Hike Club - Saturday 2/14 10am
Gate 35 Quabbin Reservior
The Tully Trail Challenge
June 13, 2026
22 Miles
The Tully Trail Challenge is a free, community-based hiking challenge designed for individuals who have wanted to try hiking or challenge themselves in a meaningful way, but need structure, preparation, and support to do so safely. This is a demanding hike that requires commitment and consistent training. It is not a race, but it is a physical challenge.
The Tully Trail is a 22-mile loop that encircles the largely undeveloped Tully Valley in the North Quabbin Region of Central Massachusetts. The trail connects some of the area’s most scenic and protected landscapes, traveling through forests, wetlands, state forests, wildlife management areas, and conservation land. Along the route, hikers will encounter rugged terrain including long distances, sustained climbs, narrow single-track trail, uneven footing, and steep sections near waterfalls.
The trail begins and ends at Tully Lake Campground and includes notable features such as Doane’s Falls, Spirit Falls, Royalston Falls, and ridgeline views along Jacobs Hill. The route also climbs to the summit of Tully Mountain, rising approximately 1,160 feet and offering expansive views of the North Quabbin region. Portions of the trail pass through land managed by The Trustees, Harvard Forest, MassWildlife, and Massachusetts state forests.
This challenge is intended for people who are willing to train. Participants will receive a structured 20-week training plan that begins with foundational walking and strength work and gradually builds the endurance, strength, balance, and mental resilience needed to complete the hike safely. Consistent participation in the training plan is strongly encouraged and essential for success.
The Tully Trail Challenge is free and open to those who are prepared to commit to the training process. The goal is not simply to complete the miles, but to build confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to movement and the outdoors.
Move Better · Feel Stronger · Live Well
Challenge Details
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Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
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Distance: 22-mile loop
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Location: Tully Trail, Royalston / North Quabbin region
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Time Commitment: Full-day hike (approximately 10–14 hours)
Registration closes March 20, 2026
A minimum of 12 weeks of training is required to participate.
What's Included
The Tully Trail Challenge is more than a single hike—it’s a supported journey. Participants will receive:
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A progressive 20-week training plan to safely build endurance, strength, and confidence
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Weekly emails with training guidance, education, and encouragement
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Optional strength, mobility, and recovery support to help you stay resilient throughout training
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Access to a private Facebook group for connection, accountability, and shared motivation
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Optional group hikes and training walks to gain trail experience and build community
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The opportunity to complete the full Tully Trail alongside others who have trained for the same goal
The focus is on preparation, consistency, and support—not competition.
Tully Trail Challenge –
Frequently Asked Questions
Add a Title
The Tully Trail Challenge is a free, community-based hiking challenge designed to help participants train for and complete the full Tully Trail, a rugged 22-mile loop in Central Massachusetts. Participants follow a structured 20-week training plan that builds endurance, strength, balance, and confidence leading up to a group hike on June 13, 2026.
No prior hiking experience is required. However, this is not a casual hike. Participants should be willing to train consistently and gradually build toward the demands of the trail. This challenge is best suited for people who want structure, guidance, and accountability as they prepare for a physically demanding experience.
Yes. Consistent participation in the 20-week training plan is strongly encouraged and essential for success. The training plan is designed to safely prepare participants for the physical and mental demands of the trail. Skipping training or attempting the hike without preparation increases the risk of injury or an incomplete hike.
Training begins with foundational walking and gradually progresses to longer distances, hills, and uneven terrain. Most weeks include:
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Two shorter weekday walks
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One longer weekend walk
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Optional strength, mobility, and recovery work
Training is progressive and designed to fit into real life, but it does require a time commitment.
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This challenge is a good fit if you:
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Have wanted to try hiking or take on a meaningful physical challenge
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Are willing to commit time to training over several months
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Are comfortable progressing gradually
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Are motivated by personal growth rather than competition
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Yes. Participation in the Tully Trail Challenge and access to the training plan and weekly emails are free. Optional items such as event t-shirts or sponsor-supported extras may be offered separately.
If you’re unsure, you’re encouraged to consult with a healthcare provider and reach out with questions before signing up. This challenge is about preparation and safety, and making an informed decision is part of that process.
Yes. Optional regroup and support points will be positioned at key landmarks along the Tully Trail.
These regroup points are intended to:
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Provide brief check-ins and headcounts
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Offer encouragement and basic support
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Serve as mental and physical milestones throughout the hike
Volunteers may be present at locations such as Doane’s Falls, Jacobs Hill, Royalston Falls (midpoint), Bliss Hill, and the summit of Tully Mountain. Approximate timing windows and locations will be shared closer to challenge day.
Regroup points are optional and not required stops. Participants are encouraged to hike at a sustainable pace that works for them.
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Volunteers at regroup points are there to provide encouragement, basic support, and to help assess next steps if someone is feeling unwell or overly fatigued. Participants should still be prepared to hike independently, manage their own pacing, nutrition, and hydration, and make responsible decisions throughout the day.
No. This is not a race or a guided group hike. Participants may naturally spread out based on pace and rest needs. Regroup points simply provide opportunities to reconnect, check in, and reset before continuing.
Yes. Registration for the Tully Trail Challenge closes on March 20, 2026. Participants must complete a minimum of 12 weeks of training to safely prepare for the challenge. Late registrations will not be accepted after this date.
Join the Tully Trail Challenge
This challenge is designed for individuals who are ready to commit to a structured training process and work toward a meaningful goal. When you sign up, you’ll receive the full training plan along with ongoing guidance and updates to support you throughout the journey.
The Tully Trail Challenge emphasizes preparation, personal responsibility, and support—without pressure or competition.