Eagleton Trail Challenge

Participants make their way along the course during the last Eagleton Trail Challenge. This year’s event is set for Saturday, April 11.

photo provided

Nearly 200 hikers and trail runners from across the United States and Canada are getting ready to visit Clinton County to participate in the Eagleton Trail Challenge, a hike/run event scheduled for April 11. Race organizers say there’s still opportunity to register for the event, which will be capped at 250 participants. Now in its fourth year, the Eagleton Trail Challenge offers participants the opportunity to compete in a 10K, 25K, or 50K single-loop, mostly single-track course along scenic trails across an eastern section of Sproul State Forest.

Much of the course follows the main Eagleton Mine Camp Trail, located not far off Route 120 (Renovo Road), just north of Lock Haven. Named for the historic mining village of Eagleton that existed in the area from about 1845 to 1870, the Eagleton Mine Camp Trail is a nearly 20-mile trail managed by the state Bureau of Forestry.

The upcoming race starts and ends at the Sons of Italy campground, and course options offer something for casual hikers, novice trail runners, and experienced racers alike. “We started the Eagleton Trail Challenge several years ago with the idea of creating an event that would attract all levels of participants and help draw attention to a really fun, scenic trail system that had not gained as much notoriety as other spots in our area,” says Blake Cohen, the event’s current race director. “The popularity of the Eagleton Trail Challenge has steadily grown since the first event in 2016, with many folks planning to make a return trip this year.”

“My decision to come back to the Eagleton Trail Challenge was easy,” says Mike Summers, who will make an eight-hour drive from the state of Indiana to compete for the second time. “Beautiful scenery, challenging course (but doable!) — choose your distance! Well organized with a wonderful community.” Cohen says the Eagleton Trail Challenge committee, a host of volunteers, and some key sponsors, help make the event possible. Sponsors include Dotterer Equipment, Inc.; Boom City Brewing Company; Dr. Doug’s Balms; Sons and Daughters of Italy Loggia Giosue Carducci Lodge 146; and the Clinton County Visitors Bureau.

Registration for the Eagleton Trail Challenge closes March 7. For more information and to register for the event, visit www.runemctc.org.