SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — The National Park Service (NPS) of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is one of 25 national parks selected to receive a 2016 Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. The park has partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) to use this grant to fund several bus trips to area parks in 2016. The hikes scheduled vary in difficulty and are designed to engage all abilities. The public in underserved communities of Sullivan County will be encouraged to experience the outdoors and adopt an active lifestyle by attending the trips in this series.

On Sunday, August 28 there will be a trip to the Tusten Mountain Trail, boarding at 10 a.m. at the CCESC Education Center in Liberty. A challenging hike, this three-mile trail is moderately difficult and takes two hours to complete. Part of the Ten Mile River Boy Scout Camp, the trail takes you on a loop over the Tusten Stone Arch Bridge and through the historic remains of the Tusten Settlement. It leads to a magnificent view of the Delaware River Valley.

On Saturday, October 8, there will be a trip to the Mongaup River Trail, boarding at 10 a.m. at the Government Center in Monticello. During prime leaf-peeping season, this moderately difficult, two-mile hike is appropriate for all ages and takes about an hour to complete. Taking you along the Mongaup River, this trail winds through groves of Eastern hemlock trees and ends at the historic Knight’s Cemetery.

There is no cost to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required. Call 845/292-6180, email sullivan@cor nell.edu, or visit www.sullivancce.org.