OptOutside Family-Friendly Hike

Skip the shopping on Black Friday and join us outside!
  • WhenNov 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (America/New_York / UTC-500)
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Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy has been hosting an OptOutside event every year since 2015.  Initially conceived as a stand against the ghastly American consumerism of Black Friday, the concept of #OptOutside was created by REI and is meant to encourage people to go outside and enjoy nature the day after Thanksgiving.  REI closes its stores on Black Friday, allowing their employees to enjoy the outdoors too! 

For the 2025 RCTC OptOutside event, we will:

  • Meet at Harmar Shelter in North Park at 10:00 a.m. 
  • Hike options are a 5-mile loop or a 2.5 mile shorter hike
  • Afterwards, we'll have cookies and hot beverages (teas and such) 

IMPORTANT: just like in previous years, we are collecting items for the needy.  Items to donate include: 

  1. Gently used winter coats and other cold-weather clothing
  2. Socks
  3. Food items, in particular: cereal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, granola bars/snacks, peanut butter 

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