DiscoverNEPA is partnering with Pennsylvania Environmental Council, a nonprofit that protects and restores the natural and built environments to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. Keep an eye on this series for updates on PEC projects, volunteer opportunities, Tail on the Trail activities and so much more.
Get out, Get Active, and Get Your Tail on the Trail!
If you’ve been following us for a while now, you may have seen our trail of the month series with Get Your Tail on the Trail – but what exactly is that?
The Get Your Tail on the Trail program promotes opportunities to stay physically, mentally, and spiritually well in Pennsylvania’s great outdoors. GYTOT was started in 2013 by St. Luke’s University Health Network and the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor to provide an avenue for PA communities to lead more active, healthy lifestyles. In 2019, PEC joined the partnership and created the Northeastern PA Chapter, shedding light on many of the great opportunities to take a short stroll, try out your new bike, or embark on an invigorating hike in NEPA.
Participating in the program is free and easy. Simply sign up at TailontheTrail.org and get moving! Throughout the year, users can participate in various badges, challenges, and events promoted through the program. The 165-mile challenge is the most popular and runs from May through mid-November. To participate, users must log 165 miles (in recognition of the proposed full length of the D&L Trail) during that time. The Winter Challenge runs through February and requires participants to break the cabin fever and log 30 miles. Both challenges have an incentive – anyone who completes them earns free TOT Swag! Some past prizes include winter beanies, t-shirts, and dry bags, all of which can be used on your next outdoor adventure. Users can also earn badges on their dashboard which are shareable to social media. Some of the badges that have been launched include Cycling, First Day Hike, and there’s a badge for every county in NEPA to get you trying new activities and exploring our beautiful region!
The platform makes it easy for users to log miles anywhere they enjoy to hike, bike, kayak, and more – even indoor exercise is allowed! Despite the occasional name confusion, Tail on the Trail is very much for any human who wants to participate (Although your wagging companions are welcome to join your adventure, and there is even a dog walking modality you can use to log your miles!)
