by Dan Glass
Anyone who frequents hiking message boards knows that some of the most common postings are from people seeking hiking buddies—like-minded individuals who share their passion for hiking in the deeper, wilder parts of nature. Every hiker knows people who would be game for a short hike on a flat, easy trail around a scenic lake, with a picnic lunch thrown in for good measure. But how many of us get the chance to actually meet people who want to, say, do an overnight backpack or even a long, car-to-car day hike on the rocky trails of Pennsylvania’s mountains?
If you feel you’re the only outdoors person in your cube farm, there is hope! For 3 days, October 10-12, the KTA will offer a series of easy, kid-friendly hikes (some long, others short) around the Doubling Gap Center in Newville, Cumberland County. Here’s an opportunity for hikers of all ages and all experience levels to engage in their favorite activity with fellow enthusiasts of Pennsylvania trails, as well as meet new friends and maybe reacquaint themselves with former friends.
Folks living near this area can extol the virtues of places such as Pine Grove State Park and Colonel Denning State Park—home to Pole Steeple, Sunset Rocks, Flat Rock, and other celebrated hikes. Featuring vast and sweeping vistas, these trails find their way into many guidebooks of Pennsylvania’s trails. Those who don’t want to ascend the high elevations of such vista hikes might want to explore Fowlers Hollow State Park and Kings Gap Environmental Education Center. Those who are really adventurous might explore the Michaux and Tuscarora State Forests, which feature the northernmost prong of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both state forests have extensive, well-marked hiking trails. Short hikes, long hikes – easy or difficult – there’s something for everyone at the Doubling Gap hiking weekend!
But it’s not all hiking at the Doubling Gap Weekend. There will also be paddle boats, a climbing tower, a zip line, a rope-climbing tower, an indoor exercise room and game room, sand volleyball, disc golf, and more. Only $20 per person (youth under age 18 are free) to hike and play with us all weekend (Lodging and meals extra). Learn more at http://www.kta-hike.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=843&Itemid=90.