Some ring in 2022 with trek
MUDDY CREEK TWP — Natalie Simon's words ring true for people who love the outdoors or those who aim to lead a more active lifestyle.
“If you can hike on New Year's Day, you can hike any day of the year,” she said.
Simon is an environmental educator at Moraine State Park and led Saturday's First Day Hike there.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, Moraine was one of 38 state parks around Pennsylvania that hosted free hikes on New Year's Day, part of a national initiative issued by the American Hiking Society.
Hikes were planned in all 50 states.
“First Day Hikes are a great way to make a resolution to enjoy nature and get more exercise, and keep it on the first day of the year,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a press release. “They also help remind people that our state parks and forests are open for healthy outdoor adventures in all four seasons, including winter.”Simon looks forward to the annual hike, regardless of the weather conditions.“We have events here throughout the year, and this is one of my favorites,” said Simon, who was aided in escorting hikers by several members of the Butler Outdoor Club. “There's always something new to see along the trails.
“The only times we have ever canceled came when the roads made it unsafe for people to get here,” she said.There were two options for Saturday's participants, both beginning near Lake Arthur's South Shore — the Sunken Garden Trail and the Pleasant Valley Trail. Both hikes included hilly terrain and were about 2 miles long, though hikers could extend their trek, if desired.“There have been a number of years in the past when Moraine has had the most hikers for this event of any park in the state,” said Simon. “One year, we got 80 people and we thought that was a lot. Another year, it got to 200, then 500 — that got to be tough to manage.”
People had to pre-register for this year's event and participation was closed at 60, though over half decided not to take part, most of them because of the forecast of rain.The conditions did not deter Butler resident Pat Henry, a member of the Butler Outdoor Club.“There was mud everywhere, but you can always go home and take a shower,” she said. “It's like playing in the mud and rain and that's fun!”Roy Horne of Butler, has a special connection with Moraine.
“My father, Glen Horne, worked for the state and helped build the park,” he said. “I've been hiking, hunting and fishing here all my life, and I love it.”Roy Horne and his friend, Marcy McChesney, signed up for the hike three weeks ago.“We were expecting more wintry weather, but if it were colder, the snow and ice would have made it rough,” said McChesney, who brought along her dog, Mario.For members of the Butler Outdoor Club, the First Day Hike annually kicks off a year full of activities.“I've been a member for over 20 years,” said Henry. “We organize bicycle and kayak events, have special camping trips, and we hike all over.”
