Erie National Wildlife Refuge - Deer Run Trail

We've really enjoyed getting to know the Erie National Wildlife Refuge this past year and we couldn't have asked for a more picture perfect day the last time we went in late October.

We hit 2 trails on this day, the second being the Deer Run trail.  A 2.6 mile loop,  the trail passes through fields, woods, and ponds and has minimal elevation changes.  The large pond is a stopping point for migrating birds and every time we have visited, we've seen birders.  The trail is well maintained and marked and, for all you winter outdoor recreation fans, it's doubles as a cross country skiing trail in the winter.  We imagine it would be a beautiful trail covered in snow.

We started at the lot we parked at the lot off Richie Road and followed the trail out of the back of the lot.  In a short distance we found ourselves in a deciduous woods along the shore of one of the larger ponds.

The trail emerged from the woods near the overlook for the pond.  This spot provided a wide view of the pond, and is favored by bird watchers.   Bring your binoculars for best viewing. 

As we continued along the trail, we noted that the gravel trail is a spur that continued to a parking lot providing easy access to the overlook.  The main trail continued through an overgrown field and back into some woods.  It then emerged near a smaller pond before crossing over Boland Road.

After crossing Boland Road,  the trail continued uphill through a field providing a more expansive view of the refuge.

The field re-entered a wooded area that is a mix of deciduous and hemlock trees.

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The trail eventually descended from the hill to a pond just across the road from the parking lot where we started.

This is a nice trail that isn't too difficult and offers a little bit of everything scenery-wise.  Definitely worth a visit.

Directions:

From Cochranton follow 173 east for about five miles to Ritchie Road on left.   The trail parking is about three miles on the left.

You can join the trail at two locations along Richie Road.   One is directly on the trail,  the other is at the spur trail for the overlook.




More Information:

• Erie National Wildlife Refuge

The North Country Trail - Branchton Road to Kohlmeyer Road via Vulture Bear Rock through PA State Game Lands 95

The North Country Trail from Branchton Road to Kohlmeyer Road, through Pennsylvania State Game Lands 95.

As summer winds down, we've been trying out some new sections of the North Country Trail.  So, with great hiking weather in the forecast a couple of weekends ago, we hit the trail in northeastern Butler County, Pennsylvania.

Up in this area the trail cuts through a portion of Pennsylvania State Game Lands 95 and, since we'd never been on this section before, we weren't sure what it would be like.  We were delightfully surprised.

Parts of this section of the North Country Trail follow wide, groomed paths.

We're also not really familiar with state game lands so we weren't really sure what to expect.  Parts of the trail follow wide, mowed paths through the woods.  We had to pay attention because all through the game lands were many wide mowed paths off to the sides that had been cleared, presumably for the hunters.  Luckily the trail is well marked and it's fairly easy to find the blue trail markers, but we definitely had to keep an eye out.

We came across this old stone wall.

After some time on this groomed section, we hit the woods where we walked for a while and came across an old stone wall.  Not far away from that stood Vulture Bear Rock, a nice place for a quick break, and surprisingly high given the landscape leading up to it.

Nice resting spot along the trail, Vulture Bear Rock.  

There is a bench that sits on top of the rock that was donated by a Boy Scout Troop and we guessed that when the leaves are down, the view is nice.  The path drops down and below the rock.

Vulture Bear Rock is higher than we thought.  Look out below!

Continuing on through the woods we eventually hit more portions of the trail that follow the wider, groomed paths, then on through some wetland areas where we crossed over this bridge surrounded by wildflowers of all kinds.

Loved this footpath bridge as we got closer to the wetlands.  It was surrounded by wildflowers.  These great blue lobelia were simply gorgeous.

We arrived at our stopping point at Kohlmeyer Road to find this special bonus, a wetland area that we had no idea was here.  It was just beautiful and we were the only folks around which made it so serene.  We'll definitely be heading to this portion again.

Our favorite part of this portion of the North Country Trail was this wetland area. The only thing we heard were birds and the water.  No one else was around.

Notes:

This section of the trail is fairly level, with some exceptions.  It offers a nice variety of terrain which makes it interesting.  The real treat, especially for us, was our stopping point, the wetlands.  It was stunning and such a surprise.

One important thing to remember is that this trail is on state game lands so hunting is permitted during certain times.  Keep that in mind when planning your visit.


Directions:

You can find parking off Branchton Rd just a bit east of route 308 near Annandale Pa.  Look for the North Country trail sign.

Summer Wildflowers of the Jennings Environmental Education Center Prairie

If you happen to be about 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania near the end of July and love wildflowers, then the prairie at the Jennings Environmental Education Center is the place to be. This is when Mother Nature shows off her most glorious sampling of wildflowers in purples, whites and yellows.

Jennings is home to a relict prairie ecosystem and luckily there's a trail right through the middle of it to really get in among the flowers.  

The star of the prairie is the Blazing Star flower (Liatris) which puts on it's very own show every summer.  The education center holds an annual festival to "celebrate the bloom" and folks come from all around to see this area.

This summer, the prairie was particularly beautiful, with blooms as far as the eye could see.  

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The combination of the purples and yellows was striking, but look closely and you could see all sorts of wildflowers in bloom.  It was pretty amazing and the collection of pictures we have here doesn't even cover every variety that was there.

Go at different times throughout the year and you'll see even more varieties.

Here are some of our favorites:

Early Goldenrod (Solidago Juncea)

I always think of goldenrod as a fall flower, but as you can see in some of the pictures, they are out in full force in the summer.

Yarrow

I just love the tiny individual blossoms that make up a larger flower on the yarrow plant and the white color adds a nice calming place to rest your eyes after being wowed by the brighter colors.

Smooth Ox-eye (Heliopsis Helianthoides)

The golden color of this ox-eye really caught our attention.

  Poke Milkweed (Asclepias Exactata)

The milkweed were coming to an end in late July, but this one was still hanging around.

Nodding Burr Marigold (Bidens cernua)

This nodding burr marigold was a much more orange color than the predominant golds that we were seeing around the prairie.

Downy Skullcap (Scutellaria incana)

This downy skullcap was one of our favorites, so soft and gentle looking and a cool break from all of the golds and yellows.

Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum virginiamum)

We weren't familiar with this flower and it got a little lost with all of the taller flowers around it.  Up close it really had some interesting details.

Common Teasel (Dipsalus Fullonium) 

This bumblebee was loving this teasel and from the looks of his legs, there was plenty of pollen to be found.

Green-headed coneflower (Rudbeckia lacinata) 

The green center of this green-headed coneflower is a showstopper and makes for easy identification.

Culver's Root (Veronicastrum Virginicum)

Another white flower to add some calm to a see of gold.  The shape adds some more interest.

Whorled Rosinweed

It got harder and harder to distinguish all of the golden flowers, but we are pretty sure that this is the whorled rosinweed.

Blazing Star (Liatris)

The star of the Jennings prairie is this blazing star and boy did it put on a show this year.  

Tall Sunflower

This tall sunflower was a lot taller than we were so it almost formed a canopy over us.

What more can be said about this glorious sight.  The prairie at the Jennings Environmental Education Center puts on a show almost any time of year, but it pulls out all of the stops in late July.

Directions:

Jennings is located at the interception of route 8 and route 528 near slippery rock.

Tips:

• Jennings has a number of trails and nature programs.  Visit the education center building for maps and information.
• The Old Stone House historic site is located just across route 8 and is often open for tours on the weekends.

More Information:

DCNR Jennings Environment Center

The Erie National Wildlife Refuge Trolley Line Trail

The Erie National Wildlife Refuge Trolley Line Trail

About 2 hours north of Pittsburgh, PA, the Erie National Wildlife Refuge is a large area that is split between a couple of different tracts of land.  The trails in both areas are well-maintained and easy to find.  There is something for almost everyone at the refuge, but one of the trails that stands out to us is the Trolley Line Trail which is located farther north than the larger section of the refuge.

The development of this trail is an interesting story.  It follows along a rail line which was originally started in 1913 for a proposed trolley, but the project failed and the line was never completed.

The trail is approximately 3 miles long out and back.  Although the wildlife refuge noted this is a primitive trail, we found it to be well marked and maintained.

We also got the impression that it wasn't highly traveled and we didn't see anyone while we were there on a beautiful cool summer Sunday.  That's a shame, because it was a lovely walk.

The parking areas on both ends had not been mowed in a while although because of that, the entrance on the one end was covered in daisies and was a welcome entrance for this wildflower lover.

Much of the trolley line trail is on the remnants of the old rail line on a raised platform.

Much of the trail is wooded and on top of the old rail bed which made for easy walking.   At various points it descends from the rail bed to cross streams where there was rope railing to help make the small climbs easier.

At one point it passes through marsh area. Unfortunately it had rained quite a bit the night before so it was pretty wet and we had to improvise to get across the water.  The trail also passes by some farms and a cemetery.

Rope railing where the short inclines are help make going up and down easier.  It's also fun for kids.

While most of the remnants of the trolley line are gone, we did find a few artifacts left over from the trolley line. The most interesting thing we came across was a nicely preserved stone culvert.

We snuck down off of the main path to take a picture of this stone culvert, one of the few things remaining from the trolley line.

The Trolley Line Trail in the Erie National Wildlife Refuge was an enjoyable afternoon hike, good for most ages.  It's a bit of a drive if you're coming from Pittsburgh, but the entire refuge is worth a visit.


Directions:

Both end of the trail can be found along PA-408.

From Cambridge Springs, follow PA-408 East/Church Street for a bit over 2 miles. Turn left onto Swamp Road, you will find the parking lot on left side of the road or continue a bit further along PA-408 and you will find parked for the other end of the trail on the left.

More Information:

• Erie National Wildlife Refuge

The Richard J. Guadagno Habitat Area and The Guadagno Trail

The Richard J. Guadagno Habitat Area and Trail, PA State Games Lands 093 in Somerset, PA.

Sometimes a trail can take your breath away.  It may be because of the spectacular views, it may be because it was the first hike you ever took, or it may be because of what it represents. The Guadagno Trail in the Somerset Region State Game Lands # 093 is that kind of trail for me.

We drive by the Somerset area in Pennsylvania a few times every summer and have noticed a sign for a trail that we always meant to check out.  This summer we finally got around to going there and did we ever get a treat.   The habitat and trail were created on state game lands to honor Richard J. Guadagno, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Refuge Manager who was aboard flight 93 on September 11.

You will find this trail located on the opposite side of route 30, across from the Flight 93 National Memorial.  If heading to this trail, the national memorial is not to be missed and for us, it was an incredibly moving experience.  Words can't adequately describe what a special place it is.

All sorts of wildflowers line the trail.  Early August was a great time to visit.

The trail is a loop and has some elevations with sweeping views of the surrounding rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands. It's about 3.5 miles long.  It was well maintained when we were there and about half way through there is a small wetland area.

Black-eyed susans

The thing that I found most striking were the wildflowers.  We went in early August and it seemed like anything that was growing was blooming.

There were thousands of blooms and the entire path was lined with yellow, white and pink flowers of all sorts of varieties.  I've never seen so much echinacea in one place and the black-eyed susans seemed to be screaming "look at me" around every turn.

The entire time we were walking all I could say was that I couldn't believe how many flowers there were.  It was breathtaking. 

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But what stood out to me the most on this day was that this trail was such a magnificent way to honor someone.  It was so peaceful, serene and beautiful.

Black-eyed susans make a beautiful view even better.

We are pretty sure that this area was created on reclaimed land that was previously strip-mined. Despite being a mowed grassy path, the ground was uneven and rocky which maked for some difficult footing.  I was glad we had our hiking boots.

One important thing to remember is that this trail is on state game lands which means hunting is permitted during certain times.  Keep that in mind when planning your visit.

The Laurel Highlands make a great backdrop for all of the wildflowers.

Directions:

The trail is on State Game Lands 093, which is located just west of the Flight 93 National Memorial on the opposite side for route 30.

Wolf Creek Narrows

Wolf Creek Narrows and Miller Woods

Wolf Creek Narrows

Wolf Creek Narrows is a spring wildflower lover's dream hike.

Located on land owned by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy just outside of Slippery Rock Pennsylvania, Wolf Creek Narrows is not very well known, but is well worth a visit any time of the year.

The tranquil Slippery Rock Creek is a fun place to skip rocks.

The trail which is a 1.5 mile loop through mature forest, is well maintained.  The first part of the trial runs along the banks of Wolf Creek and is dominated by tall hemlocks.  At one point one can easily walk down to a rocky beach and enjoy the views of the creek and cliffs on the opposite shore. It's fun to skip rocks in the tranquil creek or just sit and listen to the water.  The trail then climbs up and away from the the water, trading the hemlocks for oak, maple, cherry and other deciduous trees.

Wild geraniums are abundant along the lower part of the Wolf Creek Narrows trail.

Although this trail is beautiful anytime of the year,  the spring wildflowers put on a spectacular show and are a must-see.  Depending on the week, the trail can be lined with bluebells, wild phlox, wild geranium, trillium, violets and numerous other wildflowers.

There are times when the beautiful flower display can take one's breath away.  For wildflower lovers, it's almost a requirement.

Who can resist the bluebells along Slippery Rock Creek in Wolf Creek Narrows?

Miller Woods

Miller Woods Trail

Miller Woods tract has a short trail on the opposite end of the bridge from Wolf Creek.  This is on land owned by Slippery Rock University.  An out and back trail,  it meanders in the flood plane of Wolf Creek and, although it does not have the old forest found on the other side of the bridge, it is still a nice hike.

The map at the parking lot shows a loop, but the trail is not well marked and the loop appears lost to overgrowth and floods.  Follow the old dirt road bed into the woods as it narrows to a single path.  Eventually you will come to the remains of a small crumbling dam on a small run.  In the summer the pool by the dam is home to many small fish, and frogs.  Cross the stream on the rock and remnants of dam and continue into the flood plane.  The trail ends at a rocky beach on a bend in the creek.

Slippery Rock Creek

Combine the Wolf Creek trail hike with the Miller Woods tract for a nice hike.

Location:

To find the trail take interstate 79 to the Slippery Rock exit and follow 108 to Slippery Rock. Turn left at the traffic light (north main street), then take the next left (Water Street) and drive about 2 miles to the bridge over Wolf Creek. 

The parking is located at the trail head for Miller Woods.  Walk back across the bridge to find the trail head for Wolf Creek Narrows.

Trail Tips:

• Visit in the spring to see the wildflowers.  The best time is usually in the weeks around Mother's Day.  The flowers change weekly for a few weeks, so its worth visiting more than once.
• Follow the road up the hill from the parking lot a couple of hundred feet to find a historic marker commemorating a treaty signed during the French and Indian War.
• Note, the parking is a bit limited and can be crowded when the flowers are in bloom.
• Both trails cross the flood plane of Wolf Creek.  Flooding can make the trails inaccessible, and very muddy.

More Information:

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
• Visit Butler County

McConnells Mill State Park - Kildoo Trail

McConnells Mill State Park - Kildoo Trail

McConnells Mill State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Western PA or, quite frankly, anywhere.  The gorge, with it's huge boulders scattered about, is surrounded by large trees and ancient hemlocks which create an almost eerie atmosphere. It is dark, damp and cool, even when it's warm and sunny outside.  Hiking many parts of the trail makes one feel almost like they are in a deep dark forest found only in fairy tales.  At the start of the trail, there is an 1800s grist mill and a working covered bridge.  The mill is open for touring during certain hours.

McConnells Mill State Park has has several trails, all well worth hiking, but by far our favorite is the Kildoo trail.

McConnell's Mill in Pennsylvania

Always a favorite spot for hikers, kayakers and photographers, the mill is one of the highlights of the trail.  It's beautiful any time of year, but particularly in the fall.

Slippery Rock Creek

The two mile Kildoo loop follows along the banks of the Slippery Rock creek and one is never far from the sound of water.  The trail is shaded by forest for its entire length as it winds between the trees and large boulders.  It passes along a couple of small water falls and remnants old mills.

Moss covered grist stone along the trail.

On the mill side of the creek, the trail has yellow blazes.  On the opposite side of the creek it is marked with blue blaze which indicated that the path is shared with the North Country Trail.  The trail is easy enough to follow, even without the blazes.

The Kildoo Trail shares the route with the North Country Trail on one side of the loop.

Note, this trail may be only two miles, but it can be a bit challenging.   You will need to step over and around many rocks and roots.   It is also normally at least a bit muddy in places.  The PA DCNR rates this as a moderate trail.

Location:

The trail head starts just down stream of the grist mill and covered bridge.   Hike along the trail to Eckert's bridge, cross the bridge and follow the trail upstream back to the covered bridge.

Trail Tips:

• For any easy introduction to the Kildoo trail, walk the first half mile of the trail head to a wooden foot bridge.  This part of the trail has a hard packed surface without all the rocks and roots.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots.  The trail is rocky.
• Parking at the trail head next to the mill is limited.  Park at either of the parking lots at the top of the hill and follow the paths to the mill, or hike the Alpha Pass trail to the mill.
• If you have time, take a tour the old mill.  Check out the official web site for times.

More Information:

• McConnells Mills State Park Official Web Page