ALTON — Founded last spring, Alton Trail Chaser challenges hikers to explore all 14 trails in Alton to earn an embroidered patch with 20% of net sales 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 patch finisher.
Those with a New Year’s resolution to get out and exercise or hike more, the Alton Trail Chaser challenge is a perfect opportunity. Participants 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 the end of the year, 21 people and three dogs had earned their ATC patch.
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.
For more information, visit dragonflyhikes.blogspot.com or Facebook.com/TrailChaserOfficial.
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