Take a break from Black Friday shopping with REI’s #OptOutside movement.
The Mercer County Park Commission is partnering with REI Co-op to host a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. #OptOutside will take place on Friday, Nov. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Roebling Park, Mercer Meadows and Baldpate Mountain.
Participants this year will have the opportunity to join the Nature Programs for scavenger hunts in either Roebling Park or Mercer Meadows, or a hike to the summit of Baldpate Mountain.
Visit the Tulpehaking Nature Center or the new Historic Hunt Barn to pick up your “Choose your Own Adventure Passport” where participants can search for clues through the trails of Roebling Park and Mercer Meadows. Pick up your passport between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. from either locations.
Winners of the scavenger hunts will be able to choose from one of three prizes from REI including backpacks and hiking gear. All passports must be returned by 4 p.m. for prize drawing. The Tulpehaking Nature Center is at 157 Westcott Ave., Hamilton; the Historic Hunt Barn is at 197 Blackwell Road, Pennington.
Participants looking for a more challenging adventure can head to Baldpate Mountain for the 5-mile hike challenge, which is designed for adults and older youth. Maps for the course will be available all day at the Fiddlers Creek Parking Lot kiosk.
Meet up with volunteer trail guides at 11 a.m. in the Fiddlers Creek parking lot and hike with a group, or take on the challenge with a group of your own. Baldpate Mountain is at 28 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville.
These programs are free and open to the public. For more information, please call (609) 888-3218 or email natureprograms@mercercounty.org.
All Mercer County Park systems are open from dawn until dusk. For directions to Roebling Park, Mercer Meadows or Baldpate Mountain, visit mercercountyparks.org.
Hikers enjoy beautiful weather at the summit of Baldpate Mountain during the 5-mile hike challenge.,
