Happy Trails: Go For a Hike

Written by Jennifer Korneski (Somerset County 4-H Healthy Living Coordinator)

Last September my family and I spent the afternoon hiking at Hacklebarney State Park in Chester. My children loved spending the day in nature, climbing rocks, hopping over streams, and exploring the vast forest.

Hiking is an ideal total wellness opportunity to connect with nature and really observe and explore the beauty of our Earth. Although it surrounds us every day, we may not take the time to see it. Fall is the perfect time for hiking as weather is cooler and we can enjoy the last of autumn’s beautiful foliage.

A family hike can make for special memories too. With busy schedules, much of our time can be spent running from one activity to the next not leaving for much quality family time where phones are away and you can simply enjoy each other’s company.

Our family is so excited for our next adventure which will be hiking at the Grand Canyon. You don’t have to travel across country to get in a great hike, there are miles of trails our backyard here in New Jersey.

The Somerset County Parks Commission website highlights county hiking and biking trails. These many miles of trails give hikers a beautiful space to exercise but also the opportunity to watch wildlife, explore unique plant-life and breathe in fresh air.

The New Jersey State Park Service is another great local hiking resource. They administer over 452,000 acres of land comprised of parks, forests, historic sites and recreational areas throughout New Jersey.

If you have a child in fourth grade, you can get a FREE family voucher for entrance to Federal parks throughout the year. Newly developed in 2019 after Every Kid in a Park program changed names, Every Kids Outdoors program focuses on children who are at a unique learning and developmental stage in life. About age 10, children develop concrete ways of thinking and understanding and are more receptive to engaging with nature and the environment so this a perfect program to explore nature.

Whether you hike in a neighborhood park or venture across country to a national site, hiking has so many rewarding benefits beyond fitness. Celebrate National Hiking Day on November 17th by visiting a local trail, you’ll be so glad you did!

Sources

“Hiking and Biking Trails”. Somerset County Parks Commission. http://www.somersetcountyparks.org/activities/hikingBiking/HikingBiking_Trails.html. Accessed November 2, 2022.

“Self Guides Hikes”. State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/education/self-guided-hikes.html. Accessed November 7, 2022.

“Every Kids Outdoors”. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm. Access November 7, 2022.