If you’ve ever wanted to join a hiking group in New Jersey but didn’t know where to start, begin with Hike the World — you’ll find an upbeat group of hikers shining a light on mental health awareness through hiking and getting outside.Â
Hike the World is a hiking company that offers community hikes, unique themed hikes (the Game of Thrones hike is coming soon!) for a fee, a membership program and branded clothing.
They are also members of the member club of our friends over at the NYNJ Trail Conference.
More on their statement of purpose from owner Laura:
We believe in fostering a strong sense of community and kinship between hikers, shining a light on mental health awareness by using nature as a healthy way to ease anxiety and depression and supporting volunteer programs that help protect our parks and trails. We hope to infuse these goals into future generations around the world.
Why join a hiking club?
- Community — Meet new people who enjoy similar hobbies
- Safety — There’s safety in numbers!
- It’s, well, fun — Try something new this year and get out on the trails… Yes, even in the winter!
What happens at a Hike the World Event?
I recently attended Hike the World’s “Spread the Trail Love†event at the New Weis Center in Ringwood, where forty hikers (of all ages and abilities!) joined Laura, Ryan, and a brand-rep from Merrell to talk about their mission, trails in New Jersey, and of course Merrell’s newest apparel (Arctic Grip shoes).
After a short demo of Merrell shoes, we headed up the icy Wyanokie High Point trail in Norvin Green State Forest (see more trails on our hiking map) and summitted the top of the mountain! You could even see the NYC skyline on this sunny winter Saturday.
After an equally icy-descent, we ended the two mile hike at the New Weis Center with hot chocolate!
Get involved
Hike the World is planning more events like this throughout the spring and summer. While this last event was $10, they also offer free add-on hikes for members and non-members alike (I attended the 4-mile Super Bowl Sunday hike in Ramapo Mountain State Forest) — just sign up on Eventbrite, linked from their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.
