2021-09-08
New challenge brings art and hiking together
Combining art and trails is the inspiration behind a new hiking challenge in the Chester area. Chester Municipality and Hike Nova Scotia have launched the new Chester Art Adventures Badge as part of Hike Nova Scotia's Hiker Challenge.
"We absolutely love what Chester Municipality has done with the concept of mixing art appreciation and hiking," Janet Barlow, the executive director for Hike Nova Scotia, said in a media release. "This new Hiker Challenge will give people yet another reason to get out and explore the Chester area's trails."
The challenge is designed to encourage hikers to explore the trails through various communities across the Municipality of Chester and to become inspired by the installations showcasing local artists.
The challenge takes hikers through spectacular scenery including lush forests, lakes and babbling brooks. There are hiking trails to suit all skill levels and abilities.
To qualify for a badge, hikers are required to visit seven art installations on Chester area trails in one year. They can customize their challenge with a total distance from 10 km to 40 km by using each installation as a starting point and exploring the trail from there. While most Hiker Challenge badges have a small cost, this new badge is free courtesy of Chester Municipality.
"The Hiker Challenge is about inspiring, motivating and rewarding trail users - especially new and novice hikers - to get out on Nova Scotia's beautiful trails and start hiking or to hike more. Your reward for completing each challenge is a badge to show off on clothing or backpacks, as well as being listed on the Honour Roll," the release from Hike Nova Scotia stated. There are several badges to earn across the province as part of the challenge.
Each season there is a prize draw including everyone who has earned a badge in the last three months. Prizes are gift cards provided by The Trail Shop in Halifax. Learn more about the Hiker Challenge at www.hikenovascotia.ca/projects-hiker-challenge.
