CHENANAGO COUNTY - The Kickoff for the Explore Chenango Outdoor Challenge will be on Earth Day, which is Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Challenge committee members will be available to talk to in front of the Courthouse and in front of the County office building throughout the day. You can pick up a Trail map brochure in the lobby of the Chenango County office building or at several locations around the county.

This is year two of the Explore Chenango Outdoor Challenge, a program created in partnership with the Chenango County Department of Public Health and the Chenango County Planning Department. This is a walking, hiking, biking, or paddling challenge that anyone can take part in. Discover the natural beauty of our community, boost your physical activity, and improve your mental health by moving more. Once you complete the Challenge, you are eligible to win prizes.

To complete the challenge, walk, hike, bike, or paddle 10 of the 14 locations on the trail map with your family, in a group, or on your own. Submit your completed individual trail log to Chenango County Public Health by September 3, 2025, to receive a free bumper sticker and to be entered into the raffle for more prizes. Some of the larger prizes you may win include a YETI Water Jug, a Hydration Backpack, a Bike Cleaning and Repair Kit, and a Waterproof Dry bag. The raffle will take place on Friday, September 5, 2025.

How can the Challenge improve your mental health?

Boost your self—esteem. When you take part in a challenge and finish, your sense of pride gets a boost. Positive change is worth it.

Form positive social bonds. Being part of a group can promote teamwork. We are more likely to exercise if we have a support system.

Improve your mood. Focus your attention on today. Goal setting and doing projects can reduce negative thoughts and feelings.

Improve your physical health. Regular exercise can help reduce the symptoms of illnesses like anxiety and depression and improve sleep.

Physical activity is a great way to improve your mental health, focus, and concentration. Mental health is important at every stage of life. When you are physically active, you can also lower your risk for the following health conditions: coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, stroke, colon cancer, breast cancer, falls, and injuries due to a fall.

Join the conversation about the Explore Chenango Outdoor Challenge on the Chenango County Health Department Facebook page, add photos, and comment in the discussion. www.facebook.com/ChenangoLHD There will also be a QR code available if you prefer to do everything online. Everything you need is also on the Chenango County website at https://www.Chenangocountyny.gov/604/Explore-Chenango-Outdoor-Challenge

For more information, more hikes and for more details about locations please visit:

www.alltrails.com/explore/us/new-york/norwich or cnyhiking.com/ChenangoCounty.htm.

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.