Conquering More Than Mountains
The numbers from our 2025 Hiking Group tell a story of grit, discipline, and shared purpose. Over the course of 38 hikes, our veterans covered 151 miles in total and gained over 11,000 feet of elevation.
They didn't just stick to the easy paths, either:
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6 veterans participated in the Ultimate Hiking Challenge
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5 veterans completed the Fulton Chain Trifecta in Old Forge
- 3 mountains
- 8.8 miles
- 1,676 feet of elevation gain
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5 veterans participated in the Crescent Trail Challenge
- 19.4 miles
- 1,526 feet of elevation gain
However, arguably the most significant metric from this past year: One of our regulars shared that when he first joined the group, he was battling deep depression and weighed 330 pounds. After a year of hitting the trails with his peers, he has lost 60 pounds and completely transformed his mental outlook.
That is the real impact of this program: physical health, mental clarity, and the strength of camaraderie. We are already mapping out our targets for 2026, and we want you on the roster.
Ready to hit the trail? Contact Jeff Klein, Wellness Programs Manager, at 585.295.7804 or Jeff.Klein@vocroc.org to learn more.
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