Walk for your health and to celebrate the nation’s founding with Barnstable Land Trust

It’s finally the season to spend time outdoors with family, and jump-start that walking goal you may have set after a long, cold winter.

To help inspire the community to exercise and experience nature, the Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) in partnership with Cape Cod Healthcare, is once again running its annual Hike Barnstable challenge, welcoming participants of all ages and ability levels. Now into its second month, the unique program welcomes participants of all ages and ability levels – and has a unique twist this year.

“The goal is to walk/hike a total of 17.76 miles on our trails during May and June 2026,” said Susan Dahling Sullivan, director of Barnstable Land Trust communications and programs. “This year, the hiking challenge coincides with National Walking month in May and National Great Outdoors month in June. Each person who finishes will receive a certificate and will be eligible for a drawing of a gift package.”

Sullivan came up with the idea of hiking 17.76 miles to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, as a fun way to get into the patriotic spirit.

“Historically, in 1776, people were either riding horses or walking, so it is a full circle moment remembering how people used to live when we were just becoming a country,” Sullivan said.

The Benefits of Exercise

While celebrating our country’s founding, you will also be getting healthier and fitter, which is always a good thing, according to Elissa Thompson, MD, a cardiologist with Cape Cod Healthcare Cardiovascular Center - Chatham

“Any exercise you can do benefits the cardiovascular system,” she said. “It can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and people of all abilities, including those with limited mobility, can benefit from participating in activities that keep them moving.”

Just being outside is “exceptionally healthy,” Dr. Thompson added. The combination of walking, hiking and being outdoors compounds the benefits for our overall mental and physical health, she said.

Many Programs to Motivate and Learn

The annual hiking challenge was launched four years ago and since then, BLT has worked to expand its programs, strengthen connections with Barnstable schools and the broader community, and enhance the properties it oversees, Sullivan said.

Through their community partnerships and supported in part by Cape Cod Healthcare, this year there are more than 40 programs spanning the two months, and most of them are open to the public, she said.

The programs promote exploration of Barnstable’s natural places through hikes, walks, talks, an innovative garden installation, toddler walks, story times, beach clean-ups, and informational talks for adults. There is a complete list of programs and registration on the BLT website. The following are some of the creative and innovative programs that walkers can participate in:

• The Nordic walking series, Nordic Walking for Your Health, in partnership with Cape Cod Healthcare, will be led by Carla Fogaren, founder of Cape Cod Nordic Walking and Kristen Siminski, PT, a physical therapist with Cape Cod Healthcare. This will be held at the Fuller Farm in Marstons Mills on Thursday, June 18, 6:30 -7:30 p.m.
• Tiny Trekkers Hiking with toddlers at Eagle Pond and Little River Sanctuary, Eagle Pond, Cotuit on Sunday, June 28, 10 -11a.m. It will be a group walk on local trails for toddlers and their designated adults. Siblings welcome.

“One of the greatest benefits of bringing children into an environment like this is that you’re modeling values and behavior they will come to appreciate and understand without needing to be told,” Dr. Thompson said. “You are setting an example that walking is a good thing to do while being fun. When we do activities with others, we tend to do them more ourselves.”