Byram Charity Hike held at Hudson Farms

BYRAM — With the promise of fall foliage, scenic overlooks and...mud, this year’s Byram Charity Hike held at Hudson Farms on Saturday was a success.

The balmy temperature, sun-drenched sky and clean-scented air drew over 1,100 walkers out to enjoy the wilderness in an area usually closed to the public.

This was the seventh year for the annual event held at Hudson Farms in Byram and was free to those who walked.

Walkers received play money, an amount equal to their age, after completing the 4.6 mile trek. The money could be donated to this year's chosen recipients — the Byram Fire Department, Lakeland Emergency Squad, Byram schools and Byram youth organizations.

There were hamburgers those who worked up an appetite hiking and donating. Each walker also received a tote bag.

Hudson Farms funds and hosts the event, drawing people from all over the state. Many who attend come to experience the property. This was true for Eunice Howley from Andover who said “I have been doing this hike for years. I appreciate being able to hike areas that I can’t hike at any other time." Howley, who used to teach a hiking course at County College of Morris added “the weather is perfect and the scenery extraordinary.”

The route meandered through woods, open spaces and along dirt roads. Many agreed that the most breathtaking sight was at an overlook where High Point, New York and the Delaware Water Gap could be seen.

Jan and JoAnne Beliveau from Sparta and Phyllis Ianniello from Fredon said they could barely pull themselves away from an overlook showcasing all of autumn's colors.

It was Allen Hay’s first time at the event. “I hate being inside. I grew up in Frankford by Stokes State Forest so I grew up loving the outdoors. On a day like today it is hard to stay inside.”

The well-marked trail kept him where he needed to be and gave him the opportunity to meet and chat with people at checkpoints and observation areas.

Young Paige McVeigh of Byram spent some time at a checkpoint, having fallen and bumped her knee. She was given a cookie and an ice pack and sent on her way.

Paige and her brother Alex were earning hiking badges with their scouting clubs.

This year’s route included a cutoff that reduced the path to 3.9 miles for those who didn't want to do the entire 4.9 miles.

Organizer Sharon Tarczynski said, “This is what I love to do. This is what I love to see. Where else can you see people from your own community and surrounding towns come together and work for local causes? Where else can you experience the good-heartedness and generosity of people, sponsors, hikers, and volunteers working together? This event really showcases people and the ability to come together, work as a team and support their own community.

“We have people from all over Sussex and Morris County here today. We have a whole group of people who used to camp here when it was Hudson Guild who wanted to come back and see the property and reminisce about the good times they had, as well as say thank for the experiences they were lucky enough to enjoy. We are already getting thank yous from the organizations who will benefit from the funds raised.”

In all, over $50,000 was raised. The split between the four groups was very close to being equal, but the youth organizations and the Lakeland Emergency Squad pulled head slightly of the fire department and the schools.