Rachel Carson Trail serves up adversity, accomplishment

Overcast skies were a welcome sight for the hundreds of hikers who braved the Rachel Carson Trail on Saturday.

It kept the brutal sun from beating down on folks traversing the physically demanding 36-mile stretch between Harrison Hills Park and North Park.

But the occasional rain meant some paths on steep slopes turned into mudslides.

“There were definitely some slides,” said Yolanda Frank, of Squirrel Hill.

Steve Mentzer, vice president of the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy, said the weather is part of what makes an impression.

“Last year, it was in the 70s, sunny and humid but with a good breeze,” Mentzer joked. “People appreciated it, but they don’t always remember it. There’s no trauma.”

About 1,000 people turned out for the 26th annual Rachel Carson Trail Challenge Saturday, which takes place from sunrise to sunset. The goal of the challenge isn’t to finish first — but to complete the trek. The direction changes each year between Harrison Hills and North Park.

The annual trail challenge has three length options. There’s the 36-mile endurance hike, which this year started at Harrison Hills and drew about 600 people. Then there’s the Homestead Challenge, an 18-mile trek starting near the Rachel Carson Homestead in Springdale, which drew another 300 people. The shortest hike is the 7-mile Friends and Family Challenge kicking off at Hartwood Acres Park, bringing out about 50 people, according to Steve Mentzer, vice president of the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy

Another 150 volunteers turned out to help hikers at checkpoints and the destination at North Park.

The trail is extremely varied, crossing several county parks, following power and gas lines, skirting suburban homes and farms, crossing creeks, and passing along the edge of steep bluffs.

More than one team participating in the Friends and Family Challenge brought in all ages — including babies.

Baby Got Back was a team of parents who carried their little ones along the 7-mile hike.

“We all just had babies and wanted to do this with our children,” said Hollis Laird of Highland Park, who joined her wife, Catherine Chappell, and 18-month daughter Laine Laird.

“I did the half challenge last year,” Laird said. “This was my postpartum gift to myself.

“We want our children to be involved in the outdoors and value it, even if they won’t remember this particular trip.” Laird said. “It’s something we could do as a family.”

As for the kids, they did great, with a couple stops for water and snacks, Laird said.

It was the second year participating for Yolanda Frank. Her husband, Jerome, a challenge veteran of six years, joined her for the Friends and Family excursion.

“With the rain, it made us nervous that the trail was going to be wet and slippery, but this direction is a lot easier in my opinion,” she said. “But I’m also coming off of a full knee replacement.”

Jerome Frank has completed the full 36 miles in the past, calling it “mind blowing.”

“To know that you can actually do it, it gives you a sense of accomplishment,” he said. “It’s about taking one step at a time. It’s like, ‘How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.’ It shows that you can be pleasantly surprised with the challenges you face and the sense of accomplishment you have when you overcome them.”