Hopatcong Charity Hike At Hudson Farm Set: How To Join

HOPATCONG, NJ — Residents can enjoy a scenic hike while supporting local charities at the Hudson Farm Hopatcong Charity Hike this weekend.

The free event takes place Saturday, Oct. 17, at Hudson Farm Club, 270 Sparta Stanhope Road in Hopatcong, according to the Lake Hopatcong Foundation.

Sponsored by the Hudson Farm Foundation and organized by the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, the event features a roughly 2.1-mile hike.

Hikers can register at the Crow's Nest at Hudson Farm starting at 7 a.m. and head out on the trail anytime between 7:30 and 11 a.m.

The hike follows a mountainous trail rather than paved roads, so participants should use caution with young children and older adults, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the hike. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

Participants can donate $1 for each year of their age to a participating Hopatcong charity.

Beneficiaries include the Hopatcong Ambulance Squad, Hopatcong Fire Department, Friends of the E. Louise Childs Library, Hopatcong Community Garden and several local youth sports, scouting and school organizations.

For adults 65 and older and those unable to hike, clubhouse tour registration begins at 8 a.m., with tours running regularly from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Transportation for tour participants will be available from St. Jude Church, 40 Maxim Drive in Hopatcong, from 8 a.m. to noon, with the final return bus departing at noon.

Built in 1904, the clubhouse served as the main lodge of Hudson Guild Farm from 1917 to 1997 and is recognized as the birthplace of the Appalachian Trail concept.

The event will be held rain or shine.

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