Byram Fall Charity Hike to benefit local organizations

Byram — Hudson Farm will once again sponsor the Hudson Farm Byram Fall Charity Hike on Saturday, October 22, at their property on Stanhope-Sparta Rd. on the boarder of Hopatcong and Byram. Hikers can arrive for this free event between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. This year the beneficiaries of the hike will be Byram Township Schools, Byram Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lakeland Emergency Squad and the Byram Youth Sports Organizations. Hudson Farm will donate $1 per year of age of each hiker to any of the four participating organizations. This year's hike will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the publication of Benton MacKaye's article proposing the Appalachian Trail. MacKaye wrote his article while staying in the now restored main house on Hudson Farm. With the help of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the seventh annual Hudson Farm Byram Fall Charity Hike will be a recreated miniature of the real 2,173-mile long Appalachian Trail. As participants hike they will find information about states and pictures of scenic vistas along the Appalachian Trail. Markings along this year's four mile route will mimic the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail and give an appreciation for the vision that created the park. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture pictures along the way. Adding to the excitement this year are contests with prizes sponsored by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy including walking sticks and wilderness hammocks. At noon on the Hudson Farm property, Larry Anderson, author of "Benton MacKaye: Conservationist, Planner, and Creator of the Appalachian Trail," will discuss his book about the architect of the Appalachian Trail. The event is rain or shine so hikers are asked to dress appropriately; wearing sturdy sneakers or hiking boots and a poncho or raincoat. Other suggestions for what to bring include water, bug repellent, sunscreen, a backpack and a cell phone. Pets, bikes and dirt bikes of any kind, ATVs and skateboards are not allowed on the trail. Hikers are cautioned that this is a hike on a mountainous trail, not a walk on paved roads, and are asked to use discretion with younger children. Adults must accompany children under 12 for the duration of the hike. Overflow parking will be at Lenape Valley Regional High School, five minutes away in Stanhope, on Stanhope-Sparta Road. Buses will be available to transport hikers to and from Hudson Farm. Car pooling is recommended. The event is free and open to anyone interested in enjoying the beautiful outdoors. For more information contact Marie Raffay at 973-347-7303.