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Off the Screen, Into the Green

Tree Trekkers: A Unique Place to Disconnect and Reconnect

Article by Arliss Veldhuizen

Photography by Empire Photography and Garrett Johnson

Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle

The age of COVID-19 has been trying in many ways. Social isolation has become all-too familiar. Hours spent on screens have become increasingly difficult to escape as we work from our new “home offices” or bear out the cold winter months. But there is good news: spring is coming, and we know just the place to go to reconnect with each other and with nature, and to find some joyous relief from those screens!

Thirty acres of protected forest is home to Tree Trekkers, the majestic aerial adventure and zipline park that belongs on your Frederick bucket list. Nestled among towering trees and the serene sounds of nature are trails of varying difficulty levels that sweep from tree to tree. Mulched walking paths line the ground below for visitors to enjoy with ease. Friendly statues of animals greet visitors throughout the park for added fun, along with statues of Big Foot–the unofficial mascot.

Family owned and operated, Tree Trekkers landed in Frederick with a clear goal. “There is a lot of land development in Frederick, so the thought process...was to keep trees for future generations to enjoy while incorporating an outdoor recreation facility for families in the community to be able to participate in,” shared Ashley Schweinhart, the Site and Marketing Manager. And despite the starts and halts that the pandemic has put them through, they are doing just what they set out to do–and doing it excellently.

As Ashley likes to put it, Tree Trekkers is “the fine dining of adventure parks.” With fourteen trails and seven difficulty levels, there’s a trail to suit all skill levels from beginner to expert; each one boasting uniquely-crafted obstacles that both challenge and excite. Come solo for some stress relief or with family to escape the norm. Bring your date or your school class to glean from the educational opportunities that abound. Book a birthday party for a memorable celebration. After an hour or so of getting lost in the trees, order pizza from Il Forno and enjoy the enveloping nature. Send your students to after-school climbing club or summer camp for some time for those little bodies to expend some energy and make new friends.

Bottom line: Tree Trekkers provides a getaway from our isolation and devices, as well as time to reconnect with each other and the world around us. TreeTrekkersMD.com

Tree Trekkers loves supporting the local community and has partnered with Frederick Lifestyle to bring you "Swing Into Spring," a special event just for you, our readers! Join us on Thursday, April 28th, from 3pm-7pm for climbing, ziplining, outdoor socializing, a bonfire and s'mores! You receive a special discounted rate when you sign up at: TreeTrekkersMD.com/Frederick-Lifestyle-Event

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