Hike-a-Thon 2026 Raises $306,946 For Tennessee Conservation
TennGreen Land Conservancy hosted its sixth annual Hike-a-Thon in April, with a record 1,398 participants and sponsors raising $306,946 for the environmental nonprofit. Participants from different categories—hikers, paddlers, bikers, runners, and climbers—competed in a friendly contest for exciting prizes donated by top sponsors. In total, participants explored a record 17,836 miles across 41 U.S. states and 13 countries.
TENNESSEE (May 7, 2026)— Throughout spring 2026, supporters of TennGreen Land Conservancy far exceeded fundraising goals by raising $306,946 for the environmental nonprofit during its annual Hike-a-Thon. This first-of-its-kind event in the Southeast, now in its sixth year, continues to see rapid growth as 1,398 participants adventured across the globe, attracting a record-smashing number of donors and sponsors.
“We are incredibly inspired and thankful for the community that came together to make this year’s Hike-a-Thon such a powerful force for conservation across Tennessee,” said Alice Hudson Pell, Executive Director of TennGreen Land Conservancy. “From longtime supporters to first-time hikers, each person who showed up, gave generously, and spent time outdoors helped turn a shared love of land into lasting impact. Whether you were walking a favorite trail, discovering a new landscape, or cheering others on, you played a part in protecting the places that define Tennessee’s natural heritage. Because of you, this movement continues to grow, and together, we’re ensuring these lands remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.”
What is the Hike-a-Thon?
This fundraising event is a month-long competition where people of all ages and abilities can explore nature and raise funds to protect Tennessee’s lands and waters. The Hike-a-Thon is free to participate in, managed virtually, and offers competitions and prizes for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts throughout April.
“This event not only raises awareness and funds for land conservation efforts during the month of April, but it also fosters a sense of community among those who cherish our environment,” praised Hike-a-Thon participant Sheryl Handley.
In 2026, a record 1,398 participants hiked, paddled, climbed, off-road biked, or ran 17,836 miles across 41 U.S. states and 13 countries, a remarkable increase over previous years’ totals. Adventurers took the Hike-a-Thon to new locations and heights, including the peaks of Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy and Iceland, as well as faraway treks in Australia, Scotland, Ireland, Dominica, and more. Yet the heart of the event remains a shared commitment to a Tennessee where people and nature can thrive, a commitment exemplified by thousands of miles adventured across West, Middle, and East Tennessee.
All For Tennessee Conservation
Proceeds from the Hike-a-Thon benefit TennGreen Land Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit and Tennessee’s oldest accredited statewide land conservancy. To date, TennGreen has protected over 56,000 acres in the state and beyond. Some of these successes include the newly-formed Savage Gulf, Fiery Gizzard, Middle Fork Bottoms, and Head of the Crow State Parks alongside the creation of Cummins Falls State Park and key land acquisitions along the Cumberland Trail, Tennessee’s longest linear park.
TennGreen Land Conservancy is grateful for the generosity of the Hike-a-Thon’s leading sponsors: Atmos Energy Corporation, Bailey Equipment & Intralogistics, Bearded Iris Brewing, Cumberland Kayak & Adventure Company, Oracle, Sphere, and the Sandra Schatten Foundation alongside McClanahan Law and The Parent Company. Their commitment to Tennessee conservation elevates this fundraiser to a premiere outdoor event with critical, lasting impact.
TennGreen and our partners are also deeply inspired and thankful for the almost 1,400 participants who catapulted this year’s Hike-a-Thon to incredible heights. Among them are our adventure category winners, photography contest winners (featured below), and many more.
To view the complete list of 2026 Hike-a-Thon winners sponsorship information, visit: hikeathon.com
About TennGreen Land ConservancyTennGreen Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit and the oldest accredited statewide land conservancy in Tennessee. TennGreen’s mission is to conserve land where people and nature can thrive. Through sound science and partnerships, TennGreen identifies and conserves land across Tennessee for wildlife corridors, critical habitat, and public benefit. TennGreen protects, cares for, and connects people with Tennessee’s natural world by providing meaningful outdoor experiences, establishing conservation easements, supporting restoration efforts, and acquiring (or assisting in the acquisition of) privately held land. Learn more at tenngreen.org.
