Area hikers have accepted the challenge to trek 26 miles on Lookout Mountain during one day. However, the event is more than a physical challenge. It is also a challenge to raise funds to make wishes happen for children with critical illnesses.
The Trailblaze Challenge supports Make-A-Wish East Tennessee and the special children the organization serves. A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness as it can help them face that condition with renewed hope and strength, said officials.
More than 25 hikers have accepted the challenge. They have spent several months training and raising funds. Using social media, events like car washes, appeal letters, and other means, they have raised money from friends and family to support their efforts.
Wild Trails, Lulu Lake Land Trust, and Cloudland Canyon State Park officials help support the hike by opening and marking the trail and providing expertise.
Make-A-Wish East Tennessee grants 70 wishes annually and has granted more than 1,500 in its 30-year history.
The hike begins at the base of Cloudland Canyon in Trenton and finished at Lulu Lake Land Trust, 500 Lulu Lake Road.
The hike is Saturday beginning at 5 a.m. Hikers will enjoy a pre-hike dinner at 6:30 p.m., Friday and a post-hike breakfast at 8:30 a.m., Sunday at the Fairfield Inn, 40 Starview Lane.