CHEPACHET – If you don’t want to buy in to the Black Friday madness, competing for holiday deals among crowds of shoppers on Friday, Nov. 23, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management points out that there is another option.
RIDEM is hosting a guided hike at George Washington Campground in Glocester starting at 1 p.m. The one and a half-mile hike on the Angell Loop is part of the annual #OptOutside event sponsored by REI in partnership with the National Association of State Park Directors.
“DEM is excited to participate in the #OptOutside initiative,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Rhode Island has an amazing selection of historic parks and recreation areas throughout the state where residents and visitors can connect with nature and get active. We are excited to welcome folks to explore George Washington and its gorgeous scenic landscape as part of this event.”
The guided, roughly two-hour tour will be led by Tom Rosa of DEM Parks & Recreation at the campground, just past the Burrillville border. Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. The Angell Loop is unpaved, so it may be difficult for very young children to navigate the path. Also, strollers are not recommended due to the uneven terrain of the path.
Parking is available in the main parking lot adjacent to the campground entrance on Putnam Pike. Pets on leashes are welcome. PrestoStrangO will distribute free coffee and hot chocolate to participants while supplies last and will have their full menu available for participants to purchase food.
DEM invites everyone who “opts-outside” on November 23 to take a picture at a state park or management area and hashtag your photo using the hashtag #OptOutside and tag @RIStateParks on Instagram. Prizes including a gift certificate from ProPark for a 2019 beach pass will be awarded for the best photos submitted.
For more information about the hike, contact Tom Rosa at Tom.rosa@dem.ri.gov
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.
