Hikers and history enthusiasts climbing Walnut Mountain will now be accompanied by history as they trek the trail following last weekend’s commemorative hike and ribbon cutting opening the new History Trail markers on the mountain.

The ceremony at Walnut Mountain Park brought together local historians, volunteers, town officials and community members as the ribbon was cut and the trail officially opened to the public.

Merging local history with recreation, this one-mile roundtrip walking trail now features interpretive signs that chronicle the rise and fall of the grand Walnut Mountain House that once stood at the summit, whose foundation has survived more than a century.

Welcoming attendees and thanking the many organizations and volunteers who took part in making the project a reality, Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo credited Sullivan 180 for backing the project through its 2025 Municipal Partnership Grant, which funded the interpretive signage installed throughout the trail. He also gave a shoutout to the Town of Liberty Parks and Recreation Department—especially Mitch and Mike Juron—for their work on maintenance and installation.

The work wasn’t left entirely to the adults, as students also played a major role in bringing the project to life.

Liberty Central School’s Interact Club, sponsored by the Rotary Club and made up of students in grades 7 through 12, joined members of the Honor Society to clean up the summit area and construct benches that can now be found along the trail.

Organizer Nick Rusin and sign designer Nicole Camacho of Fine Hand Signs were also recognized for their assistance in coordinating and building the displays.

Nevertheless, a special spotlight during the ceremony shone on longtime project advocates, Morgan Outdoors owner Lisa Lyons and the Democrat’s own Ruth Huggler, who spent three years meeting and researching as they turned the project from concept into completion.

The idea came to Lyons after years of leading hikes and snowshoe treks on Walnut Mountain while discovering historical references to the long-gone hotel.

Speaking before eager hikers, Lyons recalled a pivotal moment in 2022 when, following an event announcing the merger of Sullivan Renaissance and Sullivan 180, she imagined the trail as both a health and history experience.

“What if this became a health-plus-history walk?” Lyons recounted.

From that point on, the project continued to grow through partnerships with the Liberty Public Library, Liberty Museum and Arts Center, and local historians who helped uncover photographs, historical records and postcards.

Contributing their research skills were Sullivan County Historian John Conway, local residents who identified historical photographs, the Sullivan County Historical Society and many passionate local history enthusiasts.

Using the project as an inspirational launchpad, Lyons urged residents with ideas for community projects to go for it.

“Just talk to people. Make partners,” Lyons encouraged.

Prior to the hike, attendees were reminded about accessibility and stewardship and encouraged to carry out what they bring in, watch for ticks during the busy tick season and take advantage of the new benches placed along the route.

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees embarked on guided hikes at varying paces and checked out displays of student artwork under the pavilion inspired by Walnut Mountain and its history.