Trip Reports 2022
Sep 01, 2022 Pop-up Dayhike Quail Hollow Park (Ken & Cheryl)
Seven people turned out for the pop-up hike at Quail Hollow the morning of September 1. We hiked a little over 3 miles on trails south of the driveway, an area we seldom hike, mostly horse and bike trails. We had the trails to ourselves. After a pleasant time in the woods, we all enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Mi Casa.
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Sep 23-25, 2022 Hiking and Stargazing at Cherry Spring State Park, PA (Jenny)
A Former Eighth Wonder of the World, Shooting Stars and a Picture-Perfect Day
____Eleven club members and guests traveled to the Pennsylvania Wilds to enjoy a multi-faceted weekend. The first stop was Kinzua Bridge State Park, home of the former eighth wonder of the world--the Kinzua Bridge. This bridge no longer exists in its entirety, but visitors can get the feel of the "half bridge" platform and what it was like a century ago when this was used to transport coal and lumber across a windy valley. There are hiking trails for every level: The creek trail which goes into the valley under the bridge, General Kane trail and a rail trail.
____After arriving at the comfortable Kettlecreek Lodge, we ate a quick dinner and went stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park--a bald, nestled within the Susquehannock State Forest. Having little light pollution, it is the premiere star gazing area in the eastern United States. It was a relatively clear night, and Jupiter, shooting stars and other flying objects were clearly visible.
____After a home-cooked breakfast prepared by our hosts, Steve and Laura Benna, Saturday took us to Colton Point State Park where we picked up the last six miles of the West Rim Trail, a 29-mile long backpacking trail. It was a gorgeous day with stunning views of Pine Creek Gorge. This area also hosts a variety of hiking areas for every fitness level. Turkey Path offers the opportunity to hike into the 800-foot gorge from rim to rim by starting at either Colton Point or Leonard Harrison State Parks. A 65-mile rail trail also runs through the gorge. The group rounded out the evening with dinner and games back at the lodge.
____Returning home, we took the scenic route near Sinnemahoning State Park, stopping off in Benezette to view the elk herd, eat elk burgers and enjoy one last hike. With so much to explore in this area, we barely scratched the surface; an annual trip may be in order!
____Jenny
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Oct 23, 2022 Deep Lock Quarry in Peninsula OH (Judy & Charles)
On October 23 the club had a hike at Deep Lock Quarry in Peninsula OH.This location is part of the Summit County Metro Parks system. We covered 3 - 4 miles by combining trails in the Quarry and on the Tow Path along the river. The day was sunny and pleasant, so we had to share some of the path with bikers who were also enjoying the good weather. We had 21 hikers including members and guests. After the hike we had lunch/early dinner in the park at the picnic area. Everyone brought food to share so we had a real feast. The foliage was at its peak and we were happy to savor one of the last, best days to be outdoors. -Judy
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Seven people turned out for the pop-up hike at Quail Hollow the morning of September 1. We hiked a little over 3 miles on trails south of the driveway, an area we seldom hike, mostly horse and bike trails. We had the trails to ourselves. After a pleasant time in the woods, we all enjoyed a leisurely lunch at Mi Casa.
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Sep 23-25, 2022 Hiking and Stargazing at Cherry Spring State Park, PA (Jenny)
A Former Eighth Wonder of the World, Shooting Stars and a Picture-Perfect Day
____Eleven club members and guests traveled to the Pennsylvania Wilds to enjoy a multi-faceted weekend. The first stop was Kinzua Bridge State Park, home of the former eighth wonder of the world--the Kinzua Bridge. This bridge no longer exists in its entirety, but visitors can get the feel of the "half bridge" platform and what it was like a century ago when this was used to transport coal and lumber across a windy valley. There are hiking trails for every level: The creek trail which goes into the valley under the bridge, General Kane trail and a rail trail.
____After arriving at the comfortable Kettlecreek Lodge, we ate a quick dinner and went stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park--a bald, nestled within the Susquehannock State Forest. Having little light pollution, it is the premiere star gazing area in the eastern United States. It was a relatively clear night, and Jupiter, shooting stars and other flying objects were clearly visible.
____After a home-cooked breakfast prepared by our hosts, Steve and Laura Benna, Saturday took us to Colton Point State Park where we picked up the last six miles of the West Rim Trail, a 29-mile long backpacking trail. It was a gorgeous day with stunning views of Pine Creek Gorge. This area also hosts a variety of hiking areas for every fitness level. Turkey Path offers the opportunity to hike into the 800-foot gorge from rim to rim by starting at either Colton Point or Leonard Harrison State Parks. A 65-mile rail trail also runs through the gorge. The group rounded out the evening with dinner and games back at the lodge.
____Returning home, we took the scenic route near Sinnemahoning State Park, stopping off in Benezette to view the elk herd, eat elk burgers and enjoy one last hike. With so much to explore in this area, we barely scratched the surface; an annual trip may be in order!
____Jenny
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Oct 23, 2022 Deep Lock Quarry in Peninsula OH (Judy & Charles)
On October 23 the club had a hike at Deep Lock Quarry in Peninsula OH.This location is part of the Summit County Metro Parks system. We covered 3 - 4 miles by combining trails in the Quarry and on the Tow Path along the river. The day was sunny and pleasant, so we had to share some of the path with bikers who were also enjoying the good weather. We had 21 hikers including members and guests. After the hike we had lunch/early dinner in the park at the picnic area. Everyone brought food to share so we had a real feast. The foliage was at its peak and we were happy to savor one of the last, best days to be outdoors. -Judy
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