(Maricopa County) – Have you ever wanted to tell someone to take a hike? Later this month, you’ll have a chance to do just that!

This year, Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department will be celebrating National Take A Hike Day on Sunday, November 15. While there is very little information available on the history of National Take A Hike Day, the concept aligns with the department’s goal to get people outdoors and connected with nature.

This is the third year the department will waive the day-use park entry fee to encourage people to ‘take a hike’ in a County park. Although National Take A Hike Day is typically recognized on November 17, the department has elected to waive the day-use entry fee on Sunday to allow more people to take advantage of the offer.

“This is a great idea,” said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Chucri, District 2. “Moving the free entry day to a Sunday gives working families the opportunity to take advantage our beautiful parks and fall weather.”

“In addition to recognizing National Take A Hike Day, the department recently kicked off the 100 Miles in 100 Days Challenge. With the holidays quickly approaching, the free entry day provides participants a little extra motivation to visit a park, take a ranger led hike, and log additional miles. Hiking is also a good stress reliever, and can be very therapeutic during the holiday season,” said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director.

Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation with over 120,000 acres of open space parks that include hundreds of miles of trails.

“In addition to our various County Parks, it’s important for folks to recognize that the Maricopa Trail is a wonderful additional gem maintained within the Maricopa Park system and open to hikers and visitors throughout,” added District 3 Supervisor Andy Kunasek. “It connects many communities to our county parks and includes many recently opened segments for people to explore.”

Park visitors are reminded that although temperatures may be cooler, appropriate hiking attire, sunscreen and an ample supply of water is still necessary. In recognition of Take A Hike Day, the $6 per vehicle day-use entry fee will be waived at all of Maricopa County’s regional parks on Sunday, November 15, 2015, all other fees apply.

For more information on upcoming Take A Hike Day events, trail maps and park locations, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks or call (602) 506-2930. For a complete listing of park fees, please visit the website.