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Resources for Hiking and Getting Outside in the Era of Social Distancing

March 19th, 2020 12:00am 5 minute read

New York and New Jersey Trail Conference has suspended all outdoor activity: "We take the responsibility of caring for the people who protect and use trails very seriously. That is why we are now suspending all outdoor volunteer activity, effective immediately. This is in addition to the suspension of all group activity. Overcrowding on trails—even trails normally not well-traveled—has made social distancing difficult, if not impossible. In addition, several parks where we work have already made the decision to close. We must all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Staying home is the safest option during this time."

Due to these closures and stay at home orders, there are plenty of ways to still get active and outside at home. Trip Outside, an outdoor experience and adventure site, offers a a great list of 10 Ways to Stay Sane & Active While Social Distancing.

In addition, the resources listed below to find trails and hiking routes in your local area will still be available when this public health crisis is resolved. Plenty of time to research and compile a list of all the awesome sites you'll visit when this is over!

Update: 3/24/2020

In this time of the outbreak of the novel COVID-19 virus, it is imperative to practice common sense and precaution to keep yourself and your community safe and healthy. Educate yourself and know the facts about this pathogen and follow basic hygienic protocols of routine hand-washing, avoidance of touching your face, use of remote/virtual work spaces, and practice of social distancing. Information and Guidelines on COVID-19 can be found here or at www.cdc.gov.

The importance of social distancing can not be stressed enough to lower the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the strain on our already overwhelmed healthcare system. Working from home and restricting your time in public places to only essential circumstances, such as picking up prescriptions or buying groceries, is a social responsibility to your community's well being.

With that being said, isolation does not have to be confined to your household and is a great opportunity to get outside. Spending mindful time in nature is one of the best ways to refresh and reduce stress. Likewise, getting out doors is an excellent way to stretch your legs and get active in a meaningful way. There a number of local trails that you and your family can take advantage of during this time of social distancing.

The New York-New Jersey Trail Conference states on the safety of outdoor activtiy:

"According to the Los Angeles Times, medical experts say “individuals should take part in any outdoor activity they feel healthy enough to do while practicing social distancing recommendations. Of course, if you’re feeling sick and have a cough, don’t go out and do any activity."

Right now, most state parks in both New York and New Jersey remain open, with facilities like restrooms closed in some areas. Residents are being encouraged to get outside and explore these special places. If park closures do occur, the Trail Conference will post them on our trail alerts page as soon as possible. If you find yourself on a crowded trail, keep a considerable distance from others; the suggested distance is 6 feet. As always, keep your group sizes small on the trail and avoid trails during high-use times, like the weekends. Stay local in your outdoor adventures out of consideration for small trail communities. Indoors or out, everyone should be aware of—and follow—the latest guidance of the CDC."

Find a park near you using https://www.nynjtc.org/hike-finder-map . You can select your difficulty level, route type, park usage, hike length, and hike features to find the prefect trail.

To protect our employees and customers alike, our showroom is closed until further notice. However, customers who are waiting to pick up their vehicles and the local community are welcome to use Bread Lock Park, whose facilities are located right behind our shop. The park houses the 2.3 mile long Morris Canal Trail and a 0.6 mile fitness trail. This park offers opportunities for walking, hiking, biking, and wildlife observation.

Map of Bread Lock Park. Includes a 2.3 mile Morris Canal Trail and 0.6 mile Fitness Trail. Please stay on the marked path and adhere to the CDC's guidelines.

Again, if using Bread Lock Park or a local trail, one should still adhere guidelines set out by the CDC, employ common sense, and maintain a distance of six feet at minimum from other visitors. This specific distance of six feet is prescribed so that droplets that are naturally discharged from the mouths and noses of other people when talking, sneezing, or coughing can not reach you and, therefore, protect you from any potential of exposure.

Finally, though parks and trails remain open, all New Jersey State campgrounds have closed and all camp reservations have been rescinded through April 30th. The official campground alert from by order of the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection can be found here.

Despite campsites being barred, you can still enjoy the outdoors responsibly. So get outside and get some fresh air.