UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION – The Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) and Catskill Mountainkeeper, in partnership with Sullivan County Division of Planning & Environmental Management, the Sullivan County Visitors Association and Morgan Outdoors announce the launch of TrailKeeper.org.

TrailKeeper.org is a one-source outlet for hiking trails and public lands in Sullivan County, NY with easy-to-read, easy-to-access maps and facilities information and guides to hiking safety.

From serious hikers to beginners testing their hiking legs for the first time, from parents with babies in backpacks to senior citizens to seasoned hikers looking for a challenge, TrailKeeper.org provides access to trail information that matches hiker to trail.

TrailKeeper.org gives hikers the information they need about locations, routes, and facilities to make hiking safer, more accessible and more fun.

"Trailkeeper.org is a unique partnership that brings together a diverse group of local organizations, businesses, and agencies to promote and celebrate the beauty and character of Sullivan County," explains Emily Deans, Agricultural Coordinator at Catskill Mountainkeeper. "We are excited to launch this comprehensive, easy to use website. TrailKeeper.org is a great resource that will encourage and inspire residents and visitors alike to get out and explore this special part of the Catskills."

TrailKeeper.org connects residents and visitors to information about the shops, lodgings, and other local businesses of Sullivan County and provides news about upcoming events, activities, and attractions in the region. When people go out to hike, they stop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they shop at local outdoor stores and stop by other local businesses, and if they're from out of town, they may stay overnight.

“TrailKeeper.org inspires people to get outside and connect with the hiking trails of Sullivan County,” said Melinda Meddaugh, Land Protection Coordinator for the DHC. “To borrow a phrase from the TrailKeeper website, ‘look where we live!’ We have incredibly healthy lands and beautiful clean waters that people can see, enjoy, and experience when they’re out hiking these trails. TrailKeeper.org makes it easy to experience the lands, communities, and local businesses that make Sullivan County so special.”

Additional support for the project was provided by the Upper Delaware Council, Sullivan Renaissance, the New York New Jersey Trail Conference, the National Park Service, Sullivan County Community College Hiking Class and many volunteers.

The first TrailKeeper.org sponsored event will be a fall hike at Crystal Lake Wild Forest in Fremont, NY, on October 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For more information, visit www.DelawareHighlands.org, email info@trailkeeper.org or contact Catskill Mountainkeeper at 845/482-5400 or the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at 845/583-1010.