Explore Chelsea's Outdoors with the Chelsea Trail Challenge

Written by Terris Ahrens, Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce

Get ready for a year of adventure and outdoor fun with the Chelsea Trail Challenge! Sponsored by Ugly Dog Distillery and coordinated by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, this exciting event invites everyone to explore the many beautiful trails right in Chelsea's backyard.

Whether you're an avid hiker, biker, runner, or someone who enjoys a good snowshoe trek, the Chelsea Trail Challenge offers something for everyone. The Challenge started February 1, and continues to November 30, 2025. Participants are encouraged to kayak, paddleboard, run, hike, bike, snowshoe, ski, swim, or even ride horseback along any of the designated trails in the area. The best part? By simply submitting a photo of yourself on the trail, you’re entered into a grand prize drawing with some fantastic rewards!

For those who want to track their progress, the Chelsea Trail Challenge offers special rewards along the way. Log 10 different trails, and you can pick up a free hiking utility bracelet or an official Chelsea Trail Challenge sticker at the Chelsea Visitor Center. Plus, as you reach new milestones, you can collect hiking pins for completing 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 trails.

Water enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy, with the lakes offering aquatic trails perfect for kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. To enter the Waterloo or Pinckney Recreation Areas, don’t forget to grab your Recreation Passport.

As a special bonus, the Chelsea Trail Challenge will introduce the Bark Ranger Program on Earth Day, April 22, 2025, allowing dog owners to join the fun and explore the trails with their furry companions.

So, lace up your shoes, grab your gear, and join the Chelsea Trail Challenge today for a year full of outdoor exploration and adventure!

Visit chelseamich.com/annual-events/ctc/ to join the fun!

The Chelsea Trail Challenge offers participants the chance to win one of three grand prizes:

A $500 gift card to Chelsea Outfitters

An adult stand-up paddleboard

A Trek Marlin 5 Cross Country Mountain Bike (thanks to Aberdeen Bike for supplying the bike)

Each new trail submission is an entry into the Grand Prize Drawing. All it takes is one photo from the trailhead or while exploring the trail – whether it’s a shot of your snowshoes in the snow, your hand giving a thumbs up, or a view of the landscape as you go.

Remember, only one submission per trail counts!