The D&L Blog

By Patrick Hunt, Trail Coordinator

Get Your Tail on the Trail (GYTOT) really worked to keep its resolution of growing the program in 2019. As a result, we wrapped up a fantastic 2019, with three big accomplishments. GYTOT launched its first chapter. More impressively, GYTOT users logged more than 4 million miles, since the start of the program in 2013. This year, we also launched the Trail of the Month feature.

Launching the NEPA Chapter

With help from Geisinger and the Wilkes-Barre Health Department GYTOT successfully expanded the program by launching the Northeast PA Chapter. This chapter covers Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. This Northeast PA chapter led by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) operates very similar to the original D&L chapter. The chapter even runs our two signature challenges, the 30/30 challenge and the 165-mile challenge.  As a result, both chapters now offer at least one event per challenge. Additionally, the NEPA Chapter will host their very on GYTOT Approved events.

This not only grows the GYTOT user base, but it allows for more location focused events and outreach. In its first 30/30 challenge, there were 94 participants and 70 of them completed the challenge for a total of 3,970 miles. In the 165-mile challenge, the Northeast PA chapter had 197 participants. 103 of these participants completed the challenge for a total of 41,505 miles.

Millions of Miles and Counting

In the sixth year of the program, GYTOT surpassed a huge milestone. Since the program started, users logged a total of 4,330,180, which is 26,243 trips along the D&L trail. None of this would be possible without the continued support from St. Luke’s and the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Most importantly, though, that mileage is made possible by the dedication of GYTOT users to their own health and wellness.

Trail of the Month

Finally, GYTOT launched the Trail of the Month program, which incentivizes trail users to get out and log miles outside and explore new trails. This D&L Chapter program highlights one trail per month. When users log miles on that trail, they are entered in a giveaway. As a result of this program, we’ve seen increased entries on the trails of the month.

Going into 2020, GYTOT is looking to continue to grow with two main projects. GYTOT is working to be more accessible and inclusive to all communities, including providing content in additional languages. We are also working on getting user testimonials for how users have used the program and how it has helped user’s live healthy and active lives. We look forward to the many miles and adventures 2020 has in store.