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. 

Thistle

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.