Celebrate National Trails Day in Riverton Saturday

A one-mile narrated hike along Pompeston Creek in Riverton is part of New Jersey’s statewide celebration of the 22nd annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6.

The walk takes place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The event in Riverton also includes the fourth annual Great Pompeston Rubber Duck Race from noon-5 p.m. There will also be guided walks along the creek, live music, kids games and refreshments.

More than 30 events are planned throughout the state for National Trails Day, first celebrated in the United States in 1993 to commemorate the 25thanniversary of the National Trails System Act. It is now an annual event designed to promote the many attributes of recreational trails.

New Jersey residents are encouraged to be outdoors, even for a short while, to explore any of the State’s more than 1,500 miles of trails near their homes.

“New Jersey’s quality of life is enhanced by our broad network of trails, which connect our communities to a vast array of green spaces,” Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said. “In celebration of National Trails Day, the first Saturday in June is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the many trails in some of our magnificent state, county and local parks.”

The intent of National Trails Day, an initiative of the American Hiking Society, is to develop a public understanding of the importance of recreational trails and the efforts to establish, preserve and maintain them. Trails provide health and fitness opportunities, outdoor classrooms to study nature, greenways for wildlife conservation, links to history and regional tourism opportunities.

“It’s a day to get out on a trail and celebrate our connection to people, places and the outdoors,” State Park Director Mark Texel said. “Whether you live in a city, suburb or a rural area, there is probably a trail nearby where you can walk, jog, cycle, ride horses, ski, canoe, bird-watch and more. These are just some of the many trail activities available in New Jersey.”

The attached image is a Patch file photo