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Although fall doesn't officially arrive for a couple of weeks yet, we're well within the month of September, so it's reasonable to expect some pleasant weather during the coming weeks that we associate with early fall.
With the departing of sweltering summer heat, it's time to get back outside for something other than seeking a shady spot to relax. One great pastime that is both healthful and essentially free is to take a hike on any of the numerous trails available throughout the region from which to enjoy fall or any other season of the year.
From easy to challenging and everything in between, it's not difficult to locate a pathway to suit the abilities and preferences of any hiker.
A good place to start is our state park system. We have many wonderful state parks throughout the region, and almost every one of them offers a trail or system of trails. Often, those trails are designed to provide access to various points of interest throughout the park. For information about the trails available at specific state parks, check out the DCNR website at pa.gov/stateparks.
Our area also has a plethora of rail trails. These are abandoned railroad beds that have been converted to trails that tend to be rather flat, making them ideal for the casual hiker or biker. One such venue is the Lower Trail, which is actually built mostly on the towpath of the old Pennsylvania Mainline Canal.
It follows the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River for 16 miles through Blair and Huntingdon counties and is a favorite for cycling. Its well-groomed surface, forested setting and frequent wildlife sightings along the trail always make for an interesting and enjoyable bike ride. For more information regarding the Lower Trail, consult the Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania website at rttcpa.org. Another popular rail trail in our region is the 54-mile Ghost Town Trail in Cambria and Indiana counties. This trail features numerous trailheads and points of interest along its route. Check the Cambria Conservation and Recreation Authority website at cambriaconservatonrecreation.com for more information on this trail.
The Standing Stone Trail is an 84-mile pathway that winds its way through Fulton, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties while connecting to Greenwood Furnace State Park, Cowans Gap State Park, Rothrock State Forest's Detweiler Natural Area and the Mid State Trail and passing through the towns of Three Springs and Mapleton. For more information on the Standing Stone Trail, visit the website at standingstonetrail.org.
Long-distance or other avid hikers also have many options throughout the area. The Mid-State Trail system comprises more than 300 miles of trails in central Pennsylvania on a north-south track between the Maryland and New York borders. Often referred to as "The Wildest Trail in Pennsylvania," the Mid-State Trail traverses some of the most rugged and beautiful areas of the state. Pennsylvania also hosts more than 200 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.
The Appalachian Trail enters Pennsylvania just north of Hagerstown, Maryland, and angles its way northward, crossing the Susquehanna River at Duncannon and continuing northeast to near Stroudsburg.
The Explore Pennsylvania Trails website (www.explorepatrails.com) is a great online source for all things about trails in Pennsylvania. Here you will find maps and all sorts of information about almost every trail in Pennsylvania. Advanced search features on the site allow searching for trail locations by county or zip code. Trails can also be discovered that allow specialty users such as horseback, snowmobiling, cross-country ski, ATV, motorcycles, wheelchair and more.
There's usually no need for a lot of gear on a casual hike or walk in the woods, but a few things will add to the overall enjoyment without weighing you down. Obviously, a good pair of shoes or boots designed for the type of terrain you'll be walking over is most important.
As someone who owns multiple pairs of outdoor footwear designed for everything from wading a trout stream to trudging through a foot of snow while deer hunting, I can assure you that you'll never regret having good shoes that are comfortable and perform as they should in the outdoors, so buy the best you can afford. That same advice also goes for socks; spend a few bucks more and get a pair of top-quality hiking socks. Your feet will thank you for it.
For me, a camera is a must on any hike, especially for capturing the spectacular autumn scenery that will be coming soon. I love my cellphone, but I'm not a fan of taking serious outdoor photos with it. A lightweight pair of compact binoculars will be handy for getting a good look at any wildlife you happen to encounter.
A handheld GPS unit can be useful for tracking your progress or for some piece of mind if you are hiking in unfamiliar territory. Again, don't depend on your cellphone to help you unless you are positive you will have cell service where you are hiking.