Eastern Trails 500 Award

Explore Beyond the Appalachian Trail

The Eastern Trails 500 Award recognizes ALDHA members who embrace the rich diversity of hiking opportunities throughout the eastern United States.

While the Appalachian Trail is one of the world’s premier long-distance footpaths, thousands of miles of outstanding trails lie beyond its white blazes. The Eastern Trails 500 Award celebrates hikers who continue to discover and enjoy these trails, from well-known routes such as the Benton MacKaye Trail, Long Trail, and Pinhoti Trail to local and regional trail systems throughout the East.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Eastern Trails 500 Award, you must:

  • Be a current ALDHA member.  Not a member? Join here.
  • Accumulate at least 500 miles on trails east of the Mississippi River.
  • Hike trails other than the Appalachian Trail.
  • Complete your miles on or after January 1, 2024. (miles before that do not qualify)
  • Track and report your mileage.

Recognition Levels

Milestone Recognition
500 Miles Eastern Trails 500 Patch and Certificate
1,000 Miles 1,000-Mile Rocker
2,000 Miles 2,000-Mile Rocker

The 500-mile level is the minimum requirement for the award, but hikers are encouraged to continue exploring and accumulating mileage toward higher achievement levels.

How to Apply

  1. Complete at least 500 qualifying miles.
  2. Record the trails and mileage completed.
  3. Submit your application.
  4. Share your favorite trail and why it was meaningful to you.
  5. Optionally submit a photograph for recognition on the ALDHA website and publications.

Apply Now:  Apply for Award 

Looking for qualifying trails? Alternative Trails List 

Recipient Honor Roll

ALDHA proudly recognizes the hikers who have earned the Eastern Trails 500 Award. Recipients are listed alphabetically by last name.

B

  • Kurt Bachmann, TwoThirds, ’25
  • Randee Beckman, VirginaBred, ’25

C

  • Mike Cunningham, hikermiker, ’24

J

  • Mike Janeway, 4 Day, ’25

N

  • Waterlilly Nelson, ManyPaws, ’25

R

  • David Roberson, Paperboy, ’25

S

  • Bob Sartini, Bamboobob, ’24
  • Michael Sisemore, Super-Fly SY, ’24

V

  • Jeff Vann, Rev, ’26
  • Penny Vann, Reverse, ’24

 

Why We Created This Award

The Eastern Trails 500 Award was created to encourage hikers to discover the tremendous variety of trails beyond the Appalachian Trail. From rugged mountain routes to coastal footpaths and local long-distance trails, there is always another adventure waiting just beyond the next trailhead.

Every mile counts toward a broader appreciation of the eastern hiking landscape and the volunteers, organizations, and communities that sustain it.