Way to go, volunteers!
Recently, Trail Conference staff and volunteers gathered with conservation partners to celebrate an incredible trail victory: 196 miles of trails fully reblazed in Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks!
The epic effort spanned three years and relied on the extraordinary dedication of our volunteer community. In total, more than 26,000 blazes were installed with some 52,000 nails—ensuring hikers can safely navigate these beloved trails for many years to come.
Reblazing is detail-driven work that demands precision, care, and a deep familiarity with the surrounding landscape. Mile by mile, our team installed each blaze to maintain and enhance well-marked routes across one of the region’s most popular trail networks. The result is a vast improvement to the hiking experience and a lasting investment in the long-term stewardship of these parks.
A special thank you to volunteers Ed Spirko, John Swanson, Rene Ruel, Kathy Hecht, and Len Diamond, whose leadership and commitment brought this complex, multi-year project to life.
We’re equally grateful for the partnership of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission and the Appalachian Mountain Club, and for the contributions of countless Trail Conference volunteers who donated their time in support of this work.
Together, these achievements in Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks demonstrate the power of our community to sustain the trails we all love.