National Trail on Saturday January 26

[JimmyLyding]

Anyone else doing the big shindig hike on the National Trail this Saturday?

[HEATLADY]

If it's not pouring down rain, I'll be doing it. This will be my 13th year. Stephenie

[Sredfield]

Nope, missed out on the registration, but I've done the walk.

[azbackpackr]

Okay, I'm confused. I looked this up in the traildex and I see it is at South Mtn. I am confused because there are many "National" trails, but they usually have another name in front of the "National" designation, such as Escudilla National RecreationTrail, or Eagle National Recreation Trail, both of which are in the White Mtns. (although the Eagle National Trail is almost unknown and few people ever hike it.) Does this trail have another name, such as South Mountain National Recreation Trail?

[HEATLADY]

I read over my confirmation letter for the hike and it only refers to it as the National Trail Trek. If you want to know more you can call the South Mountain Environmental Education Center at 602-534-6324. The sign posts along the whole way are marked as "National Trail". Other than being long, it's not a real hard hike.

[Hoffmaster]

Okay, I'm confused. Does this trail have another name, such as South Mountain National Recreation Trail?

Yeah, like HEATLADY said, I'm pretty sure the National Trail at South Mountain is just called the "National Trail." I suppose all of the other "National" trails could make things a tad confusing.
I've been wondering what this "shindig hike" is all about? Did you guys have to sign up for it because it's for a cause; like to raise money for some sort of organization? Just wondering why people would "sign up" to hike a trail at South Mtn.

[HEATLADY]

The $30 goes toward maintaining the park. For this you get a t-shirt, breakfast, health bars and fruit for the trip. You park at the main entrance and take a bus to the starting trailhead then at the halfway point lunch is served. If you can't contine the 2nd half the shuttle takes you back to your vehicle. If you continue on you get prizes and a ride back to your vehicle at the end. I would never attempt this hike if it wasn't for the Park involvement. The limit this year is 250 people. They also have rangers all along the trail in case anyone has a problem and one that brings up the rear so no one gets left behind. I think it's pretty neat and I've met some wonderful people over the years thru this.

[Hoffmaster]

Cool! Thanks for explaining.

I'm not too big on group hikes or city hikes, but that actually sounds like fun! Enjoy yourself out there!