Cherry Pie Hike serves up history with a slice of tradition
BRADY TWP — Only one outdoor event in Butler County combines the savory taste of an American classic with a step back in time to honor a founding father.
“Who wouldn’t hike for cherry pie?” Jean Adams, a member of the North Country Trail Association Butler County Chapter, said.
Hundreds of visitors took that opportunity on Saturday morning, Feb. 21, when they descended upon Jennings Environmental Education Center for the annual Cherry Pie Hike.
The event takes guests on half-hour hikes through a nature preserve while learning about the time George Washington was nearly assassinated by a Native American while venturing through the county in 1753.
Afterwards, there’s opportunities to meet living historians and partake in pies that are donated by the North Country Brew Pub.
“It’s just fun and easy. It’s outdoors,” said Adams on why the hike remains popular. “Jennings is very welcoming. It’s a wonderful state park, and all of nonprofits that come here believe in what we do.”
Along with being in nature, the hike serves as a chance to socialize, and in some cases, get involved. Rich Thornhill, a member of the Butler Outdoor Club, spent a portion of his day recruiting new members.
“It’s the hiking and getting together with people and socializing,” said Thornhill on the hike’s appeal.
The event is free and open to the public. However, the North Country Trail Association Butler Chapter, along with other nonprofits and clubs such as Washington's Trail 1753, Butler Outdoor Club, Harmony Museum and Experience Butler County, receive donations as part of their participation.
“It’s a real nice synergy of different groups with slightly different emphases working together,” said Rodney Gasch, a volunteer with Historic Harmony and Washington Trail 1753.
Along with the shorter history hikes, guests had the option of venturing on an hour-long nature hike that commemorated George Washington’s birthday on Feb. 22, 1732.
For those interested in a more daunting challenge, there was a 7-mile hike along the North Country Trail that Washington may have traveled on during his missions ahead of the French and Indian War.
Gasch said the hikes stand out on the calendar for their historical relevance and ability to connect with people more than a book ever could.
“It really brings history to life, and that’s what’s great about an event where we have reenactors reeacting the attempted shooting of Washington,” he said.
It also allows visitors to become familiar with what the educational center has to offer throughout the year.
“We also like that it gets more people exposed to Jennings and the ability to hike on these wonderful trails that are up here,” Gasch said.
