Front Page News!

Alton Trail Chaser is back in the papers!  

I was surprised when Hummingbird texted me one morning, saying “nice job making the front page!” I had just sent out the press release a couple days earlier, so didn’t expect a publication to pick it up so quickly, never mind slap it on the front page. Guess I timed it right! (And wrote it well. 😉) 

Of course, I believe a local hiking challenge and conservation fundraising is a totally newsworthy public interest story!  

This was a nice boost of publicity for the new year. 😊 

Front page article in The Baysider.

Also published in the Laconia Daily Sun.

Original article below.

p.s. Two new finishers in 2026 so far! 🥾

 

“Local Hiking Challenge Raises Money for NH Conservation”

Founded last spring, Alton Trail Chaser challenges hikers to explore all 14 trails in Alton to earn an embroidered patch. 20% of net sales are donated to local conservation organizations. In 2025, the program raised a total of $41.67 for Lakes Region Conservation Trust, including a bonus donation from a generous patch finisher. 

If you have a New Year’s resolution to get out and exercise or hike more, the Alton Trail Chaser challenge is a perfect opportunity. You can explore trails locally while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of spending time in nature. Alton offers hiking trails of all levels, from gentle wooded paths to more advanced mountain hikes. Many trails offer rewarding views of lakes or wetlands, mountains near and far, diverse flora, and peaceful forests. For goal oriented people, hiking challenges provide motivation and direction, with the tangible bragging right of earning a hiking patch after completion. As of December 31, a total of 21 people and 3 dogs had earned their ATC patch. Will you be next?

In 2026, Alton Trail Chaser will continue donating 20% of net profits from patch and merchandise sales, with this year’s proceeds going to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, aka the Forest Society. Like LRCT, the Forest Society does a significant amount of local conservation work, including maintaining several properties in Alton. Pine Mountain in the Morse Preserve is one such gem. Check out this and other beautiful trails in town while supporting a good cause. 

For more information on the ATC challenge, visit dragonflyhikes.blogspot.com or follow Trail Chaser on Facebook & Instagram @trailchaserofficial.