Go take a hike Walking, hiking trails ready for spring traffic
A covered bridge along the Mingo Creek Trail at Mingo Creek County Park.
A waterfall runs along the walking trail at Enlow Fork in State Gamelands No. 302 in Greene County.
A violet after a rain is shown along the walking trails at Enlow Fork in State Game Lands No. 302.
The Panhandle Trail spans 17 miles from Collier Township to Colliers, W.Va.
Bikers also can enjoy the Panhandle Trail, which connects with the Montour Trail.
Families can take breaks along the trails at Mingo Creek County Park.
Alicia Groznik of Canonsburg walks with her dog, Pico, and her mother, Sharon Chebatoris of Upper St. Clair, along the Arrowhead Trail portion of the Montour Trail in Peters Township on Wednesday. Washington and Greene counties have a variety trails of with varying terrain to suit different walking, hiking and running interests.
The first rays of sunshine have burst through the clouds to melt the snow, and people and animals are emerging from a sleepy winter.
While many walking and hiking trails carved through the region are well known, such as the Panhandle Trail, Montour Trail and Mingo Creek County Park trails, others are hidden treasures.
Enlow Fork is tucked away in Greene County in State Game Lands No. 302. While walkers should be aware of regulations during hunting season, the trails are blazing with color during the spring.
Pete Zapadka of Morgantown regularly visits the trail.
“When you’re down there amongst the wildflowers, you’re going to be on top of the world, even though you’re down in the valley,” he said.
In late winter, flowers begin springing up. By spring, flowers line the roadway leading up to the trail. Blue-eyed Marys and trilliums are all around, and walkers may find streams, a waterfall and birds. Crossing over a bridge into Washington County provides a new wildflower scene with Jack-in-the-pulpits.
Along one section of the trail is a long-abandoned homestead. While the owners who planted flowers there likely passed years ago, crocuses and snowdrops live on.
“It’s kind of neat that this old homestead hasn’t been tended for half a century and they still pop up,” Zapadka said.
Wildflower enthusiasts gather yearly for the Enlow Fork Wildflower Walk scheduled this year for April 26. While a sunny day seems like it would make for the best trek, rain made the best memories for Zapadka in 2011.
“There was one year it just rained and rained and rained. I was just drenched,” he said. “But the clouds filtered the light, and with the raindrops on the flowers, in its own way, it was kind of beautiful.”
Directions to the trail are online at enlowfork.tripod.com.
Young children can make discoveries of their own at Mingo. Amy Bisset of Washington watched her young daughters explore and grow through their trips to the park. He oldest, Gillian, is 5, and Emmy is 1.
“Last year, we saw a bloom with both of them in being able to enjoy the outdoor setting,” she said. “My 5-year-old was turning over rocks, looking for things, and then the little one, it was her first experience other than the backyard pool with water.”
While Gillian was searching for creatures, Emmy was stomping, splashing and experimenting with how big a splash she could make by plunking into the water.
Bisset said Mingo makes a wonderful family day trip with a walk and breaks for a picnic, playground visits and stream play.
She said she is looking forward to trails coming to Cross Creek County Park.
Washington County Planning Commission Executive Director Lisa Cessna said construction of the trails by Range Resources is expected to be complete this summer.
The commission oversees the Panhandle Trail and Mingo Creek trails.
In Mingo, children can use a scooter or tricycle on the paved trails. For those looking for a more rigorous hike, Mingo also offers hilly and rugged paths.
The 17-mile Panhandle Trail is a gentle grade, but walking the length is a workout, she said.
That trail connects to the longer Montour Trail.
The Montour Trail can be used for a stroll, bike ride, hike or even cross-country skiing, said Montour Trail Council President Ned Williams.
He suggested families start their journeys at the Hendersonville trailhead.
“Right after your walk, you can get an ice cream,” he said.
The trailhead also features a bike shop, The Tandem Connection.
The trails are perfect for wildlife viewing because of the water, fields and wooded areas it passes.
In Chartiers Creek, a walker may even see a blue heron, he said.
“The whole purpose of it is just to get out and enjoy the great outdoors,” he said. “It’s a great way to enjoy all the great weather that’s coming.”