Twin Valley Trail
2024 Twin Valley Trail Challenge
FREE! June 1, 5:30 AM - 8 PM
Join us Saturday, June 1, 2024 to pick your challenge from 1 to 28.7 miles!
We will have marked routes where you can hike from 1 to 28.7 miles all on the Twin Valley Trail. All routes will be in Germantown MetroPark, Twin Creek MetroPark and on the TVT Connector Trail.
Participants can navigate the Twin Valley Trail (TVT) on the Five Rivers MetroParks mobile app powered by OuterSpatial.
This event is FREE and open to the public thanks to our generous sponsors and donors.
Download, complete and sign this registration form. Bring it with you and drop it off at the Registration Area starting at 5:30 AM. Blank registration forms will also be available at the Registration Area.
Along the hiking routes we will have snack and water stations. These stations are a great opportunity to rest, re-fuel and re-hydrate before tackling your next segment. Participants must finish by park closing (10 PM). It is advised that you finish your hike by 8 PM.
All of this is provided at no charge! However, please consider making a donation to help make it great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Twin Valley Trail Challenge competitive?
Compete only against yourself. We don’t post results or track results by any category. We want you to enjoy the beauty of the Twin Valley Trail and our local parks without having to race against others. The Classic Challenge is completing the entire 28.7 mile Twin Valley Trail in one day…. Are you up to the challenge?
Who should participate?
This full TVT Challenge is designed for people who have hiking experience and wish to challenge themselves with an endurance hike. If you are newer to hiking, we encourage you to try one of the shorter route options.
When do I start?
You can start your challenge hike anytime between 5:30 AM and noon. All hikers should check in at the registration table inside the Twin Valley Welcome Center. Show up when it is convenient for you based on the number of miles you anticipate hiking. We recommend at least 10 to 12 hours for the entire challenge. If you are planning to hike more than 20 miles, you must register by 7 AM.
Where do I start?
Hikes begin in Germantown MetroPark at the Twin Valley Welcome Center. Check in at the start of your hike. You will receive trail maps and an info sheet with routes, helpful information and the number to call for the shuttle. Bring some friends and hike in a group! Make some friends when you get there! Bring your cell phone.
What are the routes?
Routes coming soon.
Is this a supported hike?
This is a supported hike. We offer you assistance during this hike in the form of snacks, water and shuttles.
Where are the Aid Stations?
Aid stations will be throughout the event. More information coming soon.
How do I catch a shuttle?
Shuttle buses will be running from 12-8pm. The buses will regularly stop at all aid and water stations.
Do I need a hiking partner?
No partner? No problem! Just show up and meet your new hiking friends. Historically, nearly 400 people take part in the challenge each year.
What's the terrain like?
Expect a variety of terrain, including steep hills, open meadows, wooded footpaths and mud. The TVT Connector Trail includes some road walking and paved bike trail walking.
How is the trail marked?
The Twin Valley Trail is marked with an icon of a hiker. Follow the hiker icon on wooden posts. Pay attention at intersections to ensure you are taking the correct path. Grab a map at the start to help you stay on the route. There will be additional signs for this event to help keep you on the correct trails.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable shoes. Hiking shoes or boots are best. Make sure they are broken in
- Dress for the weather. Choose clothes with synthetic fabrics. Avoid cotton fabrics
- Day pack
- Hat with a brim
- Water bottles
- Food/snacks- We provide some food but don’t rely on it
- Rain jacket
- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
- Trekking poles are highly recommended
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Cell phone
- Spare socks
What are the trail rules?
- No motorized vehicles, bicycles, horses, or pack stock are permitted.
- Pets must be on a leash and under control at all times.
- Stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.
- Yield to faster hikers. Pass on the left.
- Hikers going uphill are working hard and should be given the right of way over hikers coming downhill.
- Don’t be a litterbug. Use the trash cans.
- Greet people you meet. Say hello!
- In the event of an emergency call 911.
When does it end?
There is no set end time for the TVT Challenge. Shuttle service ends at 8 PM. Sunset is at 8:30 PM, and dark is at 9 PM. The parks and trails officially close at 10 PM. It is advised that you finish your hike by 8 PM. You are responsible for determining if you can safely complete your desired hike. If not please call for a shuttle to avoid having to hike in the dark or if overly fatigued.
Is camping available?
Primitive camping is available at Germantown MetroPark on Friday and Saturday nights.
Option 1 – Cottonwood Shelter: A special designated area is reserved for TVT Challenge participants use; all within a short walk to the starting/finish point of the challenge.
Option 2 – Shimps Hollow: An additional primitive campsite is available in Germantown if you prefer to be away from the action and want some quiet time, just a short drive from the start or a place to stay after the Challenge.
Bring your own gear, food, water, beverages and chairs. The campsites have plenty of flat areas for tents. Picnic tables, a fire ring and firewood will be supplied. Privy style toilets are nearby. There is no running water or electricity at the campsites. Due to the threat of invasive species, do not bring any firewood.
There is no charge for camping, but you must register.
Note: There is no running water or electricity at Shimps Hollow campsite. A water spigot is available at the shelter areas. There are no showers available on site.
How can I help with the event?
Volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Please consider volunteering! People hiking shorter distances can hike and volunteer.
We need volunteers for:
- Registration: These people assist at check-in, help hikers get started on the right trail and answer general questions. Knowledge of the TVT is helpful but not required.
- Aid Stations: These people help and provide food and drink to the hikers. Easy and fun job.
- Grill Masters: These people assist the Picnic Coordinator with the post-hike picnic.
If you’re interested in volunteering at this year’s event, please contact volunteer.services@metroparks.org.
