Hiking Highlights of 2024: My Favorite Adventures

January 6, 2025March 9, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

For me, my year in hiking has had a lot of ups and downs! At the beginning of the year, I was hiking and traveling a lot. Then, I was training for an ultramarathon so hiking took a backseat. I also tackled a lot of house projects and finished a major writing project (more details soon!) so was out on the trails a bit less. Despite all of that, I’m still pleased that I hiked over 200 miles this year! With all of that time on trails, here is my round-up of my favorite trails I hiked in 2024 (preference to new-to-me hikes).

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Minister Creek Loop – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

This stunning loop in Allegheny National Forest was by far a highlight of my year. Although it was cold and the creek waters were very high, I could not have asked for a better introduction to ANF. This 7-mile loop includes deep woods, clambering through rocky crevices, and stunning overlooks. Not exactly a trail for the faint of heart, this hike was a true challenge with a huge payoff at the end.

Hector Falls – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

When the locals give you a hiking tip, you better take it! That’s exactly what happened on a weekend trip to Allegheny National Forest region. The owners of a brewery we were visited highly recommended this lesser known waterfall and I’m so glad we checked it out. Although the hike to the trail itself isn’t very interesting, the stunning double-sided waterfall at the end made it so worth it! The unique water feature flows over a rectangular rock jutting off a cliffside so when water flow is high enough, it creates two separate streams plunging off the rock. This was one of the coolest waterfalls I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, although I would recommend visiting in the spring when the water runoff is highest. Although the falls have low foot traffic, the parking area is quite small, so try to plan to visit outside of peak times.

Hearts Content Natural Area – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

If you’ve been following our hikes for a while, you know that Justin loves a big tree. So we always make a point to visit old growth forest areas when we can. Hearts Content is a relatively small hemlock and white pine old growth forest nestled in Allegheny National Forest. The trails are easy and it is a great hike for all ages. We were lucky to visit at golden hour and had the trails completely to ourselves. Prepare to be amazed by towering trees that are between 300-400 years old along the 1-mile scenic interpretive trail.

Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH)

On our very first trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park we tackled the much-anticipated Ledges Trail and it did not disappoint. We loved meandering through the impressive cliffsides and peering through narrow crevices. We did a big loop from Kendall Lake to Ledges, which combined the geological beauty of Ledges with the scenic Kendall Lake. This loop can easily be shorten to accommodate little legs and would be a great trail for all ages.

Make it a Hike & Hop – Check out Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing!

Rock City & Rattlesnake to Overlook – Coopers Rock State Forest (WV)

Despite being just over an hour away from Pittsburgh, it took me until 2024 to finally visit Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia. There’s so much to see at this park, but if you only have time for one hike, definitely make it the Rock City & Rattlesnake trails. This incredible path leads from dense woods into sudden corridors surrounded by rock face. Finally the Rattlesnake Trail ends at the impressive Coopers Rock overlook, the crown jewel of the park.

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Coopers Rock & Screech Owl!

Endless Wall Trail – New River Gorge National Park (WV)

Okay, I’ll admit, this wasn’t a new hike for me in 2024. But its so great that I had to include it as one of my favorites of the year and is one of the few repeat trails on this list. We visited New River Gorge NP at the beginning of October right as the leaves began to change. We did a LOT of hiking but the Endless Wall Trail remains my favorite of the park. The stunning views throughout the short loop just get more beautiful each time I visit. However, this is a very popular spot, so try to visit at off-times or during the week. Parking is a challenge here so please leave no trace and only park in designated areas!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Endless Wall & FreeFolk Brewery

Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail – Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve (OH)

Another easy hike to take my end of the year round up! I’ve done the Conkles Hollow Rim hike a few times now (also highly recommend) but this time around, we wanted to do the Gorge trail. This 1-mile out and back flat trail leads you deep into the gorge with towering trees and cliff wall climbing up on either side. During wet seasons and after rain, there are various waterfalls spilling down the sides of the gorge. On a hot, sunny September day, it was amazing the temperature difference in the deepest reaches of the gorge. This is a must-hike during a visit to the Hocking Hills Area!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing

Want to explore more of Hocking Hills, OH? See my guide to visiting the state park and more.

Red, Yellow, and Blue Loop – Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (PA)

This was by far my hardest hike of the year, but the challenge made it that much more fun! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a non-profit wild raptor preserve with an educational facility and miles of hiking trails. It’s the only hike on this list with a fee to visit (Adults $10, Seniors $7, Children between 6-12 $5, Under 5 FREE), but its supporting a fantastic cause so don’t let that hold you back. There’s a number of trails with varying difficulty, but we did a heart-pumping loop that began on the River of Rocks Trail (red) then climbs the steep Golden Eagle Trail (yellow). At the top, take the Skyline Trail (blue) along the ridge, ending with some of the most difficult and exhilarating rock climbs I’ve encountered on a trail. You’ll hoist yourself up onto the North Lookout and follow around the Lookout Trail (orange) for multiple vistas of the surrounding valley and soaring raptors. Be sure to check migration times for peak birdwatching months!

Maurice River Bluffs – (NJ)

A writing project took me to New Jersey this year and I’ll admit that I didn’t go in with high expectations. But I was quickly proven wrong with this incredible hike along the Maurice River in Millville, NJ. This 500-acre preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy and provides a key stopover for migrating birds and presents a uniquely hilly landscape in the lowlands of NJ. We completed a 5-6 mile loop of the entire preserve which included boardwalks along the water with spots to observe wildlife and sandy walks out along the bluffs for vistas of the surrounding wetlands. This hike was incredible but what made it one of my most memorable hikes this year was finally seeing a stunning lady slipper orchid in the wild. I cried.

Pochuck Valley & Stairway to Heaven – Appalachian Trail (NJ)

Another of my Jersey adventures took us along the Appalachian Trail in northern NJ. 72 miles of the famed trail run through the rugged northern region of New Jersey which boasts a markedly different landscape than the rest of the state. This 7-mile out-and-back trail includes boardwalks over wets and ends with a rocky climb to a stunning overlook. Along the way, you’ll encounter day- and thru-hikers all enjoying this unique path. Don’t let the easy path at the beginning fool you; the trek up the “stairway to heaven” is challenging but highly rewarding. From the soaring overlook on a clear day you can see all the way to the Catskill Mountains in New York!

Thanks for joining me on another year of hiking adventures! I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes me.

Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing

December 24, 2024hikesandhopsblog 1 Comment

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Did you know there’s a National Park in Ohio? Cuyahoga Valley NP is just outside of Cleveland; only a 2 hour day trip from Pittsburgh. Designated a national park in 2000, this area is unique from other major parks. It’s tucked just outside of a major metropolitan region. But even more interestingly, it is a success story of the rehabilitation of the natural world. For years, the Cuyahoga River was subject to waste and sewage dumping from the nearby industrial centers. The pollution was so bad that the river caught on fire multiple times. But over the next few decades, major strides were made to clean up the polluted waters. Now, the park welcomes over 2 million visitors a year to enjoy its trails and history!

There are over 125 miles of trail to enjoy at Cuyahoga Valley. The geologically unique Ledges Trail is the most popular spot in the park and for good reason! Despite being in a relatively flat state, these massive sandstone cliffs emerge from the woods in a stunning display. At only 2.2 miles, this is a great hike for all ages that offers beautiful views and some fun, rocky sections. Ledges Trail is a must when visiting Cuyahoga!

THE HIKE: Ledges Trail via Kendell Lake

Length: 5.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 488 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Trail use: Hiking, Leashed Pets
Parking: Ample parking at Kendall Lake, restroom facilities

Cuyahoga National Park is the only National Park in Ohio! While it might not have the mountains of the West, it offers stunning waterfalls, unique geological features, and a fascinating history.

Where to Park: Ledges Trail is one of the most popular trails in Cuyahoga National Park. Because of this, I recommend taking the longer route which starts at Kendall Lake but offers more parking. If you’re a newer hiker, have less time, or are hiking with little ones, I’d suggest tackling just the 2.2-mile Ledges Trail by parking here. Just be aware that this lot fills up quickly so try to aim for an off-peak time!

The Route: From the Kendall Lake Parking area, follow the Connector Trail across the road. Make sure to look both ways and cross carefully! Suddenly you’ll find yourself in thick woods. At the first trail junction, turn left to get on the Pine Grove Trail. While not the most interesting part of the trek, this is a pleasant loop through thick woods. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and fungi! After 1.6 miles, the trails meets back up with the Connector Trail. Continue along the Connector Trail passing over a road and then through a parking lot. At the edge of the parking is a trail kiosk with a map and information about the trails around Ledges. Continue forward after the kiosk, now on the Ledges Trail. You’ll notice almost immediately the rocky cliffside that rises up beside you along the trail. Keep an eye out for interesting rock features! At 2.6 miles, you’ll pass the Ice Box Cave, a unique spot where the temperature drops dramatically earning its fitting name. Continue along peering through rock crevices and tight squeezes. At about 3 miles, you’ll pass over the road to the main parking area. Just after this, you’ll reach the Ledges Overlook, a rocky outcropping perfect for a quick rest. The view isn’t super spectacular with the heavy foliage but might be better in the winter! Continue along the Ledges Trail to finish the loop and meet back at the trail kiosk and Connector Trail. Now you can retrace your steps along the Connector Trail, this time bearing to the left at the junction with Pine Grove Trail. This will lead you right back to the parking lot for Kendall Lake. But instead of heading to your car, take the tranquil Lake Trail for an easy loop around the lake. Make sure to end with a jaunt out onto the fishing pier!

This is just one of the many awesome trails to check out at Cuyahoga Valley! On the same day, we also visited Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls. Looking for a general guide to the park and the various trails? Check at the My Trails are Many guide here.

THE BEER: HiHo Brewing Co.

Address: 1707 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Distance from Trail Head: 9 miles, 16 mins
Website: http://www.hihobrewingco.com/
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Indoor and Outdoor seating, Leashed dogs on patio

HiHo Brewing began as the dream of Jon and Ali Hoven, a beer-loving husband and wife team. While living in Colorado, the couple discovered a passion for craft beer, even starting a homebrew club. They grew more serious about the industry and Jon eventually trained as a professional brewer. in 2015, they moved back to their hometown in Ohio and began the long process of building out their dream brewery. In January 2017, HiHo Brewing Co officially opened!

Formerly a car showroom, the 6,000 sq ft taproom offers amble seating, from high top bar spots to banquet style seating. In the warmer months, there’s a patio outside overlooking the Cuyahoga River where leashed dogs are welcome to hang out with you. With such a large space, you won’t be surprised to see a hefty taplist! Most drafts come in a variety of sizes (5 oz, 10 oz, 16 oz) for your tasting pleasure. HiHo doesn’t limit itself to specific styles so you’re sure to find something you love!

After all that hiking and exploring, you’re sure to be ready for a snack. The house menu features a perfect mix of bar food like pizza and sliders, with healthier salad options. I’m always a sucker for a pretzel with beer cheese, and these did not disappoint!

There’s several brewery options around Cuyahoga, but I highly recommend a stop at HiHo!

Our Beer:

Front Street Wheat – American Wheat – 5.8%
HiHazyHo – Hazy IPA – 7%
Bossy Lady – American IPA – 6.7%
Chuckery Trail Red – Red Ale – 5.5%

Looking for more adventures in Ohio? Check out the NCT Ohio/PA border & Ill Will Brewing, Hocking Hills Gorge Loop & Brewery 33, and Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing Co. Also take a look at my Guide to Hocking Hills.

White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co.

November 17, 2024hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

White Oak, PA

White Oak Park is one of the nine beautiful Allegheny County parks. This 810-acre is a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature-lovers alike! It has over 8 miles of trail including densely wooded sections with low foot traffic. It’s a great spot for spring wildflowers and has space for a variety of activities, including bocce, a dog park, and athletic fields. After a peaceful loop through the trails, enjoy a brew and a bite at Wye Beer Co. in Trafford, PA. Located right on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, this brewery is about as outdoors-friendly as you can get!

THE HIKE: White Oak Park Loop

Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 321 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Trail use: Leashed dogs, Bike friendly
Parking: large lot at entrance off McClintock Road

White Oak is a regional park managed by Allegheny County that spans over 800 acres. Here you’ll find plenty of space for recreation, including ball fields, pavilions, a dog park and more. There are many miles of trail included a paved walking path. But where White Oak truly shines is in its deeply wooded hiking trails. These trails, although not terribly well marked at times, wind through huge groves of trees that feel like one is miles away from civilization. Until the trail pops out by a pavilion or bathroom!

White Oak Park is a bit of a drive from most areas of town, but I highly recommend a visit. J and I were pleasantly surprised to have the trails to ourselves on a sunny fall day and really enjoyed an easy loop through the western portion of the park on the Green Trail.

Begin your hike at the parking lot for the Wedding Pavilion. It’s not quite marked well on Google Maps so you can use the link above! Pick up the Green Trail behind the small pavilion and down the hill. You’ll see the green blazes begin right at the tree line. Immediately, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and any road sounds fade away. Follow the trail for about 0.5 miles, then it will lead close to a pavilion and bathroom. The rest of the hike meanders through thick trees and then veers close the walking path and pavilions. I’d definitely recommend following a route on an app as sometimes the trail junctions aren’t marked or very clear. At the very end, the trail goes sharply uphill where the path is a bit uncertain. You should come out near the dog park. We then followed the road back to the Wedding Pavilion to finish out the hike.

If you have time, I also highly recommend visiting the meadow area behind the park office. We just happened to visit during peak goldenrod season and it was just so beautiful to see the bees buzzing around the golden spires. There are a number of other trails you can pick up from this area including the Yellow Trail, a 1.5 mile loop.

Overall, although the trails are not well marked and online maps difficult to come by, I highly recommend a visit to White Oak Park. It’s the perfect place to explore and feels off the beaten path. We will definitely be back!

THE BEER: Wye Beer Co.

Address: 3 Forbes Rd, Trafford, PA 15085
Distance from Trail Head: 6.7 miles, 14 mins
Website: http://www.wyebeer.com/
Food?: Full Kitchen
Details: Outdoor seating, family friendly, Pet friendly

Tucked into a small business plaza in Trafford is Wye Beer Co. As you pull into the parking lot, you’re likely to see a few bikes pulling up to the brewery as well! Wye Beer is conveniently located right on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, so it’s become a popular spot for bikers and beer lovers alike. Walking inside, the brewery is quite spacious, with a large bar and plenty of tables. Arcade games line the walls adding to the space’s fun flair. After ordering a pint, you can also sit outside in the beer garden, complete with a ski lift swing (yes, this was my spot of choice!). If you’re feeling a bit peckish, the menu of shareables and flatbreads is sure to hit the spot. We particularly enjoyed the giant Bavarian pretzel! Now Wye doesn’t limit itself to particular styles, so there’s always a wide variety of options on tap. It’s really important to the owners that they have a beer style for everyone!

Wye Beer is still relatively new to the brew scene having opened in early 2024 by three brothers from Irwin. But they’re no strangers to the restaurant and bar life; the family has owned several other ventures, including the popular Ginny’s Pizza. The brewery’s name pays homage to Blackburn-Wye rail line that used to run through the area. A “wye” is a railroad term for a track junction that forms the letter “Y”. I love when we get a history lesson at a brewery!

Also, I highly recommend a stop at the Parkside creamery for a tasty treat to wrap up your day! The pumpkin pie ice cream really hit the spot!

Our Beer:

Downtown Mindy Brown – American Brown Ale – 5.7%
Pumpky Brewster – Pumpkin Beer – 6.8%
On Point – Pale Ale – 5.6% (Collab with Yough River Brewing)

Looking for other Hikes & Hops in this area? Check out Dead Man’s Hollow & Fire Whistle Brewing or Duff Park & Devout Brewing.

Check out other Allegheny County Parks! Settler’s Cabin, North Park, and South Park

Guide to Hocking Hills State Park

October 23, 2024January 17, 2025hikesandhopsblog Leave a comment

Hocking Hills is a beautiful state-run park and forest in Ohio, just south of Columbus. The stunning region is known for its waterfalls, caves, and cliffs. There are so many incredible places to explore that it can be hard to know where to start! Use this guide to plan your ultimate visit to Hocking Hills and beyond.

Table of Contents

Know Before You Go

No Entry Fee
Open Year-Round – but be sure to check conditions before heading out, especially in the winter
Navigation – Some areas in and around the park have poor service so download maps beforehand
Getting around – The area is split up into small individual parks so driving between trailheads is a must
Pet-Friendly – leashed pets are welcome on all trails except the State Nature Preserves (Conkles Hollow and Rockbridge)
Accessibility – Both Ash Cave and Conkles Hollow have wheelchair-accessible trails

How to Get to Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills is located about an hour south of Columbus. Take US 33 East to Logan, then follow OH-664 to the state park. The park is only three hours from Cleveland and 2.5 hours away from Cincinnati. It’s a great weekend trip from Pittsburgh at only 3.5 hours away.

Where to Stay

There are tons of places to stay near Hocking Hills from primitive camping to high-end lodges and everything in between! We’ve stayed in a variety of places including campsites and Airbnb cabins. There are many options, but its best to book as early as possible as places fill up, especially in peak season!

Airbnb/VRBO: We loved this pondside cabin for a visit with our parents. It was the perfect size for 4 people and we really enjoyed drinking our morning coffee on the front porch. I also stayed at this cabin for a girl’s trip and it was a fantastic stay with a hot tub and firepit!

Hipcamp: If you’re looking for camping outside of traditional campsite, try Hipcamp! We stayed at a lovely secluded campsite on private property and it was one of the best camping experiences I’ve ever had.

State Park Lodge: Hocking Hills State Park has a beautiful, newly renovated lodge, as well as cabins onsite. The facilities are open year-round, and although we’ve not had the pleasure of staying, we’ve only heard wonderful things about the upscale facility.

Camping: There’s no shortage of campgrounds in the area for those who prefer sleeping in the great outdoors!

Hocking Hills State Park Campground: 169 sites (47 full hookups, 122 electric) as well as a primitive hike in campsites. Book through Reserve America
Campbell Cove Campground: we stayed at this lakeside campground and really loved it. There are RVs, but the tent camping sites are in a separate area. There’s also cabins and tiny houses!
Visit explorehockinghills.com for more camping options!

Best Time to Visit Hocking Hills

Summer: This is definitely peak season so expect to share the trails with many families and visitors. The upside is that the longer days mean more time on the trails! A drier summer will also lead to less water flowing.
Fall: The park is magical during peak fall foliage. Expect crowds but also an escape from the heat of the summer and the bugs that frequent the streams and rivers.
Winter: Winter is the slowest time at the park so it’s the best time for avoiding crowds. Be aware that trails can get icy and that some campgrounds might not be in full service.
Spring: This is the best time for waterfalls as the spring showers lead to roaring waters throughout the park. Expect crowds to pick up in mid to late Spring.

Best spots to visit in Hocking Hills

Old Man’s Cave

Old Man’s Cave is probably the most famous spot in the state park but funnily enough, it’s not a true cave! It’s actually considered a rock shelter which erosion carved out of the cliffside. A one-mile loop from the Visitor Center loops past Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, then down through the gorge before heading up through Old Man’s Cave. It’s a moderate hike that is short but will take between 45-60 mins. There are opportunities to length the trek and see more of the parking including Lower Falls (1.5 miles), Whispering Cave (3 miles), and Cedar Falls (6 miles).

Ash Cave

Access Ash Cave from a short 1/4 mile hike from the ample parking lot. The Ash Gorge Trail is handicap-accessible and leads right into the rock shelter. From there, you can take the stairs up through the overhang to the Ash Rim trail for another 1/4 mile back to the parking lot. Extend your hike to Cedar Falls for a roughly 5-mile round trip.

Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls is a 1/2-mile one-way trail that leads to a seasonal waterfall. The steep trail travels down a staircase to a beautiful waterfall that flows mostly in the spring, summer, and winter. You can connect to a longer loop to Whispering Cave (3 miles) or Old Man’s Cave (6 miles).

Cantwell Cliffs

Cantwell Cliffs might only be one mile but don’t let that deceive you! This hike is full of steep steps, narrow rock squeezes, and soaring cliffsides. Because of the narrow paths, the trail is one-way only! This is also one of the more remote areas in Hocking Hills so you likely won’t be sharing the trail with too many.

Rock House

Rock House is another unique area of Hocking Hills, well known for being a recess cave. This 0.8 miles, one-way loops descends down aside steep steps to a beautiful cave system. Although the large openings keep it from getting too dark, be prepared for careful footing and lots of roosting birds!

Conkles Hollow Preserve

Conkles Hollow is technically not part of Hocking Hills State Park. It’s a separate nature preserve with two trails. The Gorge Trail is an accessible path that leads to a small waterfall at the end. You can also do the 2.5-mile rim trail which is more challenging, but worth it for the stunning views across the woods and for the unique cliffs. In the spring, the area is flush with wildflowers.

Airplane Rock & Chapel Cave

These two features are just outside of the state park in Hocking Hills State Forest. To see both of them, you’ll follow along the orange-blazed horse trail from a parking lot just down the road from Conkle’s Hollow. The trail might not be the most interesting, but the views are totally worth it!

Rockbridge Nature Preserve

Like Conkles Hollow, Rockbridge is a separate Nature Preserve, meaning that no pets are allowed. The main feature is a 100-foot natural bridge. There are about 3 miles of trail at this park and is located roughly 15 miles from the main Hocking Hills visitor center. This is the only section of Hocking Hills that I haven’t visited yet!

Other things to do:

Food/Drink

Canoe/Kayak/Boat Rentals

Horseback Riding

Looking for Hikes & Hops in Hocking Hills? Check out Hocking Hills Gorge Loop & Brewery 33 or Conkle’s Hollow & Double Edge Brewing Co.

Jennings Environmental Center & Missing Links Brewery

September 21, 2024hikesandhopsblog 1 Comment

Butler County, PA

A family Hikes & Hops outing is quickly being a favorite tradition! Over the summer, we visited Jennings Environmental Center in Butler County with my parents. Sharing a border with Moraine State Park, this quaint center is often overlooked by its more showy neighbors. But this nature center is worth a visit in its own right! The park boasts miles of trails through both wooded and prairie ecosystems and is entirely dedicated to nature education. The park also protects the endangered massasuaga rattlesnake One mile of the North County Trail also passes through the park. This is a fantastic park for all hiking abilities!

THE HIKE: Jennings Environmental Center

Length: 5 miles (connect to NCT for more)
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hours
Trail use: Hiking, Leashed pets
Parking: Ample parking at Center

This park is one of four environmental education centers managed by the Pennsylvania State Parks system. It’s slightly different from other state parks because its primary purpose is to educate the community about the local environment. The park also offers 5 miles of hiking trails and connects to the North Country Scenic Trail, as well as cross country skiing in the winter. Be aware that certain areas are open to hunting during the season.

Access and Parking: Jennings Environmental Center is free to visit! Park near the office and classrooms, use coordinates 41.00869377322245, -80.00326119251952

The Route: This route follows several of the main trails at Jennings to make a nice 5 miles figure 8 of the park. It starts at the park office where there are bathroom and educational displays. Begin the trek on the Whispering Woods Trail and head towards the wetland area. After a quick jaunt through the woods, you’ll encounter a large gazebo with interpretive signs about wetlands and the mining past of the region. from here, weave through some of the unmarked trails through the waterways where you may spot turtles hiding in the water and butterflies fluttering to the flowers. After exploring, return to the gazebo and take the North Country Trail (blue and yellow blazes) into the woods. Follow the trail until it reaches a trail junction. Now, you can take the Black Cherry Trail as it leaves the NCT and heads up the hill. This is the steepest part of your journey! This trail passes through peaceful woods and large glacial boulders. About a mile into your journey, pass another trail junction where you will get on the Ridge Trail. Be aware that this trail passes into hunting lands, which are clearly noted with signs along the way. The Ridge Trail then meets back up with the North Country Trail as it heads back towards the Park Office. You’ll cross a small bridge which crosses over a peaceful waterway. Now on the Old Elm Trail you’ll loop back to the park office. You’ve just finished your first loop!

Now, if you’re still looking for more, you’ll carefully cross over PA 528 to the other half of the park. There’s additional parking and bathrooms on this side. There are many intersecting trails that can make small or large loops, depending on how much you want to tackle. We took the Maassuaga Trail and connected that to the larger Oakwoods Trail. This route passes through some lowlands where the ground can get quite muddy. Some of the trails were closed due to beaver activity leading to washed out trails. After a nice meander through the park, we ended our journey by walking through the park’s most unique feature: a prairie ecosystem. The Prairie Loop skirts around a wide open meadow with tall native grasses and flowers. The trails are wide, mown paths, and it is vital to the health of the ecosystem that you remain only on these paths. This area is also home to the reclusive, yet venomous massuaga rattlesnake so it’s best to keep an eye out for this slithering friend. If hiking in the late summer, you will be treated to sights of the amazing Blazing Star praire flower with its distinctive purple spire. After taking the Prairie Loop, follow the Blazing Star Trail back towards the road and cross over to the parking lot to complete your journey.

THE BEER: Missing Links Brewery

Address: 891 Evans City Rd #9209, Renfrew, PA 16053
Distance from Trail Head: 13 miles, 20 mins
Website: http://www.missinglinksbrewery.com
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Outdoor seating, dog friendly outside

Missing Links Brewery is located in Evans City right next to the Butler Farm Market. They offer a full line-up of house made beer as well as a complete kitchen menu of tasty grub. There’s a large outdoor porch for pup-friendly dining and the entire space is family-friendly. With a comical logo of the owners as caveman, Missing Links like to riff on this with their beer names, like Bedrock IPA, Dinoweizen Wheat Beer, and Bigfoot ESB. With a kitchen menu of pub classic like pizza and sandwiches, this place is sure to be your missing link between a hike and a delicious brew!

Our Beer: