Go Take A Hike |
Written by Calliope Pappadakis | |||
Thursday, 01 September 2011 11:57 | |||
Written for Harrisburg Magazine
Sunlight is our leading supplier of vitamin D. And why, you ask, do we need vitamin D? The sunshine vitamin, nicknamed this because our bodies use ultraviolet radiation (UVB) from the sun to make vitamin D, has been found to prevent prostate, breast, ovary, bladder, and stomach cancers, just to name a few. Severe vitamin D deficiencies are linked to Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, soft teeth, slow healing, insomnia, rickets and muscle cramps. What function does vitamin D have in our bodies? Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and carries it across cell membranes. (www.nlm.nih.gov) This ensures strong bones and teeth, and a happy nervous system, which is why sunshine-free people are often, depressed people… we’ve all heard of the winter blues. Well good news, my low-level vitamin D companions, the spring equinox has arrived and with it, she has returned with sunshine, greenness, and generous opportunities to absorb vitamin D while burning calories and checking out some beautiful places not very far from home.
Even if you aren’t the outdoorsy type, Pennsylvania is a naturally captivating state and you should venture to the forested, scenic areas to see what is being freely offered for your mind, body and spirit. You don’t have to be an experienced backpacker, or even a backpacker for that matter, to explore the great outdoors. Below are some descriptions of just a few of my favorite places in Central Pennsylvania to catch some Vitamin D… "Leave nothing but footprints, Take nothing but pictures, Kill nothing but time." Longer Day Hikes Pine Grove Furnace State Park (Southern Cumberland County) Tumbling Run, located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, is one of many trails located inside the 85,000-acre Michaux State Forest. This portion of Tumbling Run is a 2-mile hike, round trip, with roughly a third of that being uphill. The trailhead is located off Route 233 and is easily spotted by the parked cars, and a white sign marking the county line boundary between Adams and Cumberland Counties. You’ll know you’re on the right path when you walk across the creek over a small, handmade bridge that usually consists of a few logs lashed together. After crossing the main creek there will be a small side stream that flows from the top of the mountain and which is the source of all the delights up ahead. You will want to cross this little creek about 50 feet up from where you crossed the bridge so that the creek is on your left as you walk up.
Bring a snack for your rest atop the Lewis Rock boulders so you can enjoy the view of the South Mountain Range while replenishing your energy for the easy stroll back down. Supplies? Wear hiking boots, sneakers will work, but boots are better for ankle protection, and dress comfortably. Pack a small backpack with a water bottle (I suggest two), some snacks, and a camera. Pine Grove Furnace State Park exists today as the remains of the Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works, a thriving stone blast furnace community from 1764-1893. The park offers a diverse experience for the whole family as well as individuals with features such as two lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing, and numerous trails, including the famous Appalachian Trail (AT), for hiking. Don’t forget to visit the ironmaster’s mansion, the general store, the old stone furnace, and the International Youth Hostel (IYH). The Pinnacle The Pinnacle Trail, located in the town of Hamburg in Berks County, PA, is widely considered to be the best view from the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. The trailhead begins near the city reservoir, and takes you to the Pinnacle, an area that boasts an elevation of nearly 1,200 feet and a 200-degree arc of far-reaching views, all while standing atop huge boxcar-like boulder outcroppings. This hike will take 5-7 hours, round trip, with moderate levels of hiking.
Walking out onto the large boulders that make up the Pinnacle, which extends beyond the trees is a breathtaking experience. These rocks make for a nice napping spot, but the air can be considerably cooler than the parking lot, so pack a light jacket or sweater in cooler weather. The bird’s eye stance provides a view of charming PA farmland, the Blue Ridge, a view east to Allentown, and north to the Poconos. If you’re lucky, a hot air balloon will float by against a backdrop of blue sky. Bring lots of water, some good snacks, a camera, and wear your hiking boots. Ricketts Glen State Park (Pocono Mountain Region) Ricketts Glen State Park, located in beautiful northeastern Pennsylvania, is a full day’s adventure, and a perfect weekend getaway. The 13,000-acre state park shelters Glens Natural Area, a registered natural landmark that weaves hikers in and out of rock clefts surrounded by cascading falls, lush vegetation, old growth timber, bald eagles, and a variety of wildlife. Fallen trees have unveiled rings indicating 900-year-old lifetimes for some. The largest in the series of waterfalls is Ganoga Falls, a 94-foot “wedding cake” waterfall, because it resembles the tiers of a wedding cake as it falls. There are a series of trails around the falls that total five miles and offer hikers a variety of ways to enjoy the magnificent landmark. You may choose to hike .7 miles on the Evergreen Trail or nearly 2 miles to Waters Meet (the location where two branches of Kitchen Creek meet and move through Ricketts Glen). Hiking the loop around the entire area takes 2-3 hours, depending on how often you stop to shoot photos. Hiking boots, rain gear, and a camera are all recommended pack items. If you want to get close to Ganoga, put on a raincoat—the mist at the bottom of the falls will drench you. Even if the sun is out and temperatures are reaching the high 70’s, the air is significantly cooler around the falls. Be sure to layer your clothes! Some of the features of Ricketts Glen State Park include, but are not limited to camping, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and boating. A weekend of camping and hiking would be an ideal springtime getaway, whether in a tent or one of the rental cabins. But don’t take my word for it; Ricketts Glen is considered one of the most scenic areas in all of Pennsylvania so go see for yourself. Shorter Hikes/Other Local Trails (Perfect for after work or a Saturday morning) Pole Steeple Trail: Difficulty (1-10): 7 Waggoner’s Gap: Difficulty (1-10) 3 Hawk Rock: Difficulty (1-10) 4 Peter’s Mountain: Difficulty (1-10) 3 Governor Dick Tower: Difficulty (1-10) 2 Chickie’s Rock: Difficulty (1-10) 2
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