While considering outdoor locations to explore for my final passion blog post of the semester, my friend suggested that I write about The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary located in Eastern Pennsylvania. A favorite spot for my friend and her family, Hawk Mountain is neither a national nor state park. Instead, it is a privately owned area deeded to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association by Mrs. Rosalie Edge in 1938. The 1,400 acre sanctuary is maintained by memberships and small visitor fees.

Hawk Mountain is most notably known as the world’s first raptor center. Because of its southerly location along the Kittatinny Ridge at the Eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, Hawk Mountain is an ideal location for raptors to reside during the colder months. Raptors include any species of bird that preys upon smaller animals. Birds such as the Bald Eagle, the Golden Eagle, and the American Kestrel can be found gliding about the valleys of Hawk Mountain. Daily bird counts are recorded on the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website.

The views from Hawk Mountain, I was informed, are phenomenal. Indeed, photographic evidence supports this claim.

The hiking at Hawk Mountain is variable, but feasible for most. Once atop the mountain, the lookouts are easily accessible. Different types of hiking, including flat-lying, forest, and bouldered terrain make for fun and interesting hiking trails. Though mountain hiking can be difficult, the vistas at the top of the Hawk Mountain make the challenge worth the hike.

The Acopian Center is the educational hub of Hawk Mountain. The center houses labs for scientists and researchers in the fields of ornithology and conservation. Additionally, Hawk Mountain accommodates the largest library of raptor literature in the world. A variety of educational programs are offered at Hawk Mountain, including lecture series, guided bird counts, and movie showings.

My friend would agree that Hawk Mountain is a great location for getting outside and enjoying the fresh air. Focused on conservation and education, the sanctuary is a place for exploring the science and beauty of the natural world. Indeed, Hawk Mountain serves as a haven for both birds and visitors alike.

The beautiful Zion National Park is located in Southwestern Utah. The site of some of the most spectacular canyons in the United States, Zion is considered by many to be a natural and geological haven.

The rich history of the park is one of its most fascinating characteristics. Ancient hunters and later the Anasazi and Paiute Indians occupied Zion. Agriculture was prosperous due to suitable climate on the plateaus and access to water from the local Virgin River. During the mid-19th Century, Zion was settled by Mormon pioneers, who endured unusually severe hardships including floods and droughts. Today, the area is preserved by the National Park Service.

Zion National Park is an area of high biodiversity.Because of the varying elevations of land throughout the rocky park, different microclimates are home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. Desert plants such as yucca and prickly pear are found at lower, warmer elevations, while pines and cottonwoods can be found by water and at higher, cooler temperatures. A remarkable variety of animals live in the canyons of Zion, including owls, deer, mountain lions, and lizards.

Mountain Lion

The natural beauty of Zion makes it a great destination for hiking and outdoor sightseeing. The park maintains miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to more difficult climbs. The Narrows Hike is perhaps one of the best known trails at Zion. Sandwiched in between the rock formations of the canyon and carved out by the Virgin River, the Narrows is renowned for its beauty and geological splendor.

The Narrows

Rock climbing, bouldering, canyoneering, and boating are other recreational activities available at the park. Guided tours and programs are also offered for those interested in learning more about the history and natural landscape of Zion.

Zion National Park is a treasure of the natural world. It’s history, biodiversity,  and richness of recreational opportunity make it a Western United States must-see.

The Redwood National and State Parks are arguably some of the most famous protected parks in the United States. Encompassing over 130,000 acres of Redwood National Park and several smaller state parks, Redwood is a unique setting for such an interesting ecological landscape.

Redwood is located on the northern Pacific coast of California, around 100 miles from the Mendocino triple junction, the meeting point of the North American, Pacific, and Gorda tectonic plates. Earthquakes have been historically very common in the area, and visitors are advised to take precautions in the event of an earthquake.

One of the park’s best known features, the Redwood trees, are one of the park’s main attractions. These enormous trees can grow to be around 370 feet tall (35 stories) and 22 feet in width. The trees are a very healthy species; there are no indications of disease throughout the forest and the bark of the trees makes them resistant to fire damage. It is possible for some Redwood trees to be 2,000 years old.

The surrounding forest is rich with biodiversity. Shrubs and low-lying plants such as beach pea and strawberry occupy the forest floor. The diversity of wildlife is especially remarkable. Gray whales, Chinook salmon, black bear, elk, and bald eagles are some of the many species found within the parks of California. Wildlife viewing is an especially rewarding venture.

Hiking is a major recreational activity, as it is the best way to experience the grandeur of the forest. Redwood National and State Parks contain hundreds of miles of trails and multitude of campsites for backpackers with an overnight permit. Horseback riding and horseback packing are welcome in certain areas of the park.

Because Redwood parks protect about 40 miles of untouched Pacific coast, the possibilities for boating are fantastic. Visitors can rent kayaks and experience the coastline unlike any other place on the West Coast.

Redwood National and State Parks are a wonder of various landscapes and life that certainly worth a visit, and promised to be a memorable trip.

Within the next few weeks, I will be camping at Cherry Springs State Park with some members of the Penn State Outing Club. Cherry Springs is located in Potter County, PA and encompasses 106 acres of the Susquehannock Forest. Established in 1922 and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, the state park is a prime example of the protection and preservation of a fantastic natural resource.

The purpose of my trip with PSOC is mainly to go stargazing, since Cherry Springs is a prime location for dark skies and star watching wonder. The reason for such excellent stargazing is the large, open field located on top of the 2,300 foot mountain of the state park. The surrounding Susquehannock Forest is largely undeveloped, so there is very minimal light pollution. Visitors and astronomers alike come from miles to camp underneath the brilliant stars of Cherry Springs. In fact, Cherry Springs hosts hundreds of astronomers and stargazers every year.

Hiking is another recreational activity available at the park. The 85 mile Susquehanna Trail passes along the park, and offers plenty of space for backpackers, bikers, and day hikers. The Cherry Springs Working Forest Interpretive Trail also runs through the park and displays information about forestry along the path.

Cherry Springs hosts a variety of outdoor educational opportunities, such as walking tours and campfires events. Guided stargazing programs are also available to the public on clear nights. All of these programs are led by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks, and are aimed at encouraging public environmental education.

Cherry Springs is a great park with a variety of unique opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the land and stars. I am looking forward to soon visiting the park and enjoying one of the best views on the East Coast.

Cherry Springs State Park

Located in the expansive Tioga State Forest, the forty seven mile wide Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is one of the most well-known natural features in the State. Two state parks split the canyon in half. The western rim of the canyon is located within the Leonard Harrison State Park, and the eastern rim lies within the Colton Point State Park.

The canyon, also known as “Pine Creek Gorge,” was formed by erosion from the reversal of the Pine Creek River due to glacial buildup. Weathering of the rocky valley resulted in a 47 mile continuous canyon with a maximum depth of 1,450 feet. During the Great Depression, the Tioga State Forest hosted members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Like at Roth Rock State Forest, the men who worked in the CCC helped build roads, picnic areas, and trails throughout the park. Today, the spectacular vistas that line the canyon are accessible from the hundreds of miles of developed trails in the area.

The Rim Trail in the Colton Point State Park is a relatively short, easy trail that connects several lookout spots. For more adventurous hikers, the three-mile Turkey Path Trail runs along the inside rim of the canyon down to the bottom of the gorge, intersecting the Pine Creek River. The trail is two-way and descends a mile and a half down the canyon. Though the hike is difficult, it is certainly scenic. Cascading waterfalls can be seen at points along the trail, and during the fall, visitors can enjoy the beautiful foliage of black cherry, sumac, and sugar maple. Hikers are asked to stay on the path as to reduce the effects of erosion on the canyon walls.

Along with great hiking and backpacking and hiking opportunities at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, other recreational sports such as mountain biking, boating, and hunting riding are permitted in the parks. The Tioga State Forest contains nine miles of horseback riding trails. Additionally, horses are permitted on most trails with the exception of a few of the major trails.

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is a must-see for hikers and outdoor-enthusiasts alike. As a landmark and a distinguishing feature of Pennsylvania, the canyon should be protected and enjoyed for generations to come.

Tioga State Forest

Colton Point State Park

Leonard Harrison State Park

RB Winter State Park is by far my most visited and most loved natural park. It’s 695 acres are contained within the Bald Eagle State Forest in central PA. The park includes a small dammed lake fed by natural springs. The sandy beach alongside the lake attracts swimmers, though there are no longer lifeguards on duty at the lake. Surrounding the scenic lake are picnic spots with benches and grills, and there is also a concession stand available. Several playgrounds can also be found around the central hub of the park. Fishing is a common activity at the Halfway Lake.

RB Winter has about six total miles of trails, though thousands of acres of trails extend beyond the grounds of RB Winter into the greater Bald Eagle State Forest. The seven beautiful trails are well maintained and very clearly marked. They tend to be short; the longest hike is around 1.4 miles, but the terrain is varied. For instance, the Rapid Run Nature Trail is one of the easiest of the seven trails. The trail is a little over a mile and entirely flat, as it follows Rapid Run. RB Winter has some of the most remarkably beautiful scenery of any forest I’ve seen in Pennsylvania. Hiking the trails in the park is always a pleasure.

Rapid Run

The opportunities for outdoor recreation at RB Winter are fantastic. Both campsites and camping cottages are available to rent for visitors interested in staying overnight. Hunting is permitted during appropriate seasons, as long as caution is taken. Birdwatching is popular at the park as well. The herb and flower garden alongside the Environmental Center attract swallowtails, goldfinches, and hummingbirds.

There is a reason that RB Winter State Park is my favorite nature spot. The park offers so much for visitors to enjoy, from sporting activities to just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the landscape.

PA DCNR – Raymond B. Winter State Park

Located in the Southeast corner of New Mexico, the Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a unique and beautiful park with a fascinating natural history. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts over 300,000 visitors every year.

The national park encompasses parts of the Guadalupe Mountains. This unique mountain range is actually a section of an exposed aquatic reef from around 250 million years ago. Fossilized sponges, snails, and algae are contained within the mountainous formations. Scientists travel across the world to get a glimpse of the rich biological history of the ancient Captain Reef.

One of the most distinguishing features of the Carlsbad Caverns National Park is the limestone cave system that lies within the reef. Sulfuric acid wear over thousands of years has created at least 110 caves with remarkable geological features. As rainfall saturates into the caves, water deposits minerals, which results in remarkable buildup formations.

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, which extends from Mexico into parts of the United States. The desert has a rich biodiversity, with thousands of species of birds, mammals, and insects. In fact, the caves and caverns are home to large colonies of migratory bats, specifically Mexican free-tail bats. Roaming mammals such as the javelina are also found in the national park.

They are adorable.

The human history of the park is another attraction. The Chihuahua Desert was home to Native Americans long before the arrival of the Spanish. Ancient cooking sites and cave drawings can be seen throughout the park.

While the Carlsbad Caverns National Park is mostly known for its scientific appeal and natural assets, there is certainly opportunity for visitors to challenge themselves. Both guided and independent tours of the caves are offered, some of which are physically demanding. There are several hiking trails within the park such as the six-mile Rattlesnake Canyon Trail loop. As the national park is in a desert, precaution is advised when hiking for long distances.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is certainly worth a visit. Geologist or not, the park is a reminder of the vast history of the Earth and the importance of protecting its wealth and beauty for future generations.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

NPS Calsbad Cavern National Park

Almost every Penn Stater has at one point hiked Mount Nittany, a local State College landmark. The climb offers a tremendous vista of campus, Beaver Stadium, and the State College area. This is why I am so excited to visit Mt. Nittany for the first time this weekend and see Penn State from a whole new view.

The Mt. Nittany hike consists of two major trails, the 4.6 mile Blue Trail and the 3.5 mile White Trail. While the trails are not very long, the incline is pretty significant, with an elevation change of about 650 feet. The Mt. Nittany Conservancy describes the hike to the top of the mountain as “vigorous,” but well worth the hike. The area at the top of the mountain is relatively flat and is a great location for walking, picnicking, and enjoying the fantastic views.

There is a great diversity of plant life on Mt. Nittany. Chestnut, birch, maple, ash, and sassafras line the mountainside. Foxglove, azaleas, and mountain laurel, the Pennsylvania state flower, can also be seen during the spring season. Blackberries, black raspberries, and teaberry, a local favorite, also attract visitors to the mountain.

Hunting is permitted on Mt. Nittany, so hikers are advised to wear bright orange during hunting season. Wildlife such as deer, bear, turkey and fox can all be spotted on trails. Birdwatching is also popular in the area. Woodpeckers can often be seen during the winter months and spring welcomes the return of migratory birds.

The Mt. Nittany Conservancy has worked hard to protect the wildlife, plants, and soils on Mt. Nittany while maintaining excellent trails for visitors to enjoy. The Conservancy is also a member of the Leave No Trace Organization, a group dedicated to minimal human impact on the environment. Mt. Nittany is a fantastic resource to Penn State students and State College residents alike.

Time-Lapse Hike of Mt. Nittany

The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a 13,000 acre national park located on the Southeastern edge of Alaska. The park consists of the town of Skagway, Alaska and the 33 mile Chilkoot Trail. The physical beauty, exciting landscape, and rich history make the park the most popular backpacking destination in Alaska.

Hiker on Chilkoot Trail

The history of the Alaska Gold Rush is one of the most fascinating characteristics of the park area. Skagway, Alaska was the site of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. When three men discovered gold in the Canadian Yukon, thousands rushed to towns such as Skagway and Dyea, Alaska to begin the long and treacherous hike into the Yukon Territory. The Chilkoot Trail was one of the most heavily trafficked and difficult passages to the Yukon River. Hundreds of men, women, and children carrying heavy loads of provisions hiked up the 45 degree icy mountain in a long human chain. Conditions were difficult and many people died of disease, starvation, and accidents. Today, remnants of equipment and animal bones can still be found.

Chilkoot Pass

Gold Rush graves

The hikers that reached the Yukon River built boats and sailed to the site of Dawson City. Many of them however, were disappointed when they arrived. Most of the land had quickly been swallowed up by settlers who had arrived several months before. The gold seekers had to look underground. Gold mining was hard, thankless work, but after a several months, thousands of people struck it rich. Dawson City became a wealthy, thriving town. Businessmen travelled to Dawson City to begin building their empires. Basic goods were sold at excessively high prices because the residents of Dawson City could afford to pay them. Luxury and entertainment dominated the Dawson City landscape, which was called “the Paris of the North.” Since the 1898 discovery of gold in Nome, Alaska, which drained the population of Dawson City significantly, Dawson City experienced a steady decline. What once was a bustling city in the Yukon is now a small town of only 2,000 permanent residents.

Dawson City Shop

Today, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park receives thousands of visitors every year. Tourists interested in the history of the Alaska Gold Rush can take tours of Skagway and guided hikes in the surrounding area. Backpackers travel to Alaska to hike the beautiful Chilkoot Trail. While the trail is only 33 miles, it typically takes around three to five days for hikers to complete because of the challenging terrain. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park offers a demanding, yet fantastic outdoor experience.

A great clip from 1957 film “City of Gold” gives brief history of Dawson City Gold Rush.

National Park Service: Klondike Gold Rush National Park

The Rothrock State Forest is a 97,000 acre state forest spanning Mifflin, Centre, and Huntington counties. During the early 20th century, the Rothrock area was forested for use in iron furnaces in Huntington County. After the closing of several of the furnaces, the forestry commissioner Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock aided in the public purchase of a significant amount of the forest. Little by little, the Rothrock State Forest grew to its current size.

During the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt’s US Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) employed around 1,000 men to work in the Rothrock State Forest. The CCC built roads, planted trees, developed picnic areas, and improved the quality of the State Forest.

Rothrock State Forest is rich with hiking trails, including the Mid State Trail and the Standing Stone Trail. Some of these trails are mountainous and are best handled by experienced hikers. Campers are welcome in the state forest, but there are a few regulations involving acceptable campsite locations and the number of nights campers are permitted to stay.

The opportunities for sightseeing in the state forest are ample. Because Rothrock is such a mountainous area, the views are fantastic. While the trails that cross over the mountains can be strenuous, they are well worth the effort.

Seasonal hunting is a prominent recreational activity at Rothrock. Boating and fishing on the Juniata River and several different creeks and lakes throughout the forest are other activities available at Rothrock. Mountain biking is popular as well, although many of the trails offer very difficult biking opportunities.

Having been to Rothrock, I can attest that is certainly worth a visit. One of the best parts of the forest is the variety of trails, some of which are extremely difficult, while some are very moderate. The range of difficulty levels appeals to every hiker, despite experience.

Rothrock State Forest is a gem of a destination, and one that really speaks to the wholesome fun and natural beauty of Pennsylvania.

PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources