OptOutside Family-Friendly Hike

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 2026 RCTC OptOutside event, we will:

• Meet in the Activity Room in the Hampton Community Center at 10:30 a.m. (3200 Lochner Way, Allison Park, PA 15101) 
• There are three hike options:
  • 1.25 paved loop (ideal for strollers)
  • 2.5 mile option (includes paved loop + some trail)
  • 3.5 miles is the longest option with paved road and trail 
  • Link to map of hike 
• Afterwards, we'll meet back at the Activity Room and have cookies and hot beverages; feel free to bring food to share. 

Questions? Charlotte Kymer at kymerchar@gmail.com. 

We are collecting items for the needy at this event. Please consider bringing any of the following: 

1. Gently used winter coats and other cold-weather clothing (Items will go to Outreached Arms for dissemination to those in need)
2. Socks (Will go to Outreached Arms for dissemination to those in need) 
3. Food items (Will go to North Hills Community Outreach for dissemination via their food banks. Please check their website to see what items they need most at the time of the hike.)