New year kicks off with hike
Each year since 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has hosted First Day Hikes on trails and in parks across the state, which is a national initiative encouraging people to get outside.
Staff members of Moraine State Park collaborate with members of the Butler Outdoor Club to guide these hikes at the park.
And while the scheduled hikes for the Sunken Garden Trail and the Pleasant Valley Trail have reached capacity at this time, environmental educator Natalie Simon said people are welcome to hike the park at any time.
“That was one of the biggest surprises; winter is a very popular hiking time,” Simon said. “I think they have less things distracting them and people just love that feeling of getting outdoors in the fresh air as long as weather's not too bad.”
According to Simon, staff members of Moraine and members of the outdoor club will lead the hikes, which give hikers some wiggle room on how much of the trail they would like to traverse.
In the past, some people have asked to turn around before reaching the loops, and others prefer to hike even farther. Having multiple people guide each tour group allows for customization of each hike, according to Simon.
Simon also said that while the guides will help enhance the hikes by giving information and pointing out good spots about each trail, each one has unique scenery.
“There are many pretty sections at Moraine,” Simon said. “I like the fact that Sunken Garden (Trail) has a really nice view of the lake.”
Simon encourages outdoor enthusiasts to explore Moraine in the winter, because snow and the lack of foliage can provide nice backgrounds not seen in the summer and spring months.
She said anyone who does venture out into the winter wonderland should go with caution, because the cold can hinder a hiker if they are unprepared.
“Dress for the weather and have with you some basic resources for cold weather,” Simon said. “Make sure someone knows where you are going and when, if you go out in the cold.”
