ExplorePATrails RSS channel http://www.explorepatrails.org ExplorePATrails.com Homepage http://www.explorepatrails.com Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT The #Switchback Railroad Trail# consists of two nine-mile routes that intersect. Be sure to check out the small loop just outside of Jim Thorpe that takes you to a scenic overlook. This is a popular trail for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. http://www.explorepatrails.com/singletrail.aspx?id=169 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Fossil Trail Hike Saturday, March 3 – 1:30-3:00pm Free for members / $5 for non-members Take a hike in the woods. This 1 ¼ mile trail passes a vernal pool that is important for breeding amphibians and then descends into a mature hardwood ravine. Look at fossils along the way. Moderate-strenuous with a final, steep climb. http://www.peec.org/events-date.html#march Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Sunday for Singles Sunday, March 4 – 1:00-3:00pm Free This monthly hike is all about meeting new people and enjoying nature together. Dress warm for this guided hike. http://www.peec.org/events-date.html#march Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT EcoZone! Afternoon February 26 – 12:00-3:00pm Free Explore our new hands-on, discovery room. Crawl through the bat cave, sit in the eagles’ nest, and more! http://www.peec.org/ecozone.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Introduction to Orienteering Saturday, March 3 – 10:00am-12:00pm $5 Learn to use a map and compass on our orienteering course. We’ll provide the equipment and teach you everything you need to know. http://www.peec.org/events-date.html#march Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT The ceremony was a milestone in the county's four-year effort to fill the last nine unfinished miles on the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, which connects in Cumberland, Md., with the C&O Towpath to Washington. The Trail is schedule to Open on 11-11-11. http://kdka.com/video/?id=76896@kdka.dayport.com Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT The D&L has opened a key 1.4 - mile connector trail between downtown Jim Thorpe and Lehigh Gorge State Park. http://www.delawareandlehigh.org/blog/summer-of-dedications/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=EmailMarketing&utm_content=576498142&utm_campaign=Summer2010newsletter&utm_term=Clickheretoreadmore Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT If you’ve been contemplating the purchase of a new pair of walking shoes, perhaps this news will convince you it’s time to open your wallet. By the end of 2011, the D&L Trail will be 18 miles longer, with new sections in Lehigh, Carbon and Luzerne counties helping the long-distance trail inch closer to its goal of 165 miles. http://www.delawareandlehigh.org/blog/dl-trail-grows/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Winter+2011+Newsletter&utm_content=Winter+2011+Newsletter+CID_2b26b836921d41b335e0cb445ec9ce79&utm_source=Email+Marketing&utm_term=Click+here+to+continue Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Pennsylvania's 146 open Rail-Trails ranks #1 in the United States and is 3rd in total miles of Rail-Trails at 1,413 miles. http://www.railstotrails.org/ourWork/trailBasics/trailStats.html#state Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Coming off the great success of our 8th annual Greenway Sojourn, we in Pennsylvania are reminded of the large support the Northeast Regional Office of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has received over the past 10 years from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR). Beginning with the very first Sojourn in 2001, RTC has received funding from the PA DCNR in support of this popular event. http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2010/11/02/rtc-salutes-partnership-with-pa-dcnr.aspx Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Cashing in on Geocaching: New trend brings new visitors, dollars to communities http://boroughs.org/boroughnews/index_misc.pdf Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT $23 Million in Federal Stimulus Money for PA-NJ Trail Networks The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, officials from six counties, and agencies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey cooperated to secure funding from the Federal government's TIGER program. A total of $23 million in federal stimulus money is headed to Delaware Valley pedestrian and bicycle trails - plans that have been in the works for years. http://planphilly.com/great-panj-awarded-23-million-federal-stimulus-money Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT On September 11, 2010, the Keystone Trails Association is proud to sponsor the Susquehanna Super Hike & Ultra Trail Run, a 28.4-mile trail challenge event for adventurous hikers and trail runners on the wild river hills of the lower Susquehanna Gorge. http://www.kta-hike.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=12&Itemid=76 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT May 29th - June 6th is Hiking week! Check out the latest information on local hikes in your area and enjoy the outdoors. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/INFO/HIKINGWEEK/ Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Welcome to the first Trails To You E-newsletter. If you have not provided us with an email, please join our trails mailing list by clicking Join Our Mailing List in the box. This E-newsletter and trail training provided by PRPS is funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources with the support of the Park Resource Branch of the PA Recreation & Park Society. Click on the link and get started today. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs080/1101358262287/archive/1103553064686.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT As we prepare for ceremonies at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and Shanksville on the ninth anniversary of September 11, 2001, we have an opportunity to officially establish a national trail as a tribute to all those who perished in America’s single worst terrorist attack. Named the September 11th National Memorial Trail; this 994-mile hiking and cycling trail will provide a physical linkage and an eternal bond between the three memorials commemorating the tragic events that unfolded at Shanksville, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. It will also serve as an important recreational and transportation venue for promoting tourism, economic development, healthy bodies and minds, and cultural and educational opportunities for generations to come. Click on the link for more information. http://www.911memorialtrail.org/ Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT September 2, 2010 8:00am - 12:00pm This event will introduce planners and bicycle advocates alike to the existing bicycle facilities in the Philadelphia region from urban and suburban perspectives. The presentations will address the why trails and bicycle facilities are important to the region, safe riding strategies, maintenance and construction costs, and funding for new construction, and plans to expand the regional bicycle network. http://planphilly.com/event/hot-wheels-urban-and-suburban-strategies-better-biking Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT The new half-mile section of trail runs beneath the 31st Street Bridge and connects the city's network of trails to a similar biking-hiking path running through Millvale's Riverfront Park. Its completion means that cars, trains and bicycles will continue to share the often narrow north bank of the Allegheny River, but each will have its own separate route. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10261/1088523-53.stm#ixzz10FuFHEM5 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Cast a vote for Pennsylvania’s River of the Year from six finalists – Clarion River, Conewango Creek, Delaware River, Kiskiminetas River, Pine Creek, and the Stonycreek River. Pennsylvania’s River of the Year is an honor bestowed upon a commonwealth river to elevate public awareness about that resource and recognize important conservation needs and achievements. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) administer the River of the Year program, but local organizations submit nominations and, if selected, implement a year round slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a special extended paddling trip known as a Sojourn. On each of the following pages, you'll find a summary of the characteristics of each river, its conservation needs, and some of the reasons why it would make a good River of the Year. Invite all your friends and colleagues to vote, post to your Facebook page, email or Tweet to get the word out. Once votes are tallied, we'll announce the river of the year in January 2011! Voting ends January 3. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9YM8TSK Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Check out this great video on Trail Towns and how trails link people to the community. The Schuylkill River Trail is featured in this short clip.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14rY-8BGaVs Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT The National Trails System has grown by 722 miles due to the recent designation of 31 National Recreation Trails in 15 states by Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. In honor of the 18th annual National Trails Day and the 42nd anniversary of the National Trails System, Secretary Salazar has announced the designation of 31 trails across the country as National Recreational Trails (NRTs). The Cumberland Valley Rail-Trial Trail, from Shippensburg to Newville, was recognized as just one of four National Recreation Trails designated this year in Pennsylvania. The trail joins a statewide network of 65 National Recreation Trails totaling nearly 2100 miles. "From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the outdoors," said Secretary Salazar. "These new National Recreation Trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create new opportunities for fitness and stewardship, while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren." National Recreation Trails are components of the National Trails System and recognize existing trails that connect people to important natural, recreational and cultural places and improve their quality of life. The program is jointly administered by the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails. Each of the trails added to the system will receive a certificate of designation and trail markers. They become part of a national network of more than 1,050 trails encompassing more than 12,500 miles. The Cumberland Valley Rail-Trial receiving NRT recognition is eleven miles long and follows the center of the Cumberland Valley between Shippensburg and Newville. The trail provides safe and easy access to the outdoors for citizens of South Central Pennsylvania. A dedication ceremony will be held on National Trails Day, June 5th at 11:30 AM as part of the award ceremony for the ArtSHIP Art, Wine and Brew Festival 10k Race. The Festival is being held on the campus lawn triangle between Earl Street and the Cumberland Valley Rail-Trial. The trail was built and is maintained by the Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Coun¬cil, Inc. (CVRTC), an all volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. CVRTC was formed in 1990 and the first 9 ½ miles of the Cumberland Valley Rail-Trial were completed in the fall of 2006. CVRTC is currently working on extending the trail another 11 miles to the north and finishing the last mile to the south connecting the business districts of Shippensburg and Carlisle along with the campuses of Shippensburg University and Dickenson College. Further information on the trail is available at www.cvrtc.org. http://www.cvrtc.org Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Come join us on the Mason Dixon Trail southeast of Harrisburg December 29th at 10AM This year's December 29th hike takes us over to the Mason Dixon Trail a little southeast of Harrisburg, PA. This 5.8 mile agressive section of the Mason Dixon Trail follows the Susquehanna River and is just north of the section used for the Susquehanna Super Hike. We will meet at the parking area off Boyd Road in the Apollo County Park just north of the Safe Harbor Dam to set the shuttle at 10AM. We will leave a car and travel about 15-20 minutes to Fishing Creek Road to start the hike back to the car. There are at least 3 stream crossing which I am not sure if there are bridges. The hike will have excellent views, many switch backs, travel along ridges and have many elevation changes through varied woodlands. Be prepared for snow, bring a lunch and plenty of water. For google direction to Boyd road cut and past the following link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=39.906411,-76.411328&daddr=&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=15&sll=39.909374,-76.41326&sspn=0.016064,0.027122&ie=UTF8&z=15 This second map is of Apollo County Park. Boyd road looks like it ends at a parking area; this is our meeting place at 10AM to set a shuttle. http://yorkcountyparks.org/parkpages/2009maps/2009%20Apollo.pdf http://www.rachelcarsontrails.org/Members/pabrunner/december-hike-1 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Harrisburg University (HU) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) have teamed up to develop and implement a Mobile Application Contest. Deadline for entries is April 15, 2011 http://www.iexplorepatrails.com/iExplore/ Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT On March 15, 2011 the Department of Justice (DOJ) revised rules go into effect allowing “other power-driven mobility devices” to be used by “individuals with mobility disabilities.” Read the full text of the DOJ rule ... This DOJ ruling applies to any place, indoors or outdoors, that is open to the public. Under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II this DOJ rule applies to trails on State or local government lands. Also under the ADA Title III it applies to other “public accommodations” that would include trails open to the public on privately or commercially managed lands. Federal agency managed lands are not directly covered under the ADA, however this rule sets legal precedents the Federal agencies must watch. http://www.americantrails.org/enewsletter/accessible_Jan_2011.html Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Work on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Union County is currently under way, and the goal is to have the trail ready to ride by November. http://www.wnep.com/news/countybycounty/wnep-union-trail-buffalo-valley-rail-trail-mifflinburg-lewisburg,0,4810181.story Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT There are 14 planned Soujourn events scheduled in 2011 from May 11th to late August. Register today for your Outdoor Rivers Experience! http://pawatersheds.org/on-the-water/sojourns/2011sojourns/ Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT Penn Trails' Civil War Trails Road Bike Tours travel through the beautiful South Mountain and Cumberland Valley region of South Central Pennsylvania. The May through July 2011 program consists of a variety of multi-day tour programs, throughout the region, linking the area’s historical, cultural and outdoors assets to the United States Sesquicentennial Commemoration of The Civil War. http://civilwarbiketours.com/Bike-Tours.htm Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT The bike lane will be 9 feet wide to accommodate two-way traffic, Mr. Paulik said. It will be separated from vehicle traffic by a 5-foot-wide buffer strip, marked with delineator poles (sometimes called "candles") every 32 feet. Two 12-foot-wide lanes will be maintained for cars and trucks. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11280/1180307-455-0.stm Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:00:24 GMT