First time member Sawyer, left, and Hannah Sroka attend the North Country Trail Association new member hike at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

The Butler County Chapter of the North Country Trail Association welcomed hikers Saturday morning, March 14, to an introductory trail walk in Moraine State Park.

The new member hike was meant to introduce people to the parts of the North Country Trail within Butler County. In Butler County, the trail winds through the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau and skirts Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, passing by the Muddy Creek Dam, the Owlet Gift Shop, the Link Road Adirondack Shelters and the Davis Hollow Cabin.

A few dozen people attended the hike Saturday, and despite winds taking out branches and some trees in the park, the trail could be traversed thanks to association members who helped clear the path for the rest of the group.

The event started with a brunch where new members could get information about the Butler County trail and association chapter from the people who run the local organization.

Butler County Chapter of the North Country Trail Association Vice President Lindsey Hartle talks to hike attendees at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Hike attendee Ron Jordan helps clear the path from storm damage at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

New member hike attendees walk the trail led by Ron Jordan, left, and Nate Wilson at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

North Country Trail Association members Mark Cervello, left, and Nate Wilson introduce themselves during the new member hike at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

New member hike attendees Brian and Suzan Loutzenhiser with their dog at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

New member hike attendees walk the trail at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

Hike attendee Clint Warner helps himself to snacks and coffee before the new member hike at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy

New member hike attendees walk the trail at Moraine State Park on Saturday, March 14. Eddie Clancy/Butler Eagle

Eddie Clancy