National Trails Day® Open House 2019

Every day is trails day for the Trail Conference. But on National Trails Day® , we add a little extra celebration to our stewardship.

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, Popular Mechanics and American Hiking Society invite nature lovers and adventure seekers to celebrate trails at an Open House on Saturday, June 1, in celebration of National Trails Day®.

National Trails Day® events are held across the country recognizing the power trails have in connecting people with nature. We’ll be hosting a Trail Love day, invasive species removal, and learning opportunities, as well as offering a variety of hikes for all interests and abilities. 

Our partner organizations will be sharing ideas on ways to engage with trails and nature year-round. Win great outdoor prizes at our raffle and enjoy refreshments provided for sale by vendors. 

Don't have access to a car and live in the city? Discover Outdoors will be providing transportation from NYC, space is limited, reserve your spot today!

Gear Raffle! Purchase online or at the event. Drawing held June 8.

Vendors and Food Truck to explore starting at 8:30 a.m. Event rain or shine.

Welcome 
9:00 a.m

• Opening Remarks
  A warm welcome from American Hiking Society's Executive Director, Kate Van Waes, and Trail Conference's Chief Operating Officer, Joshua Howard.

Guided Hikes:
9:15 a.m. 

• Vista Trail Loop - Distance: 4.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate Time: 2.5 hours
  This loop hike crosses less-traveled portions of the reservation, passing the scenic MacMillan Reservoir, the recently relocated portion around the beautiful waterfall and a climb to an expansive viewpoint, overlooking the Manhattan Skyline and stunning cactus’ in bloom.

10:00 a.m. 

• History Hike - Distance: 2.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Time: 2 hours
  As you explore Ramapo Reservation, learn about the lands that make up the Ramapo Mountains, the Ramapough Lunaape Nation and other impressive history about the surrounding grounds. 

10:30 a.m.

• Family Nature Hike - Distance: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy Time: 1.5 hours
  Little adventurers will explore the grounds around the Headquarters and into the Ramapo Reservation. Native plants and habitats will be identified and explained on this leisurely hike.   

• Compass Hike - Distance: 1 mile Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour *you do not need to bring a compass
  Learn the tools of orienteering using Suunto Compasses guided by an outdoor expert from Campmor.

10:45 a.m. 

• Yoga Hike - Distance: 2 miles Difficulty: Moderate Time: 2 hours *you do not need to bring a mat
  Feel the mind, body, and spirit connect with nature on this hike while receiving beneficial yoga instruction at Scarlet Oak Pond and on a summit with views of the Manhattan skyline.

Stewardship Opportunities: 

10:00 a.m.

• Trail Love day on the Vista Loop Trail - Join trail superheroes who are working hard to make your hikes awesome! We’d love for you to volunteer to see what trail building’s all about. Volunteers will help clear and lay down a new stretch of trail. All experience levels welcome!

• Native Shrub Planting – Join our Invasive Strike Force Crew as we continue to restore the native understory of the grounds around our headquarters.  We will be planting Button Bush and Arrowwood to help increase the ecological capacity of our area by providing food and shelter for the local wildlife.  No need to have a green thumb, all ability levels welcome!  Time: ~2 hours

11:00 a.m.

• Garlic Mustard Pull – Join our Invasives Strike Force Crew to help remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant, from the Trail Conference and Ramapo Reservation grounds. Appropriate for all ages!  Time: ~1 hour

Paddle Demos:

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Join our friends at Ramsey Outdoor at Ramapo Reservation for thier 31st Annual Paddle Day! Come meet their knowledgeable staff and try out the latest stand up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks from the industry's top manufacturers.

Help Us Outfit the Next Generation of Adventures - Gear Donations Wanted! 

Gear Forward is a non-profit organization aimed at securing outdoor gear from the outdoor community, retailers and manufacturers for the direct donation to youth in need. Their hope is to give youth access to the great outdoors in ways that may not have been possible without gear.  At this time, they would appreciate any monetary donations or gently used tents, sleeping bags, and/or backpacks. Gear Forward will be hosting a table at National Trails Day and is accepting donations!

Parking: All activities begin and end at 600 Ramapo Valley Road. Parking available at two locations: Ramapo College of New Jersey's D3 Lot , 581 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah NJ 07430 and at Ramapo County Valley Reservation , 608 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah NJ 07430. A short walk guided by directional signs and volunteers will bring you to the Headquarters.

Co-hosted by: