Get out and recreate this summer

This week the News Letter Journal is celebrating outdoor recreation in Weston County by sharing stories about the individuals and places that make these opportunities possible for everyone.

In the back section of this week’s newspaper, you will find information on local trails, the individuals that work to keep them usable, and the future of a new outdoor recreation opportunity in Newcastle city limits.

We want to encourage everyone to get out and enjoy everything the area has to offer. Go out and explore the trails, take in the views and get your steps in!

We also want to give a huge shout out to Bent Sprockets, a local nonprofit that has taken the lead on acquiring grant funding to improve the county’s trail system, as well as all the volunteers and individuals that work tirelessly to make these spaces enjoyable for local residents and visitors alike.

Weston County and the surrounding areas are full of outdoor opportunities, whether you enjoy biking, hiking, fishing or using off-road vehicles. Aside from the trails, Weston County boasts public fishing opportunities at Black Elk Pond by Newcastle Country Club, LAK Reservoir east of Newcastle, or Turner Reservoir near Osage. There are two golf courses in Weston County, Newcastle Country Club and Cedar Pines in Upton, as well as geocaching opportunities everywhere, and plenty of local parks if you just want to kick back and enjoy the scenery while the kids play.

Get out and enjoy the outdoors while you can — before we know it, winter will be here again!

For more information on the trails in Weston County, you can view the trails map at newslj.com/weston-county-trails-map or by scannning the accompanied QR code, brought to you by NLJ and the Weston County Travel Commission.

To learn more about Bent Sprockets, go online to bentsprocketswy.org or find them on Facebook. The organization meets every third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m., with locations posted on their website or social media.