PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — If your New Year’s resolutions include getting fit or connecting with nature, American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) has the perfect fitness challenge. To celebrate 2026 and their 40th anniversary, ACLT is launching a “12 Hikes in ’26” challenge — that also includes the chance to win prizes.
ACLT is a preserve in Prince Frederick on 3,400 acres of land that has 26 miles of trails and hundreds of miles of waterways for locals to explore. Since it began in 1986, ACLT has been providing environmentally sustainable public access to managed properties for educational, scientific, recreational and cultural purposes. Now in their 40th year, the organization hopes to celebrate with the community they’ve worked so hard to connect with nature all these years.
The challenge invites participants to hike once a month in 2026 for a total of 12 hikes throughout the year. ACLT is also offering a secondary challenge — to hike 40 miles by the end of the year.
All adults who complete the challenge win ACLT merch. You’ll be able to choose from knit hats, pocket-sized hiking journals, bandanas or calendars depicting images shared from the trails throughout the year. Kids will get free ACLT decals or stickers.
Interested participants can sign up using the online form. When you use the form, you’ll be able to create a username that helps you track your progress online. You can sign multiple people up for your group, so families can take on the challenge together.
The National Park Service says that hiking is an especially good way to stay fit. Hiking builds muscle and heart health no matter the difficulty of the trail. Hiking also allows you to connect with nature and the people you’re hiking with, away from typical life stressors. Hikers should always be mindful of their skill levels and take safety precautions.
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