We're all familiar with Butler-Freeport Community Trail with its gentle grades, soft packed surface and bucolic scenery. But much as I love my home turf, sometimes I need a change.

Last weekend I ventured to the Laurel Highlands for a Thanksgiving getaway in Champion near Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The area is known for mountainous terrain and endless forests, ski slopes and the 70+ miles of the rugged Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

Instead of an endurance challenge through the rugged mountains, Dave and I took a leisurely jog on the lesser known Indian Creek Valley Trail.

Indian Creek Valley Trail is a multi-use community trail stretching 22 miles on the rail bed of the former Indian Creek Valley Railroad. Railroad construction began in 1906 to carry timber to the Youghiogheny River. Through the early 20th century, rail traffic included four daily passenger trains as well as coal-hauling freights from local coal mines. No longer needed once roads were constructed through the wilderness, the rails were abandoned in 1969.

The old rail bed was purchased by Saltlick Township in Westmoreland County and the Mountain Watershed Association. MWA, an organization “concerned with the protection, preservation and restoration of the Indian Creek and greater Youghiogheny watersheds” has finished 10 miles of trail, is in construction on five more and plans to complete the entire rail trail as it receives funding. The finished portions are typical rail trail surface — crushed gravel on gently graded trail of between 8 and 15 feet wide with drainage along the sides.

Indian Creek Valley Trail is open year round for walking, running, biking, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. A section of the trail near Champion is plowed for walking in winter.

Indian Creek Valley Trail's northern terminus is at Rt. 31 in Jones Mill near Roaring Run Natural Area. Across the highway, Blair Brothers Trail leads north toward the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail footbridge across the PA Turnpike. Dave and I started our run about two miles south in Champion.

We were content to leisurely lope along, enjoying the last rays of November sun along the marsh and then between mountain laurel covered hills and a babbling trout stream. Beyond the creek, rich pastureland stretched across the valley, an occasional horse or a few steers grazing and seasonal homes, long driveways winding along windbreaks.

Although the run was enjoyable, we plan to return next summer to explore the lower five miles of trail, the wildest and most remote section through Indian Creek Gorge. The trail runs through a steep-sided gorge in undisturbed hardwood and mixed forest along the creek as it tumbles toward the Youghiogheny River. The area, designated as a Biological Diversity Area by the Natural Heritage Association, features a multitude of spring and summer wildflowers including several varieties of trilliums, trout lilies and cohosh and, of course, mountain laurel blooms in June.

There's plenty of Laurel Highlands scenery along the route, including views of the valley and a swimming hole complete with rope swing. Cell phone service in this area is limited and there's no parking at the confluence of Indian Creek and the Yough, so this will be about a 10-mile unsupported run or ride out and back.

The trail ends at the river's edge with a view of the Great Allegheny Passage on the other side. MWA is studying the feasibility of connecting Indian Creek Valley Trail to the 150-mile long GAP Trail by means of bridge, ferry or floating pulley system to allow greater trail access.

If you plan to go to Indian Creek Valley Trail, checkout www.mtwatershed.com/icv for up to date information and a printable map with descriptions of each trail section.

Saturday, 9 a.m..: Oil City's Christmas Past Jingle Bell 5k, Oil City. Costumes encouraged, also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/OilCity/OilCitysJingleBell5KSaturday, 3 p.m.: Santa's Spirit Sprint 1 Mile Walk or Run, Barnsville, OH. 740-309-5039 or https://railstotrails5k.com/contact-us/Sunday, 11 a.m.: The Clint Puller Memorial Toy Run 5k, Meadville. Run on Ernst Trail. 724-992-9154 or michaelharry40@hotmail.com. Register online at https://localraces.com/events/meadville-pa/the-clint-puller-memorial-toy-run-2019Dec. 12, 11 a.m.: Ugly Christmas Sweater 5k Run and 2 Mile Walk, Crabtree. Also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Crabtree/SaintBartholomewChurchUglyChristmasSweater5k2MileWalk?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK&r=YDec. 19, 9 a.m.: Run Santa Run 5k, Cranberry Township. Santa themed event held at Graham Park. www.runsanta5k.com/pittsburghDec. 20, 10 a.m.: Reindeer Race, Portersville. Choice of 5k, 1 Mile or Kids' ½ Mile at Moraine State Park. www.active.com/portersville-pa/running/distance-running-races/reindeer-race-2020?int=72-3-A3Dec. 31: Harmony Silvester 5k, Harmony. Virtual event this year. Course will be marked or run your own course. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harmony/HarmonySilvester5KDec. 31, 12 noon: New Year's Eve 5k, Beaver. Out and back with staggered start. Virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Beaver/YMCANewYearsEve5kDec. 31, 4 p.m.: Twilight 5k Run, 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk, Hollidaysburg. Run through the lights of Lakemont Amusement Park. Walk starts at 5 P.M. www.blairregionalymca.org/raceseries/twilight-race/Erie Runners Club New Year's Day 5 Mile Race, Erie. Starts at Presque Ilse State PArk's Rotary Pavilion. Dan.a@erierunners.club or https://erierunners.club/event/erc-new-years-day-5m-race/2021-01-01/Jan. 2, 11 a.m.: Resolution Run 5k Run/ Fun Walk, Derry. Run around Keystone State Park Lake, No race day registration and bib pickup prior to race at Gingerbread Man Running in Indiana. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Derry/ResolutionRunWPAJan. 9: Run 2 Read Half Marathon, Prickett's Fort State Park, WV. 304-366-6055 or runtoread@hotmail.comJan. 16, Noon: Community and Rec Center New Year Winter Wellness Dash 1 Mile Run/ Walk, Upper St. Clair. Beanies to first 100, $45 entry fee. 412-221-1099 or http://www.twpusc.org/crc/crc-homeJan. 28, 6:30 p.m.: Wolf Moon 15k, Allison Park. Night trail run through North Park, 3-person team scoring. https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/AllisonPark/WOLFMOON15KJan. 30, 10 a.m.: Groundhog Jog 4 Mile Run/Walk, Punxsutawney. Run starts downtown, also virtual option. https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Punxsutawney/GroundhogJog4MileRunWalk?aflt_token=HrZcYWJT57TH3GH4vWg7QL584fEmdOnK

Sweat for Vets 5k, Nov. 1: Dean Banko, 1st Overall M, 17:38; Aaron Burgess, 2nd Overall M, 22:08; Blake Pennington, 1st Overall W, 23:33; Seth Sager, 1nd 30-39 M, 27:10; Devin Hollern, 45:51; Jennifer Hollren, 45:51Sweat for Vets 10k, Nov. 1: Frank Kopriva, 1st Overall M, 56:40; BG JAx, 1st Overall W, 1:00:33; Courtney Burgess, 1st 30-39 W, 1:18:53; Julia Laird, 2:23:28; Jiggy Smaha, 2:23:30Operation Troop Appreciation 5k, Nov. 8: Parker Steele, 1st Overall M, 17:45; Bob Teagarden, 1st Masters M, 19:01; Kevyn Fish, 1st Overall W, 19:38; Holly Peterman, 1st Masters W, 23:09; Chris Belch, 2nd 11-14 M, 19:36; Lily Flood, 1st 11-14 W, 21:14; Peter Wilton, 1st 55-59 M, 23:06; Mitch Radella, 2nd 55-59 M, 23:20; Teresa Grimm, 3rd 15-19 W, 23:28; Andrew Parker, 1st 50-54 M, 24:14; Steve Chabala, 2nd 40-44 M, 25:31; Kim McLoughlin, 1st 50-54 W, 25:59; Jess Holmgren, 1st 30-34 W, 26:14; Lucas Pott, 1st 10 & Under M, 26:38; Gary Chabala, 1st 65+ M, 26:39; Jeremy Pott, 3rd 45-49 M, 26:40; Leanne Mays, 3rd 35-39 W, 27:55; Thatcher Mays, 3rd 10 & Under M, 28:17; Christine Patton, 3rd 50-54 W, 28:20; Vanessa Jackson, 2nd 25-29 W, 28:34; William Jackson, 3rd 30-34 M, 29:29; Leah Rihn, 1st 10 & Under W, 29:43; Gali Rihn, 2nd 10 & Under W, 29:43; Hannah Gaydos, 3rd 11-14 W, 35:38; Joni Clemente, 2nd 60-64 W, 36:56; Anita Thomas, 2nd 65+ W, 41:32; Debra Kuminkoski, 3rd 55-59 W, 42:34; Judy Fritsch, 3rd 65+ W, 43:52; Quentin Lauro, 19:27; Eion Mckernan, 20:32; Isaac Gaydos, 22:52; Daniel Larson, 24:06; Shannon Wishart, 29:15; Michael Gaydos, 31:03; Rhonda Maloney, 31:10; Sawyer May, 32:33; Jonah Rihn, 32:47; Rocco Bernardini, 34:43; Gretchen Bernardini, 34:43; Grace Gaydos, 35:36; Mike Houck, 38:55; Alex Weber, 39:11; Owen Mckernan, 39:31; Matthew Scoletti, 43:43; Amanda Gaydos, 48:32; Dezso Csizmadia, 49:16; Tyler Wingrove, 50:10; Amanda Burns, 50:10; Lisa Hengelsberg, 54:17Allegheny Valley Salvation Army Red Kettle 5k, Nov. 14: Dean Banko, 1st Overall M, 17:53; Molly Kline, 1st Overall W, 21:35; Michael Perrotti, 1st 40-49 M, 19:58; Bruce Goodman, Jr., 1st 19 & Under M, 21:21; Mark Gustetic, 1st 30-39 M, 22:08; Peter Wilton, 1st 50-59 M, 22:18; Austin Allan, 2nd 19 & Under M, 22:38; Jacob Allan, 3rd 19 & Under M, 23:21; Corinne Schnur, 1st 40-49 W, 23:24; Ben Dymond, 1st 20-29 M, 24:04; Samuel Dilella, 2nd 20-29 M, 24:04; Jessica Windows, 1st 19 & Under W, 24:25; Sarina Beasley, 1st 30-39 W, 24:29; Jerry Vaerewyck, 2nd 50-59 M, 27:21; Frank Tarantine, 1st 60+ M, 27:43; Joseph Uzelac, 3rd 50-59 M, 27:21; Jeanmarie Veltri, 1st 60+ W, 27:43; Amy Plumley, 2nd 30-39 W, 29:55; Lou Alaksin, 2nd 60+ M, 31:51; Patricia Kelly, 1st 50-59 W, 33:33; Faith Yonkoske, 2nd 19 & Under W, 41:31; Matt Yonkoske, 2nd 40-49 M, 41:32; Victoria McCloud, 1st 20-29 W, 44:32; David Colledge, 3rd 40-49 M, 46:41; Brooklyn Fields, 3rd 19 & Under W, 51:00; Amos Ramsey, 24:05; Eric Bengel, 30:00; Nick Rose, 36:40; Wyatt G., 48:49; Gracie Gamble, 52:16; Peach Runner, 52:19Oil City YMCA Turkey Trot 5k Walk, Nov. 21: Rodney Daum, 1st Overall M, 36:57; Valerie Wakefield, 1st Overall W, 41:02; Megan Sharrar, 1st 20-29 W, 59:51; Jennifer Sharrar, 58:52Oil City YMCA Turkey Trot 5k Run, Nov. 21: Matthew Puleio, 1st Overall M, 16:52; Olivia Mumford, 1st Overall W, 21:15; Ethan Knapp, 2nd 13-19 M, 18:40; Kayla Hanna, 3rd 13-19 W, 24:04; Tracy Hanna, 1st 12 & Under W, 25:34; Brian Rodgers, 2nd 30-39 M, 26:40; Emma Davis, 3rd 20-29 W, 31:52; Kelsey Hanna, 24:09; Darren Waid, 27:03; Erin Kohlmeyer, 28:18; Jay Gerics, 30:58; Madison Marczac, 31:52; Shania Whitmer, 38:08; Jennifer Kightlinger, 41:42Send comments and suggestions: Patricia Neubert. Phone 724-352-4395. Email lotzak@consolidated.net<i>Pat Neubert is a running columnist for the Butler Eagle</i>