The Mercer County Park Commission and REI are still encouraging people to #OptOutside on Black Friday, Nov. 27, but this year’s program has been extended, with outdoor activities being offered in the County parks from Nov. 25 through 30. Participants can tackle the self-guided Scavenger Hunt or Bike Trail in Mercer Meadows on any of those days, or take a guided walk on Black Friday. Maps for the #OptOutside program can be found by visiting this link: http://mercercountyparks.org/#!/activities/DIY-programming. Please note that visitors to County parks must wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible.
Self-guided Walks
Walk at your own pace while completing Scavenger Hunts at Roebling Park and Mercer Meadows. Visit the Park Commission website to download your “Choose Your Own Adventure Passport” complete with clues to lead you through the trails on your walk. Participants looking for a more challenging adventure can head over to Baldpate Mountain or Mercer County Park (new this year) for a 5-mile hike challenge. Designed for adults and older youth, maps for the 5-mile hikes will be available on the Park Commission website for download. Baldpate Mountain is located at 28 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville. The entrance for the hike at Mercer County Park will be located at the Marina and Boathouse.
5-Mile Bike Challenge
Those who prefer biking to hiking will have the opportunity to participate in the Park Commission’s new 5-mile bike challenge in Mercer Meadows. Bike the newly renovated stone dust and paved trails and choose your own starting point for a family friendly adventure!
Guided Walk option
The Mercer County Park Commission will be partnering with the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space, who will be offering a morning guided walk option at Baldpate Mountain for #OptOutside activities. Choose from three guided walks in varying degrees of difficulty, from an easy 1.75-mile guided walk to a challenging 7.5-mile hike! Registration is required, and masks are mandatory. For more information and to register, please visit this link: http://events.constantcontact.com/register.
These programs are free and open to the public. For more information, please call (609) 888-3218 or email natureprograms@mercercounty.org. All County Park systems are open from dawn until dusk. For directions to Baldpate Mountain, Mercer County Park, Mercer Meadows or Tulpehaking Nature Center, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.