take your time!
Can I win BOTH gift card prizes?
Sadly, you cannot win both prize amounts. This tiered system allows you to hike as many trails as you are comfortable with while still being eligible to win a prize. If you hike all 15 trails, you will receive the prize for completing 10 trails, and in addition, you will be eligible to win a larger Extreme15 prize in a special drawing!
When will I receive my prize?
The #10Trail Challenge will start on July 1st and end on July 31st. COL will contact all winners at the end of July and will send out gift cards in the mail, or gift cards can be picked up at the COL office. The drawing for the #Extreme15 winner will be announced and contacted the day after the #10Trail Challenge ends. All gift card requests must be made by August 4th.
Will any staff be available at the preserves?
Due to a limited number of staff, we will not be available at the preserves. Please contact the COL office at (269) 405-1006 with any questions or concerns.
