BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — In 2025, city employees participated in the North Country Trail Association’s Hike 100 Challenge, a program that encourages people to explore the outdoors by hiking 100 miles at their own pace throughout the year.
Together, our team logged more than 1,000 miles, and five participants reached the full 100-mile goal! Along the way, we walked in all seasons and all kinds of Michigan weather, with miles stretching from Battle Creek to North Dakota. Two participants even completed the Mackinac Bridge Walk, and some hikes included shelter dogs from the Calhoun County Animal Center. Most of our steps were taken right here at home on Battle Creek’s beautiful Linear Path.
Highlights from the Challenge
- Over 1,000 miles logged by city employees
- Five hikers reached the 100-mile goal
- Walks included scenic trails, seasonal weather, and furry friends
- Two participants completed the Mackinac Bridge Walk
Congratulations to our 100-Mile Finishers
- Perry Hart – 400 miles and lost 20 lbs.
- Patty Hoch-Melluish – 200 miles, with frequent pit stops at CCAC to bring along a four-legged friend.
- Becca Forbes – 103 miles and captured a lot of stunning trail photography.
- Matt Cannady – 101 miles, completed all of the trail through Battle Creek!
- Steve Siemen – 100 miles, joined in November and hiked 27 miles in five days!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this fun and healthy challenge. It was a great way to stay active, enjoy nature, and explore the trails that make our region special.
Interested in joining the 2026 Hike 100 Challenge? Learn more and sign up for the challenge on the North Country Trail Association website.
You can find more information about the section of the North Country Trail that winds through Battle Creek on the local NCTA Chief Noonday Chapter website.