2016 KTA Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend Activity Schedule

with thanks to Joyce Appel for organizing.

KTA 2016 Fall Weekend Hike and Activity Schedule

Click/Tap here to look at pdf with summary

KTA 2016 Fall Weekend Activities:

Friday - All activities meet at "Activity” Signs outside Registration Building.

10:00 AM

1. Oil Creek North Loop Hike - 12 miles (6 hours)

Leader: Dave Adams

Travel time to hike: 1 hour

Difficulty: Strenuous hike - Elevation gain 1875 feet

Description: Bring day pack, water, snacks, lunch, hiking boots or trail shoes - trekking poles optional. We will hike the northern loop of the Girard Hiking Trail in Oil Creek State Park. The trip will start at Jersey Bridge trailhead (near Drake Well Museum) and hike (Section 1 of OC100 course) to Wolfkiel Run Shelters. We then cross over Miller Farm Bridge and loop back (Section 4 of OC100 course) to Jersey Bridge trailhead. This hike is scenic and has historical significance, dating back to the oil booming era. As you may know, the first oil well was built here in Oil Creek State Park, known as Drake's Well.

**Will be back in time for Wiener Roast Picnic.

2. Oil Creek Bike Trail - 20 miles (3 hours)

Leader: Jean Adams

Travel time to bike trail: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy bike ride

Bike Rental Available: $5-$10 (PAY THERE) or use your own bike.

Description: This is an easy bike ride out & back on the scenic 10-mile Oil Creek State Park paved bike trail. We will start at Jersey Bridge trailhead (near Drake Well Museum) and bike South to Petroleum Center Park Office. Participants will eat lunch at picnic area and return.

Optional visit to the adjacent Drake Well Museum and grounds afterwards (3 hours)

Cost: Adults (12-64) $10: Seniors (65+) $8; Youth (3-11) $5; Children under 3 & active military and families-free. (PAY THERE)

Description: Visit the Drake Well Museum, where in 1859 Edwin L. Drake drilled the oil well that launched the modern petroleum industry. The Drake Well Museum tells the story of the beginning of the modern oil industry with orientation videos, exhibits, operating oil field machinery, and historic buildings in a park setting.

Visitors enjoy a variety of special events, educational programs, and shopping experiences on-site.

**Will be back in time for Wiener Roast Picnic.

11:00 AM

3. Beaver Creek Nature Area (Nature Walk) - 3-3.5 miles, 2-2.5 hours

Leader: Mike Brady

Travel time to Nature Walk: 8 minutes

Difficulty: Easy walk, with a couple 20-yard steep hills

Description: The time for the hike depends on what we observe, questions asked and so forth. Beaver creek nature area is a wetland reclamation project (a series of wetlands), with trails that are groomed. It is easy walking, although there are a couple of 20-yard steep hills. Hikers and folks in shape will have no problems, but some may struggle on hills. If so, there is a chance to stop half way, where there is a pavilion with picnic tables if people wish to not walk the 2nd half. We hope to see various tracks of animals and perhaps waterfowl plants, frogs, birds etc. Bring binoculars and/or cameras. It would help dress in earth tones.

**Should be back at Whitehall Camp for any activities listed for 2:00 PM or later.

NOON

4. West Sunbury Hike - 6 miles (2-3 hours)

Leader: Jerry Hoffman

(This is the first half of the 12-mile West Sunbury Hike on Saturday.)

Travel time to hike: 21 minutes + 8 minute shuttle

Difficulty: Easy hiking

Description: We will begin our hike in State Game Lands 95, near the Glass Blowing Center. We could stop at the Center if you wish. This section of the trail runs along Slippery Rock Creek. At the beginning we will go up a grassy hill with lots of interesting rocks along the side, before descending into a wooded area. There are numerous bridges over swampy areas near the source of Slippery Rock Creek. Along the way are numerous ponds, often appearing a variety of different colors. We then pass through a prairie-like area dominated by tall grass. The entire hike contains many different types of wildflowers and wild edible blackberries, red raspberries, and even choke cherries, which hopefully will not be gone by October. The next few miles pass by farms and forest. This section also includes Vulture Rock.

****This hike is limited to 9 or fewer participants until further notice.

**Will be back in time for 5:00 PM Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour, if you signed up for it.

1:00 PM

5. Glass Blowing Center along the North Country Trail - (1-hour workshop + Gift Shop)

Carpool Leader: TBD

Instructors & Owners: Elaine & Tom Doner

Option to do short easy & level 2-hour hike after the workshop.

Leader: TBD

Travel time to the center - 21 minutes

Description: You will be surprised to see “The Glass Blowing Center” in such a remote area. There will be demonstrations and hands-on experiences. You will see solid sculptures, but learn how blowing air into tubing creates ornaments called vessels which are hollow glass. They will talk about natural glass. Elaine and Tom are known as “flame workers” where there is incredible detail in their sculptures, different from furnace working with larger objects. This workshop will be interesting and educational. Then there is a “show, tell and explain” time as you go through the gift shop which has work of 20 different artists. Kids are welcome.

**Head back to Camp if you signed up for 3:00 PM Estate Walking Tour or later activities.

**If you stay with the leader for the optional hike, we should be back by 5 PM for Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour if you signed up for it.

Difficulty: Easy

Description: The hike will be crossing two 22-foot wooden truss bridges and one that is 32 feet. Beavers are not called busy for no reason. We will cross numerous sections of boardwalk due to past beaver activity that caused flooding on the trail. Beavers also built a dam at the bridge over Slippery Rock Creek causing the creek to flow across the road and back into the creek. If trail is flooded…don’t fear…leader is here. He has a short reroute planned.

1:30 PM

6. Bike Foxburg to Parker Bike Trail - 2.5-3 miles out & back, Total 5-6 miles (1 hour)

Carpool Leader: Joyce Appel

Travel time to trail: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy- path is paved and level

Bike rental available: $10 for single, $15 for tandem, trike for $10) or use your own bike.

Description: Come and enjoy a relaxing and pleasurable ride along the 3-mile-long Foxburg bike trail. This easy-to-pedal paved trail runs along the Allegheny River for its entire length as well as crossing over the mouth of the Clarion River. This unique area provides wonderful vistas along the trail and offers popular views of large islands that exhibit perched eagles, basking turtles, and frolicking otters. The islands, also known as the Fox Islands, have a growing Great Blue Heron Heronry that was established 5 years ago and gets bigger every year. Ask at the desk to rent our Audubon binoculars to help assist you in your nature watching. You’ll also pass several historical relics representing the past oil and railroad era. Make sure to bring your camera!

**Must reserve & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

**If you also signed up for the Fox Estate Walking Tour, stay at the Foxburg Tours facility and wait for rest of group to meet you there. They should arrive around 3:10 PM.

2:00 PM

7. Foxburg North Country Trail Hike - 2.5 miles Out & Back, Total 5 miles (2.5 hours)

Leader: Greg Burkett (former Assistant Park Manager or Cook Forest/Clear Creek State Park)

Travel time to the hike: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Description: Do you want to hike instead of bike? This will be an easy out & back hike on the Foxburg NCT to Parker Bike Trail described for 1:30 Bike Trail Trip. It will also be along the scenic Allegheny River and the bridge over the mouth of the Clarion River. It is not uncommon to see soaring bald eagles! This unique area provides wonderful vistas along the trail and offers popular views of large islands that exhibit perched eagles, basking turtles, and frolicking otters. The islands, also known as the Fox Islands, have a growing Great Blue Heron Heronry that was established 5 years ago and gets bigger every year. You’ll also pass several historical relics representing the past oil and railroad era. Make sure to bring your camera!

**If you also signed up for Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour, stay at the Foxburg Tours facility and wait for rest of group to meet you there. They should arrive around 5:10 PM

3:00 PM

8. Fox Estate Walking Tour - 2 hours

(4 golf carts available for those who cannot do the walking.)

Carpool Leader: Rhonda Hough

Travel time to tour: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy walking

Cost: $25 per person (3-19 people; if more than 20 register, each will be refunded $5)

Description: Our guided walking tour will take the group throughout one of the largest and most enchanting private estates in Pennsylvania where the past has been recreated for all to explore. Take a leisurely stroll through the former Fox Estate, now known as the RiverStone Estate, where you’ll witness some of the finest architecture of the 1800’s, including a carriage house built by the country’s best architect of the time and a stone mansion built in the 1820’s that includes 17 fireplaces. Explore a geographic plateau located on 1200 acres and bounded by the Allegheny and Clarion rivers full of botanical wonders like a Dogwood forest, exotic trees and lush gardens as well as a variety of exotic animals. This is the perfect tour for a group wishing to share an experience of a one-of-a-kind historical homestead that once belonged to the Fox family for 6 generations.

**Must reserve & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

**If you also signed up for Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour, stay at the Foxburg Tours facility and wait for rest of group to meet you there. They should arrive around 5:10 PM.

3:30 PM

10. Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour - 1 hour - this is the second boat. The 5:00 PM sold out.

If you signed up for this activity before September 19, you are on the 5:00 PM boat.

Travel time to tour: 10 minutes

Cost: $25 (3-7 people, maximum 13; if we get 8-13 people, you will be refunded $5 each)

Description: If it is an easy pace that you prefer, then you’ll love our pontoon boat tours where we can talk about Foxburg history and watch the abundant nature pass by. It is not uncommon to see soaring Bald Eagles, basking turtles and schools of fish. And if we’re really lucky, the otters come out to play. Maybe you would enjoy some relaxing music while sipping some delicious wine from Foxburg Wine Cellars. Listen to our captain point out the many natural and historical points of interest on your journey.

**Must reserve & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

4:00 PM

9. Parker North Country Trail Hike - 5.6 miles (2.5 hours)

Leader: Dave Galbreath

Travel time to the hike: 17 minutes + 5 minute shuttle

Difficulty: Moderate

Description: This hike on the North Country Trail will cross 2 trail bridges. We will start on South Jackson Street on an old rail bed. The first bridge we will cross is a replacement for the bridge that was destroyed in a storm. After ascending out of the Bear Creek gorge we cross RT 268 and head down to the creek again. We cross the Dead Crow Bridge over the north branch of Bear Creek to El Dorado Road. KTA’s own volunteers performed maintenance on this trail. Come see the nice work that was done. This is an interesting and beautiful trail: remains of the Oil and Gas industry can be found along the way.

**Will be back in time for Wiener Roast Picnic.

5:00 PM

~~10. Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour - 1 hour~~ SOLD OUT! A 3:30 PM departure (3:45 PM Boat) is reserved.

Carpool leader: Joyce Appel

Travel time to tour: 10 minutes

Cost: $25 (3-7 people, maximum 13; if we get 8-13 people, you will be refunded $5 each)

**Must reserve & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

6:00 PM

11. "Get in Tune with Nature & Your Senses" - 1 hour

TBD (Check later to see if this will be available .... no need to sign up.)

Leader: Environmental Naturalist

Description: This will take place on Whitehall Camp property. You will use your sense of smell, sight, sound & hearing with what is or may be all around you. This is fun and educational, but you may be pleasantly surprised with what you do with the Naturalist.

**Will be back in time for Wiener Roast Picnic.

7:00 PM

Wiener Roast Picnic - Covered Pavilion

8:00 PM

"Story of Grandma Gatewood" - Covered Pavilion

Saturday - Meet at "Activity” Signs outside Dining Hall

8:00 AM

1. Morning Wake-up Yoga Class - 50 minutes

Instructor: Laura Turner

Meet at "Activity Signs," but class will be inside. Class will finish before activities begin at 9:00 AM. This is for all ages and abilities—no yoga experience necessary. Mats will be provided, but bring a mat if you have one. This is a flow class with a focus on correct alignment. Adjustments and modifications will be offered. The goal of the class is to help increase mobility of the joints and flexibility of the muscles. You will feel challenged, refreshed, and ready to enjoy your activity for the day!

2. Morning Wake-up Bird Walk/Nature Walk - 1-2 miles (50 minutes)

Leader: Paul Henry and Forester Dave Beale

Difficulty: Easy

Description: Meet at "Activity Signs;” you’ll be back before activities begin at 9:00 AM. Stroll along the trail to see what there is to see. We can share our knowledge and learn from each other about the natural world around us.

9:00 AM - Longer or Full Day Activities

3. Yoga for Cyclists Workshop & Training Ride

(Inside Class - 1 hour, Bike Ride 20 miles - 2 hours, relaxing cool down - 1 hour)

Leader & Instructor:

Travel time to bike trail: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Accepts all levels of riders

Cost: Rent a bike (3-speed for $14, tandem for $26), or bring your own bike

Description: This is a fun energetic yoga class designed by a rider for riders! Class will take place inside at Whitehall Camp. This class will enhance your riding experience by tuning the body as you would your bike... systematically with care. We will develop range of motion, power, and balance with a series focused on Hill Climbing Power, Endurance, and Breath and Movement Integration.

After a brief warm up stretch, we will go on a brief training ride on the Allegheny Bike Trail, then return for some yoga stretching and a relaxing cool down!

Dan "dan-o" Whirl is a registered Yoga Alliance yoga instructor at Walnut Lodge Yoga and Movement Center, an avid cyclist, and also works at the Bicycle Store in Hermitage, PA. Dan understands the Mind, the Body, and the Machine! Come learn the secrets!

**Must reserve bike & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

**Will be finished before Board & Council Meeting.

4. Cook Forest Cathedral Hike - About 5 miles (2-3 hours)

Leader: Greg Burkett (former Assistant Park Manager of Cook Forest/Clear Creek State Park)

Travel time to the hike: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate difficulty with some hills

Description: The hike will be on the Longfellow and other trails in the Forest Cathedral of Cooks Forest State Park, which has 300-year-old growth of hemlock and white pine trees. You won't see anything like this anywhere else! This is the finest example of old growth forest in the East.

**Back in time for 4:00 PM Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour if you want to sign up for it.

**Should also be back in time for Board & Council Meeting.

5. Clear Creek State Forest Hike - 6 miles (3 hours)

Leader: Dave Galbreath (Assisted by Jake Scheib, Forester at Clear Creek State Forest)

Travel time to the hike: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Description: We will stop at 2 overlooks on the Allegheny River Valley. Nice views of the Allegheny River from both overlooks. We will also hike to an old iron furnace on Bullion Run. Imagine living here back in the old days of the gas and oil boom!

**Back in time for 4:00 PM Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour if you want to sign up for it

6. West Sunbury North Country Trail Hike - 12 miles (5-6 hours)

Leader: Mike Ciccone

Travel time to the hike: 21 minutes, plus a 17-minute shuttle

Difficulty: Easy

Description: We will begin our hike in State Game Lands 95 near the Glass Blowing Center. We could stop at the Center if you wish. This section of the trail runs along Slippery Rock Creek. At the beginning we will go up a grassy hill with lots of interesting rocks along the side, before descending into a wooded area. There are numerous bridges over swampy areas near the source of Slippery Rock Creek. Along the way are numerous ponds, often appearing a variety of different colors. We then pass through a prairie-like area dominated by tall grass. The entire hike contains many different types of wildflowers and wild edible black berries, red raspberries, and even choke cherries, which hopefully will not be gone by October. The next few miles pass by farms and forest. This section also includes Vulture Rock. Second half of the hike passes through a mixture of woodland, forest and prairie like area with tall grass. We will come across a primitive campsite used by thru hikers. KTA & NCT trail workers re-routed this part a year ago to get it off road. The leader has seen wild turkeys, numerous deer, scarlet tanagers, and many other interesting and colorful birds on this section of trail. We will end at a new NCT Trailhead parking lot near West Sunbury.

**Limited to 9 participants until we receive permission for a larger group

9:00 AM - Short or Half-Day Activities

(Can be combined with 1:00 PM Half Day Activities or those listed later than 1:00 PM)

7. Beaver Creek Nature Area (Nature Hike) - 3-3.5 miles, 2-2.5 hours

Leader: Mike Brady

Travel time to hike: 10 minutes

Difficulty: Easy walk but a couple 20-yard steep hills

Description: Time for the hike depends on what we observe, questions asked and so forth. Beaver creek nature area is a wetland reclamation project (a series of wetlands) trails that are groomed. It is easy walking, although there are a couple of 20-yard steep hills. Hikers and folks in shape will have no problem, but some may struggle on hills. If so, there is a chance for folks to stop half way, where there is a pavilion with picnic tables for those wish to not walk the 2nd half. We hope to see various tracks of animals and perhaps waterfowl plants, frogs, birds etc. Bring binoculars and/or cameras. It would help to dress in earth tones.

8. Segway Allegheny River Tour - 1.5 - 2.5 hr.

(Must be at least 14 years old, maximum weight 250 lbs.)

Carpool Leader: Joyce Appel

Travel time to the tour: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy flat trail with a few moderate grades

Cost: $45 for the Segway (for 1-5 participants; each will be refunded $5 if 6 or more register), $25 for golf cart use (max 4 people)

Description: This is a perfect beginner's Segway tour! The trail is mostly flat, but will be on private dirt trails, with scenic views of the Allegheny river. Wildlife often seen on this trail include deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles, foxes, and a variety of water fowl. Bring your camera and lean into a wonderful time on the exciting x2 Segway Personal Transport. Off the trail, the group will become proficient as we glide up and down some moderate grades on the way to and from the trail.

**Must reserve & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

**If you signed up for Allegheny River Bike Trail Trip at 1:00 PM. you may want to stay in Emlenton, eat lunch, and meet the rest of your group here. It begins here at the Segway & Bike Shop. They should arrive around 1:10 PM. Otherwise, head back to Camp.

9. Parker North Country Trail Hike of Two Bridges - 4.5 miles (2 - 2.5 hours)

Leader: Jerry Hoffman

(Shortened version of Friday Parker North Country Trail Hike)

Travel time to the hike: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy/moderate

Description: Hikers have the option to go to the bridges and be shuttled back, or to hike both ways. First, we will head from the Parking Lot, just outside of Parker, to Bear's Mouth Bridge .55 miles and on to Dead Crow Bridge 1.7. Very scenic hike thru the woods, some great rock formations and some old oil and gas well equipment to be seen from "days gone by" when Parker was a booming city. It is now called "The smallest city in the US."

1:00 PM - Short or Half Day Activities

(Can be combined with half day activities that begin at 9:00 AM)

10. Allegheny River Bike Trail - (11 miles total to tunnel & back, 2.5 hours, but option to go further.)

Leader: Jan Berg

Travel time to trail: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy- paved and level path

Cost: $12 for a 1-speed, $14 for a 3-speed, $11 for a tag-a-bug (children’s buggy attachment), $22 for a tandem, or use your own.

Description: The Allegheny River Bike Trail is very scenic, with views of the Allegheny River. It is a paved bike path. Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you want to go through the tunnel 5.5 miles from the start. If you sign up for the Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour, make sure you only bike the 11 miles. Otherwise, you have the option to bike some more with the leader Jan.

**Must reserve & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

**A designated co-leader will meet those signed up for the Boat Tour at the Bike Rental Shop and will carpool or lead you to "Foxburg Tours" for the Boat Tour, only 5 minutes away. They will arrive around 3:40 PM. Leader Jan will come back to Camp with rest of the group.

11. Parker North Country Trail Hike to Dead Crow Bridge - 2 miles (1-1.5 hours)

Leaders: Sandy & Ed Beck

(Similar to morning hike but goes to one bridge.)

(Also shortened version of Friday Parker North Country Trail Hike)

Travel time to the hike: 20 minutes, plus a 5-minute shuttle

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, due to hill getting down to creek bed/bridge and back up
Description: First, we will head from the 268 Parking Lot, just outside of Parker, to Dead Crow Bridge and finish at Eldorado Road. Short hike but very scenic thru the woods. There are some great impressive rock formations and some old oil and gas well equipment to be seen from "days gone by" when Parker was a booming city. It is now called "The smallest city in the US."

**If you signed up for the Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour, leader Sandy will lead you to "Foxburg Tours" on the way back to Camp, which is only 5 minutes from the Trailhead Parking Lot. You will go there to wait for the rest of your group to arrive for the Boat Tour. They should arrive around 3:40 PM. Leader Ed will head back to Camp with the rest of the group.

3:30 PM - Meet at "Activity Signs" outside Dining Hall

12. Allegheny River Pontoon Boat Tour - 1 hour

Carpool leader: Joyce Appel

Travel time to tour: 10 minutes

Cost: $25 (for 3-7 people, max 13; participants will be refunded $5 if 8-13 people register)

**Must reserve & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

Sunday - Meet at "Activity” Signs outside Dining Hall

8:00 AM

1. Morning Wake-up Yoga Class - 50 minutes

Instructor: Laura Turner

Difficulty: Easy

Description: Meet at "Activity Signs" but class will be inside. We will finish before activities begin at 9:00 AM. This is for all ages and abilities. No Yoga experience necessary. Mats will be provided but bring a mat if you have one. This is a flow class with a focus on correct alignment. Adjustments and modifications will be offered. The goal of the class is to help increase mobility of the joints and flexibility of the muscles. You will feel challenged, refreshed, and ready to enjoy your activity for the day!

**Please Check off you are coming so Laura knows how many mats to bring.

2. Morning Wake-up Bird Walk/Nature Walk - 1-2 miles (50 minutes)

Leader: Paul Henry and Forester Dave Beale

Difficulty: Easy walk

Description: This will take place at Whitehall Camp, so you can still sign up for activities beginning at 9:00 AM. Meet at "Activity Signs." Stroll along the trail to see what there is to see. We can share our knowledge and learn from each other about the natural world around us.

9:00 AM - Short or Half Day & Full Day Activities

3. Oil Creek & Titusville Train Ride (3 hours, 11:00 - 2:00 PM) & optional Drake Well Museum

Carpool Leader: TBD

Travel time to Perry Station: 54 minutes

Cost for train: Adults $19, Seniors (60+) $17, Children (3-12) $13,

Description: Share the fun of train travel and relive our country's oil history as you ride the OC&T 'through the valley that changed the world.' The Oil Creek Valley is world famous for its past and the people who lived in it. We take you back more than 150 years into the heart of Oil County in vintage cars built by Pullman in 1930. Our main station, Perry Street Station, is an 1892 vintage freight station. Your trip will take you to where oil history began. You'll learn about the people and places that made up Pennsylvania Oil Country. Share the fun of train travel and relive history. Be sure to visit the museum, gift shop and concession stand. You will like the open air Gondola Car and weather permitting, you'll have a perfect view of the Oil Creek Valley. Visit the Railway Post Office Car, the only one still in operation in the U.S. Be sure to bring an address book - you can send a postcard. Snacks and beverages available at both train stations and on the RPO car.

**Must reserve train ride & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 16. - NO TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PAYMENTS RECEIVED AFTER SEPTEMBER 15.

Optional visit to the adjacent Drake Well Museum and grounds afterwards.

(Museum is only 5 minutes away. Time allotted at your discretion, but recommend 3 hours)

Cost: Adults (12-64) $10: Seniors (65+) $8; Youth (3-11) $5; Children under 3 & active military and families-free. (PAY THERE)

Visit the Drake Well Museum, where in 1859 Edwin L. Drake drilled the oil well that launched the modern petroleum industry. Drake Well Museum tells the story of the beginning of the modern oil industry with orientation videos, exhibits, operating oil field machinery, and historic buildings in a park setting.

Visitors enjoy a variety of special events, educational programs, and shopping experiences on site.

For people traveling home in eastern Pa., this will get you going in the right direction after the train ride or ride and museum.

4. Beginner & Experienced Canoe/Kayak Trip on Allegheny River (7 miles, 2-3 hours)

Leaders: Steve Turner & Mike Brady

Travel time to trip: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Class C, Easy

Cost: $40 per tandem canoe, $25 for single kayak, $10 shuttle fee for your own boat. Maximum of 28 canoes and 12 kayaks available for rental between the 7-mile and 12-mile trip.

* Must reserve boat & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

Description: This 7-mile trip is a shorter version of the 12-mile trip, beginning at Emlenton Must have sticker on personal boat since take out is at the (PA Fish & Boat Commission enforced) Parker boat launch. Paddle is a nice relaxing paddle on moving water with no rapids, while enjoying the valley's autumn scenery. The colored leaves should be at their peak. Enjoy historic railroad trestles and bridges, as you pass islands where Great Blue Herons nest. Explore the mouth of the Clarion River before landing in Pennsylvania's smallest city. Parker even had an opera house in the oil boom days.

5. Experienced Canoe/Kayak Trip on Allegheny River (12 miles, 4-5 hours)

Leaders: Joyce Appel & Paul Henry

Travel time to trip: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Class C, Easy to Moderate because of length

Cost: $40 per tandem canoe, $25 for single kayak, $10 shuttle fee for your own boat. Maximum of 28 canoes and 12 kayaks available for rental between the 7-mile and 12-mile trip.

**Must reserve boat & pay on weekend registration before Sept. 30.

Description: We will begin further upstream from Emlenton than the 7-mile trip. Must have launch permit sticker on personal boat since take out is at the (PA Fish & Boat Commission enforced) Parker boat launch. Paddle is a nice relaxing paddle on moving water with no rapids, while enjoying the valley's autumn scenery. The colored leaves should be at their peak. Enjoy historic railroad trestles and bridges, as you pass islands where Great Blue Herons nest. Explore the mouth of the Clarion River before landing in Pennsylvania's smallest city. Parker even had an opera house in the oil boom days. This is just as easy as the 7-mile, but rated moderate because of the length. This just means more natural beauty to behold!

6. Cook Forest Seneca Point hike - 5 miles (2-3 hours)

Leader: Greg Burkett (former Assistant Park Manager or Cook Forest/Clear Creek State Park)

Travel time to the hike: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, because of hike up to the overlook

Description: This will be a hike up to Seneca Point overlook and Fire Tower in Cook Forest State Park. We will hike on the Seneca and River Trails before getting to the tower. We plan to go up in the fire tower as far as permitted.

*****Cook Forest is about 15 minutes north of Interstate 80 for those returning home to the east.

7. West Sunbury North Country Trail Hike - 6 miles (3 hours)

Leader: Jerry Hoffman

Travel time to the hike: 21 minutes, plus an 8-minute shuttle ride

Difficulty: Easy

8. Baker Trail Hike - 8 miles (4-5 hours)

Leader: Patty Brunner (Maximum 12)

Travel time to the hike: 1 hour, plus a short shuttle ride

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, because of many stream crossings & elevation changes

Description: We will begin on Summerville Drive to Howe Road (in private property), then enter State Game Lands 74. It can be particularly a wonderful section of the trail with deep, dense hemlock trees along a series of stream crossings. On a cloudy day, it can feel quite spooky here. The trail follows Spangler Run and McCanna Run, then Mill Creek. We will travel through a 3-year-old logged section. There is an interesting 50-foot two-cable postman's bridge across Mill Creek, built by former president of NCT ANF chapter, with the help of Baker and North Country Trail volunteers. We then follow a gas easement with some steep climbs and then skirt a pasture. The hike ends with another climb after passing a series of ponds.

*****For people traveling home in eastern Pa., this will get you going in the right direction after the hike.

9. Cook Forest Hike (Fire Tower Hike + Cathedral Forest Hike) - 9 miles + 3-mile option

(4-5 hours for 9 miles or 5-6 hours to add the 3-mile option)

Leaders: Mike Ciccone and Dave Galbreath

Travel time to the hike: 45 minutes, plus a 30-minute shuttle ride

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate terrain, but rated difficult because of distance

Description: With this hike, you get the best of two worlds in Cook Forest. Well worth your time! We plan to start at the trail head on Highland Drive, south of the Fire Tower, end at the Fire Tower for those that want to do the 9 miles, and those that want to go through the famous Cathedral Forest will continue another 3 miles to end at the Cook Forest Environmental Center. It is very well used and easy to follow. At times, we will be along the banks of a remote section of the National Wild and Scenic Clarion River with some nice views of Hemlock Island. Beautiful campsites. Scurry Overlook gives us a nice view of the Gravel Lick area of the Clarion River. At Henry Run there is a waterfall created by a dam that was built to run a Clarion River Logging Era Sawmill. Seneca Point has an overlook with a fire tower. Option to go up in the fire tower as far as permitted. For some the hike ends here. (Car shuttle set here.) But the best is yet to come for those continuing on. We will follow the hillside, crossing several runs, go through the famous Forest Cathedral to end at the Cook Forest Environmental Center. This has 300-year-old growth hemlock and white pine trees. You won't see anything like this anywhere else! This is the finest example of old growth forest in the East.

*****Cook Forest is about 15 minutes north of Interstate 80 for those returning home to the east.

10. Oil Creek South Loop Hike - 14 miles (7 hours)

Leader: Dave Adams

(Different hike than Friday Oil Creek Loop Hike)

Travel time to the hike: 1 hour

Difficulty: Strenuous hike - Elevation gain 1404 feet

Description: We will be hiking the southern loop of the Girard Hiking Trail in Oil Creek State Park. Bring day pack, water, snacks, lunch, hiking boots or trail shoes – trekking poles optional. We will start at Petroleum Center trailhead (near Park Office) and hike (Section 4 of OC100 course) past Cow Run Shelters. Then cross over Miller Farm Bridge and loop back (Section 3 of OC100 course) to Petroleum Center trailhead. This hike is scenic and has historical significance going back to the oil booming era. As you know, the first oil well was built here in Oil Creek State Park, known as Drake's Well.

*****For people traveling home in eastern Pa., this will get you going in the right direction after the train ride or ride and museum.

11. Oil Creek Bike Trail - 20 miles (3 hours)

Leader: Jean Adams

Travel time to bike trail: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy bike ride

Cost: $5-$10 (PAY THERE)

Description: Easy bike ride out & back on the scenic 10-mile Oil Creek State Park paved bike trail.

We will start at Jersey Bridge trailhead (near Drake Well Museum) and bike South to Petroleum Center Park Office eat lunch at picnic area and return.

Optional visit to the adjacent Drake Well Museum and grounds afterwards (3 hours)

Cost: Adults (12-64) $10: Seniors (65+) $8; Youth (3-11) $5; Children under 3 & active military and families-free. (PAY THERE)

Description: Visit the Drake Well Museum, where in 1859 Edwin L. Drake drilled the oil well that launched the modern petroleum industry. Drake Well Museum tells the story of the beginning of the modern oil industry with orientation videos, exhibits, operating oil field machinery, and historic buildings in a park setting.

Visitors enjoy a variety of special events, educational programs, and shopping experiences on site.

Or plan just to spend your time at Drake Well Museum & head home. (3 hours)

*****For people traveling home in eastern Pa., this will get you going in the right direction after the train ride or ride and museum.