Technically, I started this challenge when Darby and I hiked Lake Bonita and Lake Ann last July. But after saying goodbye to Darby in October 2025 and welcoming Hudson into our lives in December, I decided to start over so that Hudson and I could both be official finishers. My goal is to complete this challenge by the end of this year.
The Challenge
This challenge is a little different from most hiking challenges. Participants can choose from a mix of hikes, bike rides, and paddling adventures, to complete any 8 of the listed activities. For more information, visit the official challenge website.
As much as I enjoy hiking, I plan to complete 8 of the 10 hikes on the list. Or… maybe all 10.
To earn completion status, all adventures must be completed on or after September 14, 2024. Once you’ve finished, simply register and pay a small fee to receive your sticker and/or patch and have your name added to the official Gateway 8 Finisher list.
All of the hikes are located in Saratoga and Warren Counties, an area often referred to as the “Gateway to the Adirondacks.” The hiking options include:
- Baker Trail to Old Moreau Overlook
- Bear Slides (also known as Buttermilk Falls) – 5/8/2026
- Dean Farm Heritage Trails
- Hadley Mountain – 6/7/2026
- Lake Bonita to Lake Ann Loop
- Potash Mountain – 5/25/2026
- Redmond’s Overlook – 4/3/2026
- Spruce Mountain
- Stonewall Trail
- Western Ridge Trail
Check back as we work our way through the challenge! I’ll continue updating this post with completion dates, photos, and links to each trip report as we finish the hikes.
Happy Hiking!
