The late Dr. Doug Bowman hosted community health hikes in Smethport called Walk with Doc from 2000 to his death in 2008. Since 2009, the Potato Creek Trail Association has sponsored an annual Walk for Doc trail hike to honor his legacy of fitness through walking.

This year’s walk will take place Saturday at 9 a.m. starting at the pavilion at Hamlin Lake Park Island. The hike will be approximately 1.5 miles along the Goose Chaser and the Shawmut Trails.

Bowman’s annual nature hikes first gave a popularity boost to the former Shawmut Railroad Grade.

Bowman, who was a strong and consistent advocate of healthy activities, practiced medicine in Smethport for 29 years until his death in 2008.

Bowman’s legacy continues to inspire those in McKean County.