Get Outdoors and Experience PA's Trails, Walkways During Hike Week

Goal of 100 Hikes Set for Statewide Event, May 29-June 6

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Amid Pennsylvania's bountiful outdoors, hikers will be picking their pace and path when Hiking Week 2010 steps off Saturday, May 29, offering participants at least 100 organized hikes across the state.

"Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the co-sponsoring Keystone Trails Association and our bureaus of state parks and forestry, numerous healthy hiking activities are being offered to all ages and abilities," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley.

"This year is the ninth anniversary of an event that continues to increase in popularity, largely by reaching out to the uninitiated and offering a wide variety of highly organized hikes," said Quigley. "We hope to draw novices and trail-hardened veterans alike into our state parks, forests and municipal greenways in this annual salute to healthy exercise and the serenity of those very special places found outdoors."

The nine-day Hiking Week concludes Sunday, June 6. The co-sponsoring trail association and DCNR have been encouraging suggestions on new hikes that could be added to this year's schedule.

"The Keystone Trails Association encourages all Pennsylvanians, whether they are newly retired, young or old, empty-nesters, graduating seniors, or anyone just looking for a new sport to take a hike," said Curt Ashenfelter, executive director of the Keystone Trails Association. "Hiking with new friends will open a wonderful world minutes from your home where you can enjoy the splendor and serenity of the outdoors for your mental and physical well-being."

DCNR and the Keystone Trails Association have planned special events that will take place in parks, forests, cities and towns across the state. All of the scheduled hikes have leaders and include a variety of lengths and terrain—from easy strolls along urban greenways to strenuous treks in some of Pennsylvania's rugged mountain areas. Special hikes include night hikes, wildflower walks, hikes for people with disabilities, pet walks, geology walks and more.

For more information, including hikes already planned, dates and locations, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/info/hikingweek. For more Hiking Week details, as well as information on hiking clubs across the state, visit www.KTA-Hike.org.

Organized in 1956, KTA is a 1,172-member umbrella organization made up of 52 hiking and outdoors organizations in and around Pennsylvania.

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED