ST. CLOUD - A new group is helping people explore local parks and learn to live a little healthier at the same time.

HIKEhoppers is organizing multiple walking treks across local parks. The idea is that each hike will consist of walking around one park and than "hop" to the next park.

While HIKEhoppers is helping people to explore the local parks, they also want show that hiking through nature can help you to be healthier physically and mentally.

Stefanie Rothstein is one of the organizers of HIKEhoppers. She says their first event is this weekend.

"We have the Park Hop event coming up Saturday morning. The hike runs from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. After that we will have lunch and a vendor fair for everyone to enjoy."

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. at Quarry Park and Reserve. Hikers will travel to Quarry Park, Rockville Park, and Kraemer Lake Park.  All hikers will end at Quarry Park at 12:00 p.m.

Those who attend the first HIKEhoppers event will receive lunch, a t-shirt and a finisher bracelet designed by a Minnesota artist.

Rothstein says HIKEhoppers was started by a few people with different skills but wanted the same goal.

"Our core group of HIKEhoppers joined together under one common vision, that we wanted to help get community back to outdoors and back to enjoying nature."

HIKEhoppers stressed that you don't need to be in immaculate shape to participate. They will have easy, moderate and more difficult paths you can take.

The group has more plans on the horizon for future hikes. Organizers mentioned that in October they plan on setting up Kraemer Lake - Wildwood Park like an escape room.

If you are intereseted in attending the HIKEhoppers ParkHop you can follow the link below for more information.

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