Take a Walk in Penn’s Woods

On the first Sunday of October, groups from around the state will be getting out to explore the vast forests of Pennsylvania. Since 2017, the day has been set aside for Walk in Penn’s Woods Day, an event brought together by a statewide partnership that encourages groups to host hikes around the state.

According to the event’s website, the walks provide an opportunity for people across the commonwealth to get out, have fun and learn about Pennsylvania’s forests; to see forests in new ways; and to understand and appreciate the many values of the woods. The initiative evolved from a passionate statement made by landowner Ruth Park back in 2016.

“I do wish we could all get out into the woods for a walk one day,” said Park. Those words brought together a group of forest organizations and woodland owners to form the first Walk in Penn’s Woods event back in 2017. More than 1,000 people participated in more than 60 walks around the state each of the first two years.

The 2019 event featured 85 walks, including more than a dozen “walk and roll” wheelchair-and stroller-friendly sites. Nearly 1,000 participants participated on a rainy and cold day. The goal for 2022 year is to host a walk in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania. Information about attending or hosting a walk can be found at www.sites.psu.edu/walkinpennswoods.

If Sunday, Oct. 2, doesn’t fit your schedule, walks can also be held on Oct. 1. Walk hosts will receive resource materials and information to assist in hosting the public on a walk. All walks and hosts are encouraged to be safe, allowing each other space to enjoy the outdoors. They are asked to be prepared for the weather and distance of the walk, and drink water, wear sunscreen and leave your surroundings better than when you got there.

As of this writing, there is one walk organized in Centre County at Gravel Point Tree Farm (748 Gravel Point Road, Howard) from noon to 1 p.m. The Ott family is hosting a walk that will take hikers up a woodland road with more than 30 points of interest. The trail has a gentle grade. Property maps will be provided to those who wish to explore the rest of the property. More information is available on the Walk in Penn’s Wood website. The website also includes resources about hiking trails around the state so people can get out and enjoy the forest any day of the year.

The website encourages others to share their experience on Facebook and Instagram.

This story appears in the Sept. 8-14 edition of The Centre County Gazette.