Train for the Trails: Endurance Training Hike
📍 Pinckney Recreation Area
📅 Sunday, March 29, 2026
If you’ve been joining us on our recent hikes and quietly thinking, “Okay… I’m ready for a little more of a challenge,” this one is for you.
Our upcoming Train for the Trails Hike will take place at Pinckney Recreation Area and is designed to help you build endurance, strengthen your trail skills, and get more comfortable with the kind of terrain you may encounter on our future out-of-town adventures and Northern Michigan hikes.
We’ll begin promptly at 9:00 AM with a group warm-up focused on stretching basics and trail expectations before taking off on the trail at 9:30 AM sharp.
This scenic 8.3-mile out-and-back hike will take approximately 3 to 3.5 hours to complete and features a variety of natural terrains including wooded paths, uneven surfaces, and moderate inclines, offering a solid training experience with a total elevation gain of 669 feet.
Because this is an out-and-back route, we’ll also have the flexibility to modify our timing on the trail if needed while still ensuring everyone gets the most out of the experience.
...and don’t worry, this will not be a rushed hike.
The pace will be intentionally structured to allow participants to:
Practice pacing and stamina control
Navigate through varied terrain
Adjust stride on inclines and declines
Become more confident with moderate elevation gains
We’ll even be stopping mid-hike to eat, just as we would if we were trekking through the mountains, giving you a real feel for what it’s like to refuel during longer outdoor excursions.
Now, we know Michigan’s terrain doesn’t quite compare to some of the more intense trails found in other states… but hikes like this are an excellent starting point to help you prepare for what’s ahead.
Donation-Based Fundraiser: Sponsor My Steps
This hike will also serve as our official "Sponsor My Steps" donation-based fundraiser connected to our Train for the Trails series.
To be clear — you do not have to pay to join this hike. Participation is completely free, just like all Hike & Dine Events hikes have always been.
However, hikers who choose to participate in the fundraiser will have the opportunity to share a donation link with friends, family, and supporters who would like to sponsor their miles on the trail. Supporters can donate generally toward the initiative or donate in support of their favorite participating hiker, even if they’ve never hiked with us before.
At the conclusion of the fundraiser:
The participating hiker who receives the highest amount in donations will receive a very special prize from the Hike & Dine leadership team
Additional top hikers in donations will also receive a runner-up prize
All donations go directly toward supporting our Train for the Trails experiences and future Hike & Dine Events.
...And of course, in true Hike & Dine Events fashion, we’ll still be heading out to dine together afterwards to wind down, recover, and talk about how we survived the hike.
If you’ve been looking to take things up a notch, this is your sign.
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Stretching Basics & Info: 9:00 AM | Hike Start Time: 9:30 AM
To help coordinate any travel, please join our Heylo event chat if you need to arrange carpooling and stay connected with fellow attendees. If you’re ready to walk in your purpose, indulge in community, and celebrate us, go ahead and lock in your spot below.
Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and check Spam, Junk, or Promotions) so you don’t miss event details, confirmations, and any weather-related updates.
