The excitement is growing for the third annual Walk in Penn’s Woods, with a variety of activities happening around the area on Oct. 5 and 6.
Oct. 5:
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Join the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail Club on the Knox and Kane Rail Trail for a .5-mile trek through a few stations along the trail. The walks start at the end of the Knox and Kane Rail Trail near the Skywalk at the Kinzua Bridge State Park.
“Mini-Walks with stations set up along the trail will educate those participating in tree identification, wildlife and bird habitat, making maple syrup and more,” said Carolyn Stroup, president of the MJ2KB Trail Club. “Choose your own time, stay as long as you want.”
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Enjoy a walk starting at the Tracy Ridge Campground parking lot through the Allegheny National Forest, sponsored by the PA/NJ Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation. This trail is well-marked, but rocky in places; the level of difficulty is considered “moderate.” Email mail@patact.org if you plan to join this walk.
1 to 3:30 p.m.: Walk on a mile long loop on roads and trails, with stops along the way to discuss forestry practices and the changing forest at 5660 US-6 in Galeton (rest area by the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum).
1 to 3 p.m.: Join a walk starting at the Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area Trail Head parking lot, located approximately 1.25 miles from the intersection of SR 62 and Hatch Run Road, hosted by the Warren County Conservation District. Light refreshments will be offered at the end of the walk.
Oct. 6:
1 to 3 p.m.: Come walk at the Finley Tree Farm at 12099 Rt. 219 in Ridgway. Participants will get a chance to tour the Finley Tree Farm and learn about methods of restoration of a high graded forest.
People-friendly, leashed pets are allowed at all the aforementioned walks. Owners must clean up after their pets.
Last year, over 1,100 people joined in at 68 walks throughout the state. Walk in Penn’s Woods raises awareness about the importance of forests to our lives and the effort that goes into caring for them.
For a complete list of individual walk locations, times, descriptions and more, visit: www.walkinpennswoods.org.
