Great Hike

In Short

This narrative follows a group of Boy Scouts from the fictional town of Hickory Ridge as they embark on a competitive forty-seven-mile hike to a neighboring town. Set during a time when scouting was a fresh cultural phenomenon, the story focuses on the themes of endurance, civic pride, and technical problem-solving. While the plot centers on the boys' physical challenges and their defense against local agitators, the volume concludes with an extensive educational guide on entomology. It remains a classic example of early juvenile series fiction, emphasizing wholesome values and practical, outdoor skills.

The Story

The story begins with the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts deciding to host a "great hike"—a twenty-four-hour endurance trek to Little Falls. The rules are strict: to win, a scout must complete the journey on foot without accepting a single ride. The troop organizes the event with great enthusiasm, intending to showcase their town's spirit against rival hikers from Fairfield. Six scouts are selected to compete, while others follow on bicycles or motorcycles to monitor progress and provide support.

As the race unfolds, the scouts face unexpected obstacles. While the hikers show impressive grit, a group of local troublemakers—who oppose the scouting movement—attempts to sabotage the event. These "outcasts" ambush the lead scout, Lil Artha, intending to force him into a car, which would disqualify him for accepting a lift. Elmer Chenowith, the troop's natural leader who possesses extensive experience from his upbringing in the woods, anticipates this treachery. Elmer and his companions on motorcycles track the progress of the hikers, using their knowledge of trails and map-reading to stay ahead of the plotters.

When the ambush finally occurs, the scouts intervene. A skirmish ensues on the road, where the boys use their physical fitness and training to overcome the assailants. The fight is described as a matter of honor and defense, with the scouts successfully protecting their companion and securing their triumph over the disruption. The Fairfield agitators are thwarted, and the scouts move forward to finish the trek.

The climax involves a chaotic moment where one of the support motorcycles malfunctions, forcing a high-speed chase through the night. The scouts manage to navigate these mechanical perils with Elmer’s guidance. By the time the hikers arrive in Little Falls, the victory is clear. The story concludes with the scouts returning home to a hero's welcome from their peers. In the aftermath, it is clarified that the trouble was caused by a rogue group rather than the legitimate Boy Scouts of Fairfield, who express their own indignation at the incident. The narrative ends on a note of camaraderie and institutional pride, reinforcing the idea that the scouting movement is a positive force for both the boys and the communities they represent.

How It Unfolds

The proposal takes hold Jasper, a small but organized scout, suggests the twenty-four-hour hike to his peers. The troop immediately embraces the idea, seeing it as a way to prove their mettle and display civic pride.

The race begins Mr. Garrabrant, the scout master, outlines the strict rules of the competition. The boys commit to their solemn promise not to accept a ride, and the town watches with bated breath as the hikers depart.

The scouts encounter trouble Elmer and his friends realize that antagonists are stalking the hikers. Using map-reading skills and keen observation, they track these threats through the countryside to ensure the hikers' safety.

The ambush is thwarted The conspirators attempt to force Lil Artha into an automobile, but the scouts spring into action. A brief, decisive struggle leaves the scouts victorious and the plotters defeated.

The final stretch Despite mechanical failures and the perils of traveling in the dark, the scouts maintain their composure. Elmer leads the group through the final miles, guiding them toward a successful finish in Little Falls.

The aftermath The troop holds a meeting to discuss the event, emphasizing the distinction between true scouts and local agitators. The boys celebrate their accomplishment, feeling that they have successfully upheld the values of their organization.

The People

Elmer Chenowith serves as the backbone of the troop. Experienced in the woods and remarkably level-headed, he acts as the tactical leader. His primary objective is ensuring the safety of his friends and the integrity of the hike. He is essentially the "fixer" who understands how to read trails and repair motorcycles.

Lil Artha is the primary hiker. Known for his tall stature and endurance, he represents the "pride" of the troop. He wants to win the hike fairly and proves himself capable of withstanding both physical exhaustion and the pressures of being targeted by adversaries.

Landy, Nat, and Toby provide the supporting cast. They are energetic and prone to occasional clumsiness, often struggling with their balky motorcycles. Nat, in particular, loves action and thrives on the physical confrontation, while Toby provides a steady, if sometimes bewildered, companion to Elmer. They are defined by their loyalty and their desire to grow into competent scouts.

The Fairfield agitators represent the external conflict. They are "outcasts" who reject the scouting movement and seek to undermine it. They serve as a foil to the boys, highlighting the scouts' discipline by comparison.

In Its Own Voice

The boys often rely on their scout master to provide the foundation for their activities and enforce the rules of the competition:

Mr. Garrabrant, the young man who served so faithfully as scout master to the troop, was talking to the boys who expected to participate in the long tramp.

Elmer’s ability to read the landscape, honed by his life in the woods, is a constant source of wonder to his companions:

"Takes you to think up all those things. That's what you learned when you were out there on the plains, didn't you?"

The camaraderie of the troop is evident in how they manage their difficulties, even when facing a potentially dangerous situation:

"Be a scout and show your grit. Those are only little scratches and will be gone in a few days."

What It's Really About

At its core, this book functions as a manual for the "scout ideal"—the belief that character is forged through physical exertion and adherence to a strict code of conduct. The hike is less about the destination and more about the cultivation of "clear grit." The conflict with the Fairfield agitators emphasizes that the scouting movement is not just a club, but a social force that promotes order and morality against those who would disrupt it. It argues that with proper preparation, an understanding of the natural world, and a commitment to one's fellows, a young person can navigate any challenge, from mechanical failure to personal harassment.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy historical artifacts or those interested in the early development of American youth organizations will find this book particularly rewarding. It provides a fascinating look at the period's obsession with "wholesome" literature, where every adventure is a lesson in self-improvement and every character flaw is a hurdle to be overcome through hard work. The prose is straightforward and earnest, though the period-specific attitudes and the repetitive nature of the dialogue may feel dated to a modern reader.

The book is also an interesting oddity because of its shift from narrative to instructional material; the lengthy section on entomology at the end reveals the earnest, didactic intent of the series. Reading it feels like stepping into a time capsule of early-twentieth-century idealism, where the world is simple, tasks are tangible, and the "scout way" is presented as the definitive guide to becoming an upstanding citizen. It is not a complex literary work, but it is a sincere one. If you can appreciate the earnest, slightly stiff tone of the era, you will find it a charming window into a time when a long hike was considered the ultimate test of a boy’s mettle.