The amount of time it takes to complete the challenge is truly based upon your ability to solve the clues and puzzles! The Challenge has been designed to be completed in a weekend, but it may take you more or less time. But don’t worry, once you have registered, you can return as many times as you’d like to pick up where you’ve left off!!
While we market it as a “weekend adventure” you can start the Challenge on any day of the week! Plan to make a couple of day trips to the area or book overnight accommodations. The Challenge runs 7 days per week from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through the Monday of Labor Day weekend.
A comfortable pair of shoes or boots, a smartphone with a camera, water and brainpower are the essentials! There will be opportunities along the way for meals and snacks. It wouldn’t hurt to have an umbrella or rain gear in case of inclement weather. If it has been raining recently, boots may be your friend.
No!! An unlimited number of participants can register for the Challenge. The more participants, the greater the cash prize!.
The Challenge does involve exploring the great outdoors, which may include some short hikes or walks. Most people of an average fitness level can easily complete the Challenge. If you have concerns about a specific member of your team, feel free to reach out to us regarding their activity level and we can give you some more information to help you determine if the Challenge is right for each member of your team.
This is not a race!! The Challenge is available during the summer months in Western New York. It doesn’t matter when you begin the Challenge.. it only matters that you finish it before September 5, 2022!!
Each entry to the Adult Challenge starts you on your way to this one-to-two day adventure. Lodging is not included, but check back often for discounts from our partners. A portion of the proceeds from the entry fee goes to the cash prize and also to support three local not-for-profit historical organizationsEach child entered into the Juniors Challenge will recieve a sticker clue book. It will be important that each child is registered who would like to participate with their own book. While each adult must sign a waiver on behalf of any participating adults and children, only children recieving a sticker book will have to pay an entry fee. The Juniors challenge will take between 3-4 hours to complete, and is most appropriate for children ages 2-10.
You have the opportunity to visit the Enchanted Mountain Challenge headquarters to play some games to win a chance to get a few hints! The hints are only available for the clues in the first half of the Challenge.
The Adults Challenge is most appropriate for adults or older children who can walk/hike 2+ miles and are happy and willing to sit in a restaurant! Kids are most definitely welcome, just use your judgment as to whether or not they would enjoy the Adult Challenge! We offer a shorter Juniors Challenge to make sure the whole family can get in on the fun! Recomended ages for the Juniors Challenge are 3-10.
The Juniors Challenge should take about 3-5 hours to complete. The clues will be found in both Franklinville and Ellicottville, so a parent/guardian will need to drive between the towns. Half of the clues will be found in one town, the other half in the second town, so it is only one trip between towns. We have designed the Challenge so that the drive will provide a nice respite for the kids to recharge their batteries and get excited for the next set of clues!!
We love dogs and animals of all kinds! But many of the clues will require entry to businesses that restrict animals. Since it’s a summer time event and cars can get awfully hot, we recommend you leaving your beloved pet at home, or find an accommodation that will allow you to leave your pet there for the portions of the Challenge where pets may not be welcome.
Franklinville and Ellicottville offer multiple hotel, motel, campground and vacation rental options. Visit the Cattaraugus County Tourism Bureau website for more information!
There is no guarantee you will finish the Challenge but you can return as often as you’d like to try to complete it! Regardless your entry fee will help support three local historical organizations. Don’t forget to keep your progress secret… only those who finish the Challenge are entered to win prizes. And all who complete the Challenge receive a coupon code to come back for next years all new adventure!
Once the Challenge ends, we will post all of the clues, the backstory and the history on our website and social media. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to stay informed!!
Absolutely! When you arrive to recieve your first clue, let the staff know you may not be able to participate in the hiking portion of the Challenge. You will be instructed to call when you arrive at a location you feel may include hiking or may be difficult for you to access. If you are in the right location, our staff will provide you with the information you will need to move forward.
