After setting a lofty goal of finding ways to tell Pennsylvanians “to take a hike,” organizers of the May 26 to June 3 Hiking Week this week announced they have surpassed the 100-hike mark.

The annual endeavor encourages healthy exercise and showcases the state’s bountiful outdoors.

“At least 100 organized hikes across the state for all ages and abilities was the noble goal set by the Keystone Trails Association, and our invaluable partners in this increasingly popular statewide event not only met that benchmark, they continue to add to it,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis.

The nine-day Hiking Week observance is marking its sixth year, and the co-sponsoring trail association and DCNR still are inviting suggestions for hikes that could be added to this year’s schedule.

“Early this year, the trail association and DCNR set the ambitious goal of scheduling 100 hikes for this year’s PA Hiking Week — and we did it,” said Keystone Trails Association President Paul Shaw. “We already have 104 different events on the calendar, including several hikes in one event, and we’re hoping more will be planned on the thousands of miles of trails available in Pennsylvania.”

Festivities 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 difficulties — from easy strolls along urban greenways to strenuous treks in some of Pennsylvania’s rugged mountain areas.

To have organized Hiking Week outings added to the official schedule, organizers should contact the Keystone Trails Association at 814-395-9696

For more information, or for a complete calendar of events closer to the starting date, visit DCNR’s Hiking Week webpage.

5/4/2007