May 14 2008 03:25:11:600PM
Network of Trails, Walkways Beckon Pennsylvanians During Hiking Week
Source:
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More than 100 Hikes Set for Statewide Event May 24-June 1
HARRISBURG, Pa., May 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hikers have more
than a 100 choices to pick their path and pace to get exercise and explore
Pennsylvania's bountiful outdoors during the statewide Hiking Week
celebration, May 24 to June 1.
"Thanks to the work of the Keystone Trails Association, our bureaus of
state parks and forestry, and hiking enthusiasts across the state, this
increasingly popular event continues to meet its 100-hike goal, while
providing activities for all ages and abilities," said Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.
"We hope novices will join the trail-hardened veterans in this annual
salute to healthy exercise and the serenity of those very special places
found outdoors at so many of our state parks, forests and municipal
greenways," DiBerardinis said of the seventh annual, nine-day Hiking Week.
"Pennsylvania Hiking Week is a great time to explore Pennsylvania's
numerous hiking trails," said Curt Ashenfelter, executive director of the
Keystone Trails Association. "Whether you like to hike alone or with a
group, spring is a beautiful time of year in Penn's Woods. Before or after
anyone hikes, I encourage joining a hiking club because they offer numerous
benefits for beginning and experienced hikers."
Special events planned by DCNR and the Keystone Trails Association 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.
Organized in 1956, Keystone Trails Association is a 1,100-member
umbrella organization made up of 50 hiking and outdoors organizations in
and around Pennsylvania.
A list of hikes already planned can be found at
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/info/hikingweek. For Hiking Week details and
schedules, as well as information on hiking clubs across the state, visit
http://www.KTA-Hike.org.
CONTACT:
Terry Brady
(717) 772-9101