The WNY ULTRA Hiking Challenge was made for those of us that are a bit crazy; those that enjoy pushing the limits of their hiking capacity both mentally and physically. If you are reading this, you are one of those nuts. Welcome to the WNY ULTRA Challenge.
The Ultra Challenge will be an optional ($10) add-on to the main WNY Hiking Challenge. For an additional $10 you will get another packet of maps. Finish all 5 Ultra trails and you will earn the Ultra patch and sticker (and the respect of your fellow hikers).
The ULTRA hikes are all between 15-26 miles and travel across some of the most beautiful parts of WNY. If you complete the ULTRA, you will also complete several of the WNY Hiking Challenge hikes, if you remember to get a selfie at the landmark.
ULTRA Trails
- U1 Banana Pancakes – 21.1 miles point-to-point on the North Country Trail through Allegany State Park
- U2 Breakfast for Dinner – 16.2 miles lollipop route from Holimont to the Little Rock City and back.
- U3 Biscuits and Gravy – 22.6 miles point to point on the Letchworth Branch of the Finger Lakes Trail.
- U4 Belgium Waffles – 24 miles point to point on the Fred Cusimano Westside Overland Trail.
- U5 Huevos Rancheros – 19.5 miles point to point on the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail.
- U6 French Toast – 15.8 miles out and back on in the Summit area and Art Roscoe XC Ski Center in Allegany State Park.
- U7 Western Omelette – 16.6 miles out and back from Artpark to Goat Island in the Niagara Gorge.
ULTRA Challenge Rules
- Complete all five (5) of seven (7) trails May 1, 2023 and November 17, 2022, inclusive.
- The each trail must be completed in a consecutive 24 hour period.
- Submit a picture of your recorded track from your favorite GPS tracking app. Must show route, distance, and time.
- Upload your picture to the submission page (https://outsidechronicles.com/upload).
- (Optional) Post your picture to WNY Hiking Challenge Facebook Group or on Instagram.
FAQ
How do I register for the WNY ULTRA Challenge?
To register for the ULTRA Challenge, you must register for the WNY Hiking Challenge. There is an option at registration to add on the ULTRA for $10. After all, its for a good cause!
Can I add-on the ULTRA Challenge after I register?
Yes, simply pay the difference using the ULTRA add-on form: https://outsidechronicles.com/ultraadd
What’s in it for me?
Hikers completing the ULTRA Challenge will receive an ULTRA patch and sticker. You will also be revered by the WNY hiking community as a total bad ass.
How do I track my hike?
You can use your Apple, Garmin, Fitbit, or Suunto GPS watch as long as you can display a summary screen. If you do not have a GPS watch, there are several great, free activity tracking apps. We suggest trying out the following:
Can I complete the ULTRA hike by camping?
Absolutely, as long as you camp in designated areas or within the rules of the park AND you finish the ULTRA in 24 consecutive hours. You will need to prove you did the whole hike. You can only upload one picture.
What does a route summary screen look like?
