Havre Trails hiking challenge underway

Havre Trails is encouraging the community to get outside over the next several months by participating in the 2021 Havre Trails Outdoor Challenge, which started June 7 and closes Sept. 6.

After having hikes in different locations throughout the summer in past years, Havre Trails was forced to get creative as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a successful first year of this challenge.

“Last year, because of COVID, we didn’t really think we should be doing (organized hikes) because everything was so unknown. We decided to do this instead. We posted a bunch of challenges and had people submit photos of themselves on those hikes and that worked out really, really well actually. We had, like, a couple hundred entries,” Havre Trails President Lindsey Brandt-Bennett said.

Participants can choose an outdoor challenge from the list available at https://docs.google.com/document/d/135neuKht-baoBWIFOIqsfF_8TRdWui_Xf8C7ymH4n7A/edit .

Participants then go to their challenge location during the scavenger hunt period. The next steps are to take a photo at the challenge location, complete the challenge after reviewing directions at the web link above and submit entries.

Entries are to be submitted at https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erCvVg4tievzMKa .

The seven main challenges are Beaver Creek Park, City of Havre, Buttes and Caves, Rivers and Peaks, the Water or Off-Highway Vehicle Challenge, Historic Walks and a final challenge called Road Trip.

Brandt-Bennett said the Beaver Creek Park challenge includes a trek through the new nine-hole Normandy Coulee Disc Golf Course overlooking Rotary Pond.

Beaver Creek Park Superintendent Chad Edgar said the course opened June 14.

“We’re just really excited about it. It’s been in development for quite a while so we’re excited and really thankful for the park and the park board and the project manager Jake Rodgers, who’s done a lot of work for that,” Brandt-Bennett said.

A Brewery Tour is included on the challenge list as a bonus item. Challenge details, instructions, and the full list of prizes, including monthly and grand prizes, can be viewed by using the link to the challenge list.

For each challenge a person completes, their name will be entered in a drawing to win one of  the outdoor recreation themed prizes. Several general prizes will be awarded during monthly drawings held during Wednesdays July 7, August 4 and Sept. 8.

Participants who complete all of the challenges by Sept. 6 will be entered into a drawing for one of the grand prizes. Grand prizes will be drawn Sept. 8. 

Grand prizes include a $150 gift card to Finest Boot Repair/Red Wing Shoes, a $100 gift card to Master Sports, a North Face Electra daypack and a pair of Classic Chacos sport sandals.

Participants must complete the challenge during the scavenger hunt period starting June 7 and closing Sept. 6. Faces must be visible in each photo to qualify for an entry. Challenges may be done in any order. 

The rules and notes indicate if the challenge includes multiple components — for example, hike Rotary Canyon Trail and Bear Paw Nature Trail — photos must be taken at each spot for the entry to qualify. 

Participants who hike in groups may submit separate entries, but each submitter must be in the photos they submit. 

Havre Trails asks participants to follow all permit rules and practice good outdoor recreation etiquette. 

• No littering and pick up garbage when possible

• Avoid hiking and driving during exceptionally muddy times

• Avoid driving low vehicles over vegetation during dry weather due to fire danger

• Do not disturb cultural artifacts or wildlife, and stay on designated trails where possible 

• Hike with a friend or let someone know where you are going and when you will return

• Carry plenty of water and sun protection

• Always watch for snakes 

The rules and notes also say for participants to make their best effort to complete the challenge as described but not to proceed if a dangerous situation or health hazard emerges. Entries may still be submitted in this case.

Participants are asked to follow current social distancing recommendations. If any of these locations become closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, Havre Trails will inform people on its email list and its Facebook followers.

“There were people who were just doing them every week (last year) and posted on Facebook and there were lots of shares. We asked people if we can share their submitted photos as well, and if they give us permission, we kind of use those to get other people excited about the challenges, and it just kind of goes viral. It’s really fun,” Brandt-Bennett said

Participants are encouraged to email [email protected] with any questions.