National Trail Day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday in June. It was established to celebrate, improve, and advocate for inclusive access to trails. This past year we all saw how important outdoor spaces and trails are for our health and why we should ensure we keep them in good condition. There are a few ways to make a difference and you can see how here. Additionally, you can join one of the many events around NJ and help maintain a trail. It’s a great family activity! You can find volunteer trail work projects and guided hiking events here.
Other ways to celebrate could include getting out with your family and friends for a walk or bike ride or looking into creating your own cleaning event. Just remember that local trail improvement projects require permission from the local authorities overseeing the trail.
And if you are looking for trails in our area, here are some ideas:
- The Lawrence Hopewell Trail is a great choice for a family ride and enjoying nature. You can find more information about trail segments and comfort levels here.
- The Delaware & Raritan Canal is another multi-use path great for the whole family. You will encounter many types of birds, turtles, and other (friendly, mostly friendly, watch out for geese and don’t bother them) wildlife on your trip. More info here.
- Mercer County Park is another popular destination for families. More info here.
- Baldpate Mountain is another beautiful spot, but be aware the trails are not paved and may be harder to navigate with small children. More info here.
- The Trolley Line is also great for families. Learn more about the trail here.
- Explore the Circuit Trails https://circuittrails.org/what-is-the-circuit
And don’t forget to check out the Greater Mercer Trails Plan at gmtma.org and see if/how you can get involved in supporting trails in your community. The study was conducted in 2019 to support the development of a network of multi-use (biking and walking) trails and paths in the Greater Mercer area, to serve a variety of transportation needs by linking communities and the amenities within those communities with a safe, low stress option to motorized travel.
Have fun, stay safe, and keep our trails clean.
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