A group of community organizers and Bruce Trail fans is calling out to hikers in communities along Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment to lace up their hiking boots and help stomp out quarrying in the renowned world biosphere.

The Peak to Peak Escarpment Challenge, a hike-a-thon taking place on Saturday, May 12, invites hikers of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves, the Escarpment, and the idea that this unique natural environment is a good place for new quarries.

“People think the Niagara Escarpment is more protected than it really is,” said hike-a-thon organizer Janet Gillham, whose group, the Clearview Community Coalition, has spent the last several years battling the expansion of the Walker Aggregates quarry west of Duntroon. “It’s easy to take this natural wonder in our own backyard for granted. We have to fight to protect it, and this is a chance for weekend hikers and families to vote with their feet – join the fight to protect the Escarpment and have a lot of fun in the process.”

The hike-a-thon offers trail routes suited to all ages and abilities (from the full 26 kilometres to an easy-going 6.5 kilometres), plus expert trail guides and an after-party featuring barbeque and buffet, luxury draw prizes, live music, food, an art auction and more. It takes place starting at Highlands Nordic, south of Collingwood. Details are available online at www.peaktopeakhike.com.

The hike-a-thon also has a children’s program and offers a continental breakfast and refreshment stations along the trail, as well as an after-hike buffet.
“Our bus will take you to the trailhead, and you can choose a trail that suits your style,” said Gillham. “No matter which trail you take, you’ll end up back at our host venue on the Escarpment overlooking Georgian Bay for food, music, prizes and partying.”

The Peak to Peak Escarpment Challenge is a non-profit fundraiser to support the Clearview Community Coalition. For more information, visit www.peaktopeakhike.com, or call 705-445-6095.