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Spend Labor Day Weekend Around South Mountain
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A packed line up of free programmed events or door prizes at over 60 participating sites will kick off South Mountain Outdoors on Labor Day Weekend. South Mountain Outdoors will showcase the best of recreational opportunities, natural beauty, the Appalachian Trail and unique experiences throughout the entire South Mountain region of south central Pennsylvania.
“This event is for anyone interested in getting outside, whether you hike, paddle, fish, or are interested in conservation,” said Larry Knutson, South Mountain Outdoors Coordinator. “It gives adults and kids the opportunity to meet people who work in conservation and outdoor recreation and learn more about the amazing resources and recreational opportunities our region offers.”
South Mountain Outdoors will launch on Saturday, September 3, marking the start of three days of biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, history tours and cultural festivals across Cumberland, Adams and Franklin counties of Pennsylvania.
Pick up a South Mountain Outdoors Passport at participating locations the day of or ahead of time to make you eligible for prizes. Before completing your enjoyment of South Mountain Outdoors 2011, participants should leave the passport at any of the participating locations so that you will be eligible for a random drawing of prizes donated by participating South Mountain region sites.
The kick-off event (registration required) will be an Appalachian Trail “Sticky Buns” hike from the village of Boiling Springs, led by the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club with complimentary sticky buns and coffee provided by the Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse. Attend many other South Mountain Outdoors events in the Cumberland Valley including the McClain Highland Festival.
Further south on the Appalachian Trail, Caledonia State Park and Franklin County Visitors Bureau will host an event on the Underground Railroad in South Mountain. Participate in horse drawn wagon history tours of the Park, view a working blacksmith shop at the Caledonia Ironworks, and view a mini-feature film, The Underground Railroad through South Mountain, which will run throughout the day at the Park’s visitor center. Stick around and enjoy a hike along the Appalachian Trail and relax in picnic areas over the Labor Day Weekend.
On Sunday, join staff from Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve and the DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry for a guided hike on the “Glatfelter Tree Farm No. 1, “a 3.5-mile loop which will introduce the community to the history of the tree farm along with the surrounding unique plant and animal life. The hike will include stops along the way to appreciate the natural wonders of the South Mountain Region and for views of the Gettysburg, Carroll, and Swamp Creek Valleys.
Labor Day also marks one of two days out of the year that anyone can fish in Pennsylvania without a fishing license! Interested in becoming an angler but don’t have a license or gear? Visit Pine Grove Furnace State Park, located at the mid-point of the Appalachian Trail, for free loaner equipment and basic fishing instruction on September 5.
For more information, visit the South Mountain Outdoors 2011 website which offers a downloadable passport, full details of events and an online, interactive of participating sites and door prizes.
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, which leads the South Mountain Partnership, an alliance of public, private, and non-profit organizations is proud to financially support South Mountain Outdoors through the South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Program.
Originating from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, these grants can go towards projects that act as a catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic development. To learn more, visit the the South Mountain Partnership website.
(Reprinted from the August 31 Resource newsletter from DCNR. Go to the bottom of the page to sign up for your own copy of Resource by email.) |
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9/5/2011 |
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