DOCSLIB.ORG

Poe Valley State Park

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Poe Valley State Park Best Fishing and Boating in PA State Parks Poe Valley by Kelly Houghton State Park photo-courtesy of DCNR Lying in a rugged mountain valley Today, those roads carry visitors to exist within the state park, ranging near the middle of the state is Poe Val- and from the many recreational ac- from easy to very rugged and steep. ley State Park. This nature enthusiast’s tivities available in the park’s secluded The 206-mile Mid-State Trail system paradise is located in Centre County setting. Poe Lake, known for its soli- also passes through the state park and and consists of more than 620 acres tude and peaceful surroundings, is an is popular with day hikers and back- of endless forests. Nestled in the state electric-motors-only lake, making it packers. park’s foliage is Poe Lake, a 25-acre a popular choice for those who enjoy Many of these trails also connect haven for boaters and anglers. the lake’s tranquility. Kayakers and to Bald Eagle State Forest. The forest Named after Big Poe Creek, Poe canoeists also enjoy paddling in the offers a wide variety of recreational Valley State Park began as a Civilian pristine mountain lake’s calm waters. activities, 13 streams and fi ve Penn- Conservation Corps (CCC) project in In addition, a swimming beach and sylvania state parks within its approx- the mid-1930s, during the Great De- many shaded picnic areas, including imate 200,000 acres: Poe Valley, Poe pression. Many of the roads and the two pavilions with 100-person capac- Paddy, R.B. Winter, Reeds Gap, and dam, completed in 1937, were built by ities, are available for use. Sand Bridge. the CCC men who lived several miles Hiking is another popular activ- Even when the weather turns and upstream from the park. ity at Poe Valley. Three miles of trails winter sweeps through the valley, (article continued on page 34) www.fi sh.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • March-April 2008 31 www.fish.state.pa.us Map courtesy of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 32 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • March/April 2008 www.fi sh.state.pa.us www.fi sh.state.pa.us Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • March-April 2008 33 cross-country skiers and those oper- two to three times a year ating snowmobiles and four-wheelers with rainbow, golden rain- profi t from Poe Valley’s minimally bow, and brown trout. Trout plowed roads. Although there is no stocked each year include specifi c area cleared for ice skating, it’s prime holdovers from sea- also a popular wintertime activity. son to season. Regardless of how you choose to This year’s season begins spend your days at the state park, a on April 12. However, after wooded campground is heavily used the fi rst few weeks of the sea- in all seasons. Specifi c hunting seasons son, crowds will more than typically draw large numbers, while likely thin, and May will be- boaters and fi shermen crowd the camp come the month delivering Sci-Fi in the Real World in the warmer months. Not only is a the Keystone State’s best trout launch on site, but boaters and anglers fi shing. Early in the sea- also benefi t from having the option to son, trout fi shermen spread moor their vessels by the dam during around the entire perimeter their stay. The campground, which is of the lake. Then, as the wa- just below the dam breast, has some ter temperature rises, the During the summer, anglers seeking panfi sh 70 campsites, 30 of which have elec- mouth of Poe Creek, as well visit the lake and typically reel in sunfi sh, perch tricity. The campground is also in the as the deeper water along the and crappies. process of being modernized, and on northern shore, become pop- completion it will be upgraded to a ular. Water along the northern shore If you’re searching for outstanding class “A” campground. Drinking wa- reaches a depth of 15 feet, while Poe stream fi shing, Penn’s Creek and Big ter, rustic toilets and a sanitary dump Lake’s average water depth is 11 feet. Poe Creek are also a short distance station are all available. Although the most popular ap- from Poe Valley State Park. Penn’s Although outdoor people are drawn proach to hook a trout is bobber Creek, located 3 miles from Poe Valley to the park for different reasons, Poe fi shing from the shoreline, the most State Park, has outstanding fl y hatches Valley is primarily recognized for its effective approach is angling by boat of green drakes with big browns, and outstanding fi shing. The park attracts because fi shermen can access the it’s a prime natural habitat for Penn- anglers in each of the four seasons. deeper areas. Anglers choosing not to sylvania trout. The lake’s most common game spe- cast their lines from shore may trailer Whether casting for a golden rain- cies include brown and rainbow trout, and launch their boats at one of the bow trout or kayaking on Poe Lake catfi sh, pickerel, sunfi sh and perch. state park’s two launches. Boat rentals along its peaceful shores, Poe Valley Anglers are successful in winter are also typically available during the State Park certainly has something for months when they ice fi sh the deeper summer at the food and boat rental every angler and boater. Poe Valley sections along the northern shore as concession, which is open from Me- may be hidden in the middle of the well as the channel outside the swim- morial Day until Labor Day. Fifteen state, but those who have discovered ming area. Panfi sh are typically pulled seasonal (April 1 to November 15) the recreation available in the park’s through the ice at this time. During mooring spaces are also available. serenity visit time and time again. the summer, anglers seeking panfi sh Although the trout fi shing at Poe Poe Valley State Park has been per- visit the lake and typically reel in sun- Valley State Park is good, anglers trav- forming renovations and upgrades fi sh, perch and crappies. The shallow eling to the park also have the advan- to park facilities since 2007. These southern shores, especially the dock tage of being near another outstand- renovations will continue throughout areas, are panfi sh hotspots. ing trout fi shery, Poe Paddy State Park. 2008. The construction of the sew- However, if judging by park atten- Poe Paddy, located where Big Poe age treatment plant at the northeast dance, the spring season is defi nitely Creek and Penn’s Creek meet, is only end of the park will continue into the the most popular. Spring season is four miles to the east of Poe Valley spring of 2008. However, this con- trout season and Pennsylvania trout and is widely recognized for its wild struction won’t interfere with fi shing fi shing is productive in the park. As brook and brown trout. Intense sul- or stocking, but the campground will the streams and rivers begin to warm phur, caddis and green drake hatches be closed until this project is com- in the spring, hatches become fre- in May and early June are responsible plete. Call the park offi ce or check the quent and trout are plentiful. for the world-class fl y-fi shing. In fact, DCNR web site for details if you’re Poe Lake is approved trout water, Poe Paddy is nationally recognized for planning to visit: www.dcnr.state. and the Commission stocks the lake the green drake mayfl y hatch in June. pa.us, 717-667-3622. 34 Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • March/April 2008 www.fi sh.state.pa.us .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • PPFF Spring2020 Nwsltr.Qxd
    Penn’s Stewards News from the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation Spring 2020 CLIMATE CHANGE Managing Pennsylvania’s Greatest Environmental Crisis rt e ilb By Greg Czarnecki, G y Tuscarora se Ka it: Director, Applied Climate Science, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources red State Park o C Phot INTHIS ISSUE In the 50 years since the first Earth Day we have made tremendous PG: 1 Climate Change progress protecting our air, water, and natural resources. But in spite PG: 2 President’s Message A Call for Advocates of that progress we now face our greatest environmental crisis— PG: 3-4 Climate Change continued climate change. PG: 4 Happy 50th Birthday Earth Day Nearly every day we hear stories about the effects of climate change, such as PG: 5 The Value of Trees melting glaciers in Greenland, horrific wildfires in Australia and California, and super- PG: 6 Let There Be Trees on Earth charged hurricanes. While many of these events are far away, we are also seeing climate PG: 7 Wilderness Wheels change impacts here in Pennsylvania. continued on page 3 Skill Builder PG: 8 We Will Miss Flooding at the Presque Isle Marina due to heavy lake levels. New Faces at PPFF PG: 9 Calendar of Events #PAFacesofRec Bring on Spring PG: 10 PPFF Friends Groups Your Friends in Action PG: 11 More Friends in Action Making an Impact on Legislation PG: 12-13 YOU Made it Happen PG: 14-15 2019 Photo Contest Results PG: 16 Fun Fact! ExtraGive Thank You PPFF Membership Form CONTACT US: Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation 704 Lisburn Road, Suite 102, Camp Hill, PA 17011 (717) 236-7644 www.PaParksAndForests.org Photo Credit: DCNR President’s Message Marci Mowery Happy New Year! By the time this newsletter “...join us in activities lands in your hands, we will be several months r into the new year.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft 2021 LRTP
    DRAFT SEDA‐COG Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN The Draft Long Range Transportation Plan includes regional overview information and the MPO region’s long range vision for prioritizing transportation investments. This copy of the draft plan is available as part of a 30‐day comment period beginning on May 24, 2021, and ending on June 22, 2021. The public comment period provides the public an opportunity to provide feedback on all facets of the Long Range Transportation Plan before its adoption. The plan can be reviewed online at: http://www.seda‐cog.org/departments/transportation/long‐range‐plan. Written and electronic comments may be submitted via email, SEDA‐COG web portal, fax, or Postal Service by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Email comments may be submitted to lrtp@seda‐cog.org or through the web portal at http://www.seda‐cog.org/departments/transportation/transportation‐comments Comments may be faxed to 570‐524‐9190 Please address all written comments to: Mr. Don Kiel SEDA‐COG MPO 201 Furnace Road Lewisburg, PA 17837 If you would like to provide comments or discuss the draft plan in person, a Virtual Public Meeting will be held during the public comment period as follows: Date: June 3, 2021 Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Location: The content of this Notice is available in alternative formats and other languages upon request by contacting the SEDA‐COG MPO at 570‐524‐4491, or by written correspondence directed to the MPO at 201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837, or by email at jsaylor@seda‐cog.org.
    [Show full text]
  • RV Sites in the United States Location Map 110-Mile Park Map 35 Mile
    RV sites in the United States This GPS POI file is available here: https://poidirectory.com/poifiles/united_states/accommodation/RV_MH-US.html Location Map 110-Mile Park Map 35 Mile Camp Map 370 Lakeside Park Map 5 Star RV Map 566 Piney Creek Horse Camp Map 7 Oaks RV Park Map 8th and Bridge RV Map A AAA RV Map A and A Mesa Verde RV Map A H Hogue Map A H Stephens Historic Park Map A J Jolly County Park Map A Mountain Top RV Map A-Bar-A RV/CG Map A. W. Jack Morgan County Par Map A.W. Marion State Park Map Abbeville RV Park Map Abbott Map Abbott Creek (Abbott Butte) Map Abilene State Park Map Abita Springs RV Resort (Oce Map Abram Rutt City Park Map Acadia National Parks Map Acadiana Park Map Ace RV Park Map Ackerman Map Ackley Creek Co Park Map Ackley Lake State Park Map Acorn East Map Acorn Valley Map Acorn West Map Ada Lake Map Adam County Fairgrounds Map Adams City CG Map Adams County Regional Park Map Adams Fork Map Page 1 Location Map Adams Grove Map Adelaide Map Adirondack Gateway Campgroun Map Admiralty RV and Resort Map Adolph Thomae Jr. County Par Map Adrian City CG Map Aerie Crag Map Aeroplane Mesa Map Afton Canyon Map Afton Landing Map Agate Beach Map Agnew Meadows Map Agricenter RV Park Map Agua Caliente County Park Map Agua Piedra Map Aguirre Spring Map Ahart Map Ahtanum State Forest Map Aiken State Park Map Aikens Creek West Map Ainsworth State Park Map Airplane Flat Map Airport Flat Map Airport Lake Park Map Airport Park Map Aitkin Co Campground Map Ajax Country Livin' I-49 RV Map Ajo Arena Map Ajo Community Golf Course Map
    [Show full text]
  • Pennsylvania
    June 19881$!. 50 Pennsylvania The Keystone State's Official Fishing Magazine Expenditures for recreation and leisure in Pennsylvania have increased greatly during the past 20 years, and recreation and leisure industries have become an economic force that affects the quality of life and the economic well-being of a large number of Pennsylvania residents. Pennsylvania's Recreation Plan for 1986 to 1990 identifies many issues and policies to be followed by federal, state, regional and local agencies to meet the Commonwealth's recreational needs. This plan was prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, Office of Program Planning and Development, under the guidance of the Statewide Recreation Planning Advisory Committee and the Citizens Recreation Advisory Council. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission helped prepare this document as a member of the Statewide Recreation Planning Advisory Committee. A number of the major issues identified by this statewide planning document and its policies were developed for necessary action, and to provide guidance to the Commission in its efforts to increase fishing and boating recreational opportunities. The highest priority policy of the Commonwealth Recreation Plan is: ". to encourage adequate sources of funding to ensure that the park and recreation needs of Pennsylvania residents can be met." The Commission as an independent agency must provide most of its own funds by collection of fishing license fees and boat registration fees. The Commission has implemented steps to adjust these fees to realistic levels so that it can continue its present programs and meet the unanswered fishing and boating needs of the Commonwealth. Another priority need of the Commonwealth is to provide additional opportunities for recreation throughout the Commonwealth.
    [Show full text]
  • Investment Grade Audit Report
    Investment Grade Audit Report A Guaranteed Energy Savings Project Serving: The PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) – State Parks & Forests Central Region, PA Project No. GESA 2018-2 Contract No. GESA 2018-2.1 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services Harrisburg, PA March 20, 2020 Submitted by: Company Name: McClure Company Company Address: 4101 North Sixth Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 Contact Person: Jon Zeller, Account Executive (484) 560-8437 (phone) (717) 236-5239 (fax) [email protected] GESA Program – Investment Grade Audit Report DCNR – State Parks & Forests Central Region, PA March 20, 2020 Table of Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................1 2. PROJECT FINANCIALS.............................................................................................................3 3. SCOPE OF WORK .....................................................................................................................27 4. MEASUREMENT & VERIFICATION ....................................................................................56 5. COMMISSIONING, PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE & TRAINING ...............................70 6. APPENDICES..............................................................................................................................74 A. LIGHTING LINE-BY-LINE DATA B. ENERGY SAVING CALCULATIONS C. EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATION / CUT-SHEETS TOC GESA Program – Investment Grade Audit Report DCNR
    [Show full text]
  • Where-To-Go Fifth Edition Buckskin Lodge #412 Order of the Arrow, WWW Theodore Roosevelt Council Boy Scouts of America 2002
    Where-to-Go Fifth Edition Buckskin Lodge #412 Order of the Arrow, WWW Theodore Roosevelt Council Boy Scouts of America 2002 0 The "Where to Go" is published by the Where-to-Go Committee of the Buckskin Lodge #412 Order of the Arrow, WWW, of the Theodore Roosevelt Council, #386, Boy Scouts of America. FIFTH EDITION September, 1991 Updated (2nd printing) September, 1993 Third printing December, 1998 Fourth printing July, 2002 Published under the 2001-2002 administration: Michael Gherlone, Lodge Chief John Gherlone, Lodge Adviser Marc Ryan, Lodge Staff Adviser Edward A. McLaughlin III, Scout Executive Where-to-Go Committee Adviser Stephen V. Sassi Chairman Thomas Liddy Original Word Processing Andrew Jennings Michael Nold Original Research Jeffrey Karz Stephen Sassi Text written by Stephen Sassi 1 This guide is dedicated to the Scouts and volunteers of the Theodore Roosevelt Council Boy Scouts of America And the people it is intended to serve. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that made all the difference...... - R.Frost 2 To: All Scoutmasters From: Stephen V. Sassi Buckskin Lodge Where to Go Adviser Date: 27 June 2002 Re: Where to Go Updates Enclosed in this program packet are updates to the Order of Arrow Where to Go book. Only specific portions of the book were updated and the remainder is unchanged. The list of updated pages appears below. Simply remove the old pages from the book and discard them, replacing the old pages with the new pages provided. First two pages Table of Contents - pages 1,2 Chapter 3 - pages 12,14 Chapter 4 - pages 15-19,25,26 Chapter 5 - All except page 35 (pages 27-34,36) Chapter 6 - pages 37-39, 41,42 Chapter 8 - pages 44-47 Chapter 9 - pages 51,52,54 Chapter 10 - pages 58,59,60 Chapter 11 - pages 62,63 Appendix - pages 64,65,66 We hope that this book will provide you with many new places to hike and camp.
    [Show full text]
  • HISTORY of PENNSYLVANIA's STATE PARKS 1984 to 2015
    i HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA'S STATE PARKS 1984 to 2015 By William C. Forrey Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Office of Parks and Forestry Bureau of State Parks Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Copyright © 2017 – 1st edition ii iii Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... vi INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. vii CHAPTER I: The History of Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks… 1980s ............................................................ 1 CHAPTER II: 1990s - State Parks 2000, 100th Anniversary, and Key 93 ............................................................. 13 CHAPTER III: 21st CENTURY - Growing Greener and State Park Improvements ............................................... 27 About the Author .............................................................................................................................................. 58 APPENDIX .......................................................................................................................................................... 60 TABLE 1: Pennsylvania State Parks Directors ................................................................................................ 61 TABLE 2: Department Leadership .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Young Lungs at Play Honor Roll September 30, 2020
    PA Young Lungs At Play Honor Roll September 30, 2020 1,272 Pennsylvania Department of Health Young Lungs at Play Tobacco-free Communities* This Honor Roll recognizes the growing number of Pennsylvania counties, municipalities, youth recreation organizations and school districts establishing tobacco-free parks, playgrounds and recreational areas to protect children and families from the health and environmental consequences of tobacco use and litter. Young Lungs at Play is a program supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. To view this Honor Roll online, go to the Young Lungs At Play page on the Pennsylvania Department of Health website. Thank you! All municipalities, organizations, and school districts listed in red are new for state fiscal year 2021 quarter 1 (July 1– September 30, 2020). Adams County - 20 Abbottstown Borough Adams County Library System Bonneauville Borough Carroll Valley Borough Children in Bloom Conewago Township Conewago Valley School District Delone Catholic High School East Berlin Community Library Fairfield Area School District Gettysburg Area School District Gettysburg Borough (Gettysburg Area Recreational Authority) Hamiltonban Township and Fairfield Borough Harbaugh Thomas Library 1 | Page *This list is updated on a quarterly basis and reflects recognized Young Lungs At Play communities as of September 30, 2020. PA Young Lungs At Play Honor Roll September 30, 2020 Latimore Township Littlestown Area School District McSherrystown Borough Straban Township Upper Adams School District YWCA of Adams County
    [Show full text]
  • Nrcs Programs for Forest Landowners
    Pennsylvania Forests QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FORESTRY ASSOCIATION Volume 102 Number 4 Winter 2011 FOREST LANDOWNERS NRCS PROGRAMSFOR FOREST LANDOWNER ASSOCIATIONS Joining a local association dedicated to forest stewardship is an excellent way to become involved in sustaining Pennsylvania’s forest resources. Currently, nearly 1,000 people are members of the 27 local associations involved in forest stewardship in Pennsylvania. While a majority of members own forestland, most groups do not require land ownership. The objective of most Forest Landowner Associations (FLAs) is to provide educational opportunities for members. Although each group is independent, and missions and membership policies differ, most use meetings, field demonstrations, tours, seminars and newsletters to provide information about forests and sound forest management to their members and people in the local communities. If learning more about the stewardship of Pennsylvania’s forest resources interests you, consider joining one of the local organizations listed here. If there is no group in your area, consider starting one. For more information, contact the Penn State Forest Resources Extension office at 1.800.235.WISE (toll free) or visit the FLA site at http://paforeststewards.cas.psu.edu/Associations.html. Allegheny Mountain Mifflin County Forest Wayne-Lackawanna Forest Woodlands Association Landowners Association Landowners’ Association PO Box 42 c/o John Portzline 45 Springhouse Lane INK Ebensburg, PA 15931 18865 Old Turnpike Road Equinunk, PA 18417
    [Show full text]
  • PENNSYLVANIA NWTF Super Fund Spending Exceeds $5 Million!
    PENNSYLVANIA NWTF Super Fund Spending Exceeds $5 Million! Pennsylvania’s 86 local NWTF chapters and more than 12,500 members have raised and spent $5,703,959 through the state’s Super Fund on habitat management, wild turkey management, turkey hunter safety education, land acquisitions and NWTF outreachManagement programs since 1985. Habitat enhancement projects have impacted more than Spent $23,960 on wild turkey management. Habitat Enhancement 257,895 acres within the state. • 16,811 acres of wildlife openings • operation of wild turkey check stations • 5 acres of prescribed burning • hunter success and satisfaction surveys Spent $3,156,743 on habitat • completion of wild turkey management plans improvement projects. Purchased equipment for • support of law enforcement activities • maintenance/development of brood habitat habitat management including: Purchased equipment to • wildlife openings • 1 trailer • prescribed fire • 10 grain drills support law enforcement and • tree planting • 3 tractors management activities including: • riparian restoration • 5 sprayers • ATV’s • water development projects • 3 cultipackers • weight scales for check stations • control of invasive plant species • 4 planters • survey/surveillance cameras • support for seed subsidy • 3 spreaders • gates to limit vehicular access and conservation seed programs • 4 disk/harrows • 2 mowers Land Purchase Projects were completed on: Spent $340,650 to purchase • Allegheny National Forest • Hills Creek State Park • Prince Gallitzin State Park 27,940 acres of land or • Archbald Pothole State Park • Jacobsburg State Park • Raystown Lake Management Area conservation easements to • Bald Eagle State Forest • Kettle Creek State Park • Rocky Ridge State Park preserve wildlife habitat and • Black Moshannon State Park • Lackawana State Forest • Ryerson Station State Park provide additional hunting areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Summer 2011 the Somewhat Regular Publication of the Mid SUMMER 2011 State Trail Association
    Summer 2011 The somewhat regular publication of the Mid SUMMER 2011 State Trail Association. www.hike-mst.org Brushwhacker the winter a few extra miles were added 1974 routes the Mid State Trail from R.B. A History of to the extension plan, now looking to con- Winter State Park to Ravensburg State the Mid State nect Ravensburg as well as R.B. Winter Park. The MST would follow Bake Oven State Park. Over the course of five days ridge east to Sand Mountain Fire Tower, Trail - The Trail the trail was scouted along Betterton Trail then turning north and crossing Spruce on White Deer Ridge, over Interstate I80 Run Valley and Chestnut Flat. Climbing Continues East on the Tea Spring bridge, across Naked up and over Naked Mountain, the trail by Scott Adams Mountain and through the Hook Natural crossed White Deer Creek and Nittany The year was 1973. The Mid State Area. Maps were poured over and plans Valley before confronting its first Inter- Trail now extended from the Colerain began to take shape for continuing the state highway. Serendipitously there was Picnic Area near Spruce Creek to Poe MST east. a bridge here, avoiding a dangerous high- Paddy State Park, just south of Coburn, From Poe Paddy State Park, the Mid way crossing or extended reroute. on the banks of State Trail headed east, following the North of interstate I80 the MST Penns Creek. abandoned Conrail railroad grade. The continued across the grain of the land- Since its inception tunnel under Paddy Mountain was closed scape. The trail climbed over Tea Knob, in 1969, the trail when the railroad was abandoned, but Last Ridge, and Brushy Ridge before de- had a number of it had just been reopened.
    [Show full text]
  • Penns Valley Rail Trail
    CHAPTER 5 DESIGN FEASIBILITY- what is the community’s vision for this trail? “Every five years, states across the nation are required to produce a new statewide recreation plan to remain eligible to receive federal Land and Water Conservation funds. The plan guides outdoor recreation programs, policies and projects … and developed actions for the future.” Summary from the PA Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan The centerpiece of PA’s statewide recreation plan is a survey of over 10,000 of the state’s citizens and recreation providers offering “insights into what Pennsylvanians want to do, where they go and what they value in their outdoor recreation lives. According to that survey, ¾ of respondents were actively engaged in outdoor recreation, with over half of them (53%) one or more times a week. About ¾ of the respondents to the state survey listed walking as their primary outdoor activity, validating the high percentage of people we surveyed (80%) who said they would use a rail trail in Penns and Brush Valley for walking. The Penns and Brush Valleys region is also becoming a preferred destination for riders of both skinny (on road) and fat tire (off road) bikes, with on road venues like PASA’s Bike Fresh Bike Local race that attracted over 300 cyclists for a 25, 50 or 75 mile on road event in 2013, or the Bald Eagle State Forest’s Wilderness 101 annual off road extreme mountain bike endurance event that attracts 200 to 300 riders from all over the country. While these once-a-year rigorously planned and choreographed events demonstrate the region’s attractiveness as a destination for serious cycling enthusiasts, it’s the growing demand for places where the general public can safely walk, bike, hike, visit a neighbor, watch wildlife, cross country ski, snowshoe, ride a horse, fish or hunt that sent many leaders of this community on a search for a safe alternative to the region’s heavily traveled roads and highways.
    [Show full text]