Where Are The Walks Happening in 2024
Our goal is to have walks happening around the state, with at least one walk in each county. In the past, we have seen numerous walks hosted across the state! We’ll also be making a concerted effort to ensure a wide array of walks accessible for wheelchairs and strollers – a Walk and Roll in Penn’s Woods! If you’re interested in hosting a walk in 2024, registration for Hosting a Walk is open. Click here to add yours.
Below is a listing of all the Walk in Penn’s Woods for 2024 currently registered by County. Remember to check back, as walks will be posted more abundantly as we draw closer to SUNDAY October 6!
ADAMS
ALLEGHENY
ARMSTRONG
BEAVER
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Rocky Bend Nature Preserve
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 1:00PM- 3:00 PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
247 Raccoon Creek Road Monaca PA 15061
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage): Nature Walk on a re-wild former WW 2 defense site. Mostly level to rolling terrain. Approximately 2-mile hike.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs due to the rocky terrain and narrow path however, strollers should be acceptable. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: No registration required.
Host contact: Butch Shamp eashamp@msn.com
BEDFORD
BERKS
BLAIR
BRADFORD
BUCKS
BUTLER
CAMBRIA
CAMERON
CLEARFIELD
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: PSU DuBois- Wildlife Technology Student Led 'Tree Id' Hike at Camp Mountain Run
DATE: Saturday October 5, 2024
TIME: 1:00PM- 3:00 PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
4980 Mountain Run Rd., Penfield, PA, 15849; meet at Archery Range
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
Experience an introduction to Tree ID through PSU-DuBois, Wildlife Technology Program, student-led hike at the Camp Mountain Run Boy Scout property. Participants will enjoy a custom 1.25-mile hike where they will be introduced to approximately 25 species of woody plants, including a combination of native and non-native trees, shrubs, and vines. Additionally, learn about an upcoming floodplain restoration study that students will be involved with. This education-focused hike can be characterized as moderate in rigor, as it will span a variety of terrain ranging from wet bottomland floodplains to gently rolling, moderately dry hillside slopes that require sturdy footwear and agility to navigate through laurel thickets and along narrow game trails. The hike is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
We are one of various sites across the state where Pennsylvanians of all ages will be getting out in the woods, building appreciation for and learning about the forest, the people who own them, and the importance of caring well for them.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: No registration required.
Host contact: Mike Eckely mce5166@psu.edu
CENTRE
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Gravel Point Tree Farm Walk
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 12:00PM- 1:00 PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
748 Gravel Point Road, Howard PA 16841
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
1. Guided walk.5-mile round trip on dirt/gravel road with 30+ forestry points of interest shown and explained. 2. Self-guided walk of entire 210-acre Tree Farm property with trail map. Enjoy from noon until you are done
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: No registration required.
Host contact: Mark Ott meocec@aol.com 814-470-0777
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Signs of Fall!
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 10:30AM- 11:30 AM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
Poe Valley State Park, Meeting at the Poe Valley Office
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
Autumn is in the air! With leaves changing, mushrooms popping up, and birds on the move, the woods are alive with activity this time of year! How many different colors can we see in Penn’s Woods? Is everything around us changing? What will stay the same through the colder months? Join the park naturalist as we hike the Nature Trail to hunt for signs of fall and discuss why these changes are occurring.
This hike will be about 1 mile on fairly easy terrain. Please wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. All ages are welcome.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: No registration required.
Host contact: Kylie Orndorf korndorf@pa.gov 814-349-2460
CHESTER
CLARION
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Friends of Cook Forest
DATE: Saturday October 5, 2024
TIME: 10:00AM- 12:00 PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
Cook Forest Ridge Campground Entrance, PA Rt 36, Cooksburg PA
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage): Join Friends of Cook Forest for a Walk in Penn’s Woods hike. We’ll celebrate the beauty of Pennsylvania’s forests by walking the Deer Park and Mohawk Trails. Meet at the entrance to Ridge Campground. People/pet friendly leashed pets welcome! (2 hours)
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: No registration required.
Host contact: Carl Harting friendofcookforest@gmail.com
CLINTON/CENTRE
COLUMBIA
CRAWFORD
CUMBERLAND
DAUPHIN
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: A Walk in Detweiler Park
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 1PM- 3:00 PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
1451 Peters Mountain Rd, Dauphin, PA 17018
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
Join Manada Conservancy, Dauphin County Woodland Owners Association, and Dauphin County Parks and Recreation for the annual Walk in Penn's Woods! This year's Walk will take place in the largest and newest park within the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation system: Detweiler Park near Dauphin. Walkers will have the option of either a flatter walk through both woodlands and meadow (about 3 miles) or a steeper woodland walk on the beginning of Peter's Mountain (about 3.5 miles, with terrain changes).
DCNR Forester Andy Brought will give a "state of the forest" update during the walk; naturalist Ian Gardner will highlight interesting natural history; and park officials will provide updates on the park's development.
Meet at the trailhead at the Conservation District office parking lot a few minutes before 1:00pm. Sturdy shoes and comfortable hiking clothes are recommended. Pets welcome if leashed
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: Registration is required. To RSVP, please email office@manada.org or call 717-566-4122.
Host contact: Manada Conservancy office@manada.org
DELAWARE
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Park Led Guided Nature Hike at Ridley Creek State Park
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 9AM- 11AM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
Park Mansion/Office Parking Lot off Sandy Flash Drive South (Park entrance gate is diagonally across from 351 Gradyville Road)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
Join your park naturalist for casual stroll to explore native flora and fauna of Ridley Creek State Park. Dress for current weather conditions with water/snacks if you wish. Binoculars are a wonderful addition to view birds and other wildlife.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers due to the terrain and narrow path. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: No registration required. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ridley_creek_state_park
Host contact: Gary Stolz gastolz@pa.gov
ELK
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Elk Walk & Talk
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 2PM- 3PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
Elk Country Visitor Center
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
Sponsored by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) and the North Central Forest Landowners Association (NCFLA):
Join a staff member for a walk on the trails around the Center to discuss the history of the property and the wildlife that often inhabit the fields. Learn what elk eat, where they spend their time, and how each season brings something different. Note that the walk is short (about 1/2 mile) and along flat, fine gravel trails.
Meet at the "Big Elk" in front of the main building entrance.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Due to the wildlife focus on the walk, pets are not permitted on this walk.
REGISTRATION: Registration is not required.
Host contact: Jim Hillebrand (NCFLA) and Ben Porkolab (KECA) jjhill@windstream.net and ConEd@KECAUS.com
ERIE
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Penn's Woods Through the Eyes of a Biologist
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 2:00PM- 5:00 PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
18455 King Road Corry PA 16407
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
Matt Caldwell, biology teacher, Steve Laskowski, Erie County Service Forester, and Connie Walker, mushroom expert will lead the walk. Rough trails through the woods for about 1 1/2 miles. Picnic at 4 pm with hot dogs and hamburgers and water provided. Please bring a dish to pass.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs and strollers due to the path. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: Call 814-663-6056 to register
Host contact: George and Brenda Kirik brendakirik@live.com
FAYETTE
FOREST
FRANKLIN
FULTON
GREENE
HUNTINGDON
INDIANA
JEFFERSON
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 10AM- 12PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
Beartown Rocks 41.302547, -79.060394
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage): Nature Walk along the forestry roads of the Clear Creek tract - 2-miles of easy hiking
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs due to the rocky terrain and narrow path however, strollers should be acceptable. Pets are permitted provided they comply with all PA Leash Laws.
REGISTRATION: No registration.
Host contact: Gene Krasicki ekrasicki@pa.gov
JUNIATA
LACKAWANNA
LANCASTER
LUZERNE
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Hike & Sip: Sugar Notch Trails and Bell House Winery
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 10:30AM- 1:30PM
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
(41.1929066, -75.9447044)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage): Explore Sugar Notch Trails in Luzerne County with North Branch Land Trust and Bureau of Forestry! After the hike, participants are invited to meet at Bell House Winery (.5mi from trailhead) to enjoy local wine and company. Approximately 1.5 mile, on natural unimproved trail. Mild to moderate difficulty with some elevation and uneven terrain. Appropriate footwear required. Please note that there is no cost to attend as each guest will pay for their own beverages. Donations to NBLT encouraged.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs due to the rocky terrain and narrow path however, strollers should be acceptable. Pets are not permitted.
REGISTRATION: nblt.org/events to register online | info@nblt.org to register via email
Host contact: Karley Stasko & Megan Finnen
LEBANON
LEHIGH
MCKEAN
LYCOMING
MERCER
MIFFLIN
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MONTOUR
NORTHAMPTON
NORTHUMBERLAND
PERRY
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 5pm-7pm
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
44 Buffalo Creek Rd Duncannon pa 17020 at Amethyst Retreat Center
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage): 1-mile, uneven surfaces and some inclines
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs due to the rocky terrain and narrow path however, strollers should be acceptable. Pets are not permitted.
REGISTRATION: No Registration required.
Host contact: Renee Andrews: reneelovesamethyst@gmail.com
WARREN
PIKE
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: High Knob Fire Tower Walk and Talk
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 1pm-3pm
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
41.31568262057838, -75.11129917632009 Greentown,PA
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage): Walk will be approximately 3.6 miles of moderately strenuous hiking with half of it going uphill to the fire tower overlook.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not recommended for wheelchairs due to the rocky terrain and narrow path however, strollers should be acceptable. Pets are not permitted.
REGISTRATION: Please Email: loggoddard@pa.gov by 01 October
Host contact: Logan Goddard loggoddard@pa.gov
POTTER/CLINTON
SCHUYLKILL
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS AT THE PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL ARBORETUM
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 12pm-3pm
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
Penn State Schuylkill, 200 University Dr., Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Meeting at the Lion statue on the Mall Walk
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
The walk will be held around the campus arboretum using the paved areas, but for the more adventurous, the wooded areas and paths are an alternative. The walk is free and open to the public
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Pets are permitted if they are well behaved and comply with leash laws.
REGISTRATION: No Registration required.
Host contact: Mary Ann Smith mvs14@psu.edu
SNYDER
SOMERSET
SULLIVAN
SUSQUEHANNA
TIOGA
UNION
WESTMORELAND
WALK IN PENN’S WOODS: Laurel Summit Loop
DATE: Sunday October 6, 2024
TIME: 1pm-3pm
WALK ADDRESS &/OR GPS COORDINATES OF WHERE THE WALK WILL START:
40.14239, -79.16039. Burma Trail Parking Lot
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK (terrain level and estimated mileage):
1.6 mile loop. Gradual grades on moderate/easy tread. Sturdy shoes/hiking boots recommended.
ACCESSIBILITY OF WALK: This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Pets are permitted if they are well behaved and comply with leash laws.
REGISTRATION: Please RSVP to Travis Blankenbicker tblnkenbi@pa.gov by 10-2-2024.
Host contact: Travis Blankenbicker tblnkenbi@pa.gov