Participants in a past Allegheny 100 Hiking Challenge are pictured. Registration for the 2026 event is being accepted through Friday. Submitted photo

The Allegheny National Forest Chapter of the North Country Trail Association is excited to announce the annual Allegheny 100 Hiking Challenge (A-100) from June 12-14, 2026. The A-100 is not a race but a personal test of stamina, determination, and resilience. Participants choose to hike 100, 75, 50, or 25 miles along the North Country National Scenic Trail – all within 50 hours.

This challenge is open to all experience levels. Whether taking on your first overnight hike or pushing toward the full 100, hikers are encouraged to travel at their own pace, rest when needed, and embrace the adventure. The hike is fully unsupported: there are no aid stations, so participants must carry their own food, water, and gear and be prepared for limited cell service throughout the forest.

The route follows a 100-mile stretch of the North Country Trail in the Allegheny National Forest, featuring rolling hills, quiet hardwood stands, and scenic hemlock-lined stream valleys. This year’s trek will run North to South, starting at the PA Route 346 Willow Bay Trailhead and ending at the PA Route 66 Trailhead.

Registration runs through Friday, March 13. Entry is $100 (non-refundable).

Those younger than 18 years old by the first day of the challenge must hike with an adult (18 or older). Minors must provide that adult’s name at the time of registration, and the event waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian. There is no waitlist, but walk-in registrants will be accepted at the start of the event. Walk-ins need to pay the event fee in cash, since there will be no internet to run credit cards. Walk-ins are also responsible for their own transportation; they will not be able to take the shuttle and they are not guaranteed event swag.

Since the event was first held in 2010, the number of finishers have varied from 6 to 35.

Twenty-five milers will not have to walk in the dark, but 50, 75 and 100-mile participants will be hiking in the dark. There is no way to hike 50 to 100 miles in 50 hours without hiking after dark. Organizers recommend those taking part in the longer hikes to do part of their training on trails, after dark, using a headlamp, hiking with all their gear and testing every aspect of their system, including sleeping out for a night and then hiking some

more the next day. A good headlamp with spot and flood light settings will give overnight hikers a choice of what type of light they may want to use at any given time while on the trail. Details, frequently asked questions and registration links can be found at the A-100 Challenge webpage at https://tinyurl.com/44fyscwf. For more information, email anf@northcountrytrail.org.