Take a day to enjoy the great outdoors

Isn’t it time you “took a hike?” Pinal County and the Arizona Trail Association will host a National Trails Day celebration on Saturday, March 27. In the past, this type of celebration would involve a hike on a trail at a location in the county. This year, organizers have thought of a new way of celebrating the day.

“Instead of just walking a trail, we thought: ‘why not build a portion of the Arizona Trail?’” said Kent Taylor, Pinal County’s parks and trails planner. “This is one way of leaving a legacy for other hikers who want to experience the beauty of the Arizona Trail and Pinal County.”

Trail construction involves removing brush and rocks, pruning trees and building cairns (a pile of stones that show a pathway).

Taylor said that no experience is necessary to help build the trail. Construction tools and sunscreen will be provided. The site for the celebratory trail construction will be at the Florence-Kelvin Highway Trailhead. The trailhead is located 2.7 miles west of Highway 177 and 28.8 miles east of Highway 79. The trailhead is closest to the Town of Kearny on the eastern side of Pinal County.

The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a trail construction meeting, with work beginning at 8 a.m. “We encourage people to dress appropriately,” Taylor stressed. “Long pants, long sleeved shirts, sturdy closed-toed shoes, wide brimmed hat and leather gloves would be great to have for this day.”

Taylor added that volunteers should also bring water, snacks and a lunch, if they plan on staying for the hike. The nearest services are approximately 10 miles away in Kearny.

If you plan to attend, RSVP to Kent Taylor at 520-866-6910 or by e-mail. For more information,  click here. 

Submitted photo