The "All Trails Challenge" will get you fit and moving

The Wissahickon Valley Park has 50 miles of trails, and the "All Trails Challenge" encourages people to get out and explore.

Action News caught up with Alyssa Perez and her rescue dog Watson who are taking on the challenge for a second time.

The pair explored all 50 miles during last year's Friends of the Wissahickon "All Trails Challenge."

"You come here and you completely forget that you're in Philadelphia and in a city," Alyssa said.

She says it was a way for Watson to work off some energy, and for her to get to know the area better.

Along the way, Alyssa posted their journey on Instagram - Hashtag F-O-W-All-Trails.

"This was a huge kick start," Alyssa said.

It also kept her motivated to stay active even when it got cold outside.

Walking is great for both your physical and mental health.

"Even on a gloomy day when normally I would just kind of stay inside, I would get out and just even going on like 30 minutes, I could feel the uplift in my day," Alyssa said.

Lorraine Awuku with the non-profit Friends of the Wissahickon says the challenge runs until November 29, but you go at your own pace.

"We really like people to get out into the park and explore as much as they can. There's 50 miles here, there and everywhere within the different trails," she said.

This year, Alyssa has sponsors hoping to raise $300 to give back to the park to help with upkeep.

She encourages others, people and pets to hit the trails, get back to nature and enjoy the escape.

"You never feel completely alone but it's not over-crowded either. There's always a trail you can take to get a little more solitude if that's what you need that day," Alyssa said.

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