With the new year right around the corner, why not consider taking on a resolution that’s both exciting and adventurous. Challenge yourself by trekking to some of the regions most rugged peaks in the South Beyond 6,000 Challenge. Doesn’t that just sound better than giving up chocolate?

The South Beyond 6,000 Challenge is a great way to experience the Southeastern Appalachian Mountains by committing to hiking 40 peaks that are above 6,000 feet in the region. It was crafted by the Carolina Mountain Club in 1967 and has since pushed new hikers yearly. Climbing all 40 peaks is not only physically demanding but requires technical skills as well. Almost half of the summits do not have trails leading the way, requiring map and compass skills to navigate while bushwacking to the top. Reaching the summit is only half the battle on these peaks, as hikers still have to find their way back down after the climb. On top of these challenges, the wide range of weather conditions found in the Southern Appalachians often times makes the treks more difficult. Many people take years to finish the challenge; however, if you want to finish them in a calendar year, be aware of weather and trail conditions in winter months. While multiple peaks can be completed in one day hike, over half can only be done individually.  

A majority of the peaks are located in the Roan Highlands, Great Balsams, Black Mountains, Smokies, Craggies, and Plott Balsams regions.    

In order to be recorded as a completer of the challenge, you must record and submit all hikes and routes to the Carolina Mountain Club for review. Routes to the peaks require criteria that must be met in order to be considered acceptable for the challenge. The rules include hikes being at least 5 miles with ascents of at least 500 feet. Click here for the offical guidelines. After you have reached all 40 summits, you can apply to be recorded as a SB6K completer. Less than 200 people have reported completing this adventurous challenge.