5/23/2006
“Experience Your
Outdoors” in State Parks on National Trails Day
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota state parks are encouraging visitors to
get out, get active and “Experience Your Outdoors” on National Trails Day,
June 3.
“This year’s National Trails Day theme, ‘Experience Your Outdoors,’ is a
great reminder to check out the trails right in your area,” said Emilie
Miller, information officer with the South Dakota state parks. “The state
park system has over 660 miles of trails located across South Dakota for
activities like hiking and biking. National Trails Day is a perfect time to
get out and give them a try.”
According to Miller, several parks will also feature trail events to
celebrate National Trails Day. Make plans to participate in the following
events:
Mountain Bike Race, LaFramboise Island in Pierre at 10:30 a.m.
(CT). Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in four divisions -
Beginner, Sport/Recreational, Advanced and Expert. Fee is $20 or $15 for
Black Hills Cycling Association members. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
All cyclists get a T-shirt with registration. Helmets required. Info:
(605) 773-3391
Experience Your Outdoors Health Walk/Ride, Mickelson Trail, Lead
Trailhead at 9 a.m. (MT). This 5.4-mile health walk/ride will take
participants along the scenic Mickelson Trail into Deadwood. Refreshments,
trail prizes, trail aide, and free bus transportation back to Lead will be
offered. Lead-Deadwood Regional Hospital and Lead-Deadwood Regional
Medical Clinic Staff will be on-hand to provide blood pressure checks.
Registration is $10 before May 26, and includes a T-shirt. Cost after that
date is $15 and T-shirt only if available. Children 11 & under are free.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lead Area Chamber of Commerce,
Northern Hills YMCA, and the Twin City Clothing Center. Info: (605)
584-1100 or online at
www.leadmethere.org.
Trekking Through a Geologic Wonderland Walk in the Park: Little Devil’s
Tower, Custer at 1 p.m. (MT), at the Little Devil’s Tower trailhead.
The approximate three-mile hike will take visitors on a journey to one of
the highest peaks in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Little Devil's
Tower Trail follows a rocky path through a mixed, spruce-pine forest and
meanders through a geological wonderland. Info: (605) 255-4515
Exploring the Prairie Walk in the Park, Angostura Recreation Area
at 7 p.m. (MT). The guided nature hike will take participants into a
mixed-grass prairie habitat to explore for animals and the often-unseen
beauty on the ground. Participants will learn how to spot animal tracks
and identify area plants. Info: (605) 745-6996
Hiking with Lewis and Clark Walk in the Park, Lewis and Clark
Recreation Area near Yankton at 7:30 p.m. (CT). On this walk, participants
will learn about the time the Lewis and Clark expedition spent in the
area. Info: (605) 668-2985
The three Walk in the Park programs are part of a series of educational,
guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks,
recreation areas and nature preserves. Park staff and volunteers lead the
programs, which are co-sponsored by the SD Departments of Health and
Education. There is no cost to participate in the Walk in the Park programs,
although a park entrance license is required. Visitors are encouraged to
dress according to the weather and to wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes.
National Trails Day is a nationwide trails celebration, bringing together
thousands of outdoor enthusiasts annually on the first Saturday of June.
For more information on National Trails Day and other events, visit
www.AmericanHiking.org. To learn more about the SD state parks, visit
www.SDparks.info.
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