Mirror photo by Matt Churella / Layne Nolan stands outside the Blue Knob State Park's office Nov. 15. Nolan assumed management of the park in May.

IMLER — Growing up in Portage with a love for outdoor recreation, Layne Nolan is passionate about her position at Blue Knob State Park. She assumed management responsibilities for the 6,128-acre park in Bedford County in May.

“The more I get to know about this park, the more I love it,” she said.

The park has scenic views and recreational opportunities that can be enjoyed year-round.

From camping and swimming to watching wildlife while hiking 23 miles of trails, Nolan said Blue Knob has something for everybody.

Hiking is one of Nolan’s favorite activities.

“I enjoy hiking in various areas, such as the PA Wilds,” she said, adding the Turkey Path trail in Leonard Harrison State Park is one of her favorites.

Because she lives near Shawnee State Park, she said she walks its trails a lot, too.

At Blue Knob, the Pavia Lookout Loop and Crist Ridge trail are the best areas to enjoy the wilderness, she said.

“It’s a beautiful place to work,” Nolan said. “The park provides breathtaking views and a rich, historical background.”

Now as manager, she said she’d like to make necessary improvements to all the trails.

“I would like to prioritize maintenance work on the Rock ‘N’ Ridge Trail,” she said.

She said the Laurel Highlands On and Off Road Bicycling Association recently completed work on a section of the Mountain View Trail, a 4-mile multi-use trail in the wilderness area of the park.

“The group is also maintaining various trails to prepare them for the upcoming season,” she said.

Starting the day

When she begins her day, Nolan checks with the park’s maintenance staff to see whether they need anything. She and the maintenance supervisor assign work to the crew of roughly 17 people.

Nolan said the park is in constant need of upkeep and maintenance.

“A lot of the infrastructure here needs updates. Our trails can use more help with getting them cleaned off and cleared,” she said.

Throughout her typical shift, she completes tasks in the park office, greets visitors and answers their questions and inspects all areas of the park.

“When the campground is open, I try to check in with campers and walk around. When the pool is open, I check in with the lifeguards and patrons,” she said. “I really just like to be involved In all aspects of the park.”

She said she’s responsible for overseeing everything that occurs on a daily basis.

“The position deals with budgeting for the park and the running of it. I make sure it’s all running smoothly,” she said.

Nolan worked as a AAA travel agent for four years prior to joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a ranger and worked at Shawnee and Blue Knob state parks simultaneously.

“I have always loved the outdoors and wanted to find a career that would allow me to enjoy what love and help to provide a service,” she said.

Before Nolan was appointed at Blue Knob, she was a manager at Mount Pisgah State Park in Bradford County.

“When I joined as a ranger, I initially held a seasonal position and aspired to better my career,” she said. “As I explored various opportunities, I concluded that becoming a park manager would be a good fit for me.”

Her prior experiences have set her up for success at Blue Knob, she said.

“As a travel agent, I planned trips for other people, and it helped me be organized,” Nolan said. “All of those little details have helped me keep myself organized when it comes to being a park manager and the day-to-day of getting everything done in a timely manner.”

The right fit

Nolan earned a degree in tourism management and park and recreation management from California University of Pennsylvania in 2011.

She said she had to take park and recreation courses as part of her tourism curriculum. She enjoyed the classes so much, she declared a second major.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said Nolan’s outgoing spirit and familiarity with the area make her a perfect fit for the job.

“We are confident in her leadership capabilities and look forward to seeing the impact she has at the park for many years to come,” Adams Dunn said.

Jessie Kohan, an environmental education specialist at the park, said she has seen Nolan rise up the ranks at Blue Knob and enjoys working with her.

“She started and kept on going, and it gave her a well-rounded view of the park and what’s required to keep it running smoothly,” Kohan said of Nolan, adding they see each other every day. “Layne’s a big part of our team. She’s always so supportive.”

“Blue Knob holds a special place in my heart,” Nolan said. “In many ways, it allows me to fulfill my dream.”

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.