Introduction
This
guide allows people to partake in the great outdoors
from their own backyards. By hiking on these trails
and reading the following guide, you should learn about
the different wildlife in the area and hopefully appreciate
it more. The different types of hikes described in this
guide include flat, paved trails, steep, rocky slopes,
wide, green fields, narrow, dirt paths, and so much
more.
This
guide includes trails from six Monroeville parks. Each
of the individual trail guides are organized under the
same format to make it easier to understand. This format
breaks down each trail guide to three sections: the
overview of the hike, finding the trailhead, and the
actual hike. The overview of the hike allows for hikers
to quickly look over the different hikes to find the
one that suits them. On the other hand, the actual hike
section is for those hikers who have committed to hiking
the particular trail. The actual hike section always
begins with a rough map, which gives the general locations
of some attractions in the park and the skeleton drawing
of the trail. The numbers on the map represent a "landmark"
for the trail. These landmarks are certain points of
interest that are described in the text following the
map.
There are some essentials
to hiking that should always be considered before going
on a trip. It is recommended that day hikers bring dry
matches, a compass, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a
knife, rain gear, sun protection, and water. Dress for
a hike depending on the weather. Layering is the key
to comfort. For days with cold, wet, or changeable weather
conditions wear wool because it retains heat, even when
it is wet. On the other hand, choose cotton clothes
for hot, dry days. Sneakers will pass for some of the
trails, but hiking boots are recommended for the trails
rated above a 6 for difficulty. Hiking is a lot of fun,
but being uncomfortable will ruin the experience.
One
of the great things about hiking is the wilderness,
so in order to preserve it; there are certain ethics
that must be followed. First, always keep to the path.
Shortcutting and skirting puddles leads to erosion and
degradation of the trails, not to mention killing the
low-growing vegetation. Secondly, pet owners should
always clean up after their animals and keep them from
digging up plants. Finally, do not litter. Litter is
not only aluminum foil and cans, but also peanut shells
and orange peels. These items are a nuisance and contaminate
the wild.
Now
that you have learned about safety and keeping the wilderness
pristine, grab your gear and come see what the Monroeville
parks really have to offer...
About
This Guide
This
trail guide was the Eagle Project of Christopher Buros
from Boy Scout Troop 210. Christopher would like to
thank the following people for their help with this
project:
| Mr.
John Balicki |
Mr.
Michael Buros |
Mrs.
Michele Buros |
| Mr.
Butch Cook |
Mr.
Glenn Dzaack |
Mr.
Paul Estok |
| Mr.
Andy Kociban |
Mr.
Bill McConnell |
Mr.
Greg Motz |
| Mr.
Craig Rowland |
Mr.
Thomas Stoddard |
Brian
Aspiotes |
| Mark
Champion |
Nick
Dispenza |
Robert
Duggan |
| August
Kapral |
David
Martin |
Patrick
Martin |
| Brian
Rishel |
Chris
Rishel |
Chris
Shirer |
The
information in this guide was gathered from the following
resources:
1. Birkby, Robert C. Boy Scout Handbook. 10th
ed. Irving, Texas: Boy Scouts of America, 1990.
2. Encarta. Redmond, Washington: Microsoft Corp.,
1999. CD-ROM.
3. Little, Elbert L. National Audubon Society Field
Guide to North American Trees. New York, New York:
Chanticleer Press Inc., 1996.
4. Medve, Richard J. and Mary Lee. Edible Wild Plants
of Pennslvania and Neighboring States. University
Park, Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania State University
Press, 1996.
5. Ostertag, George and Rhonda. Hiking Pennsylvania.
Helena, Montana: Falcon Publishing Inc., 1998.
6. Thwaites, Tom. 50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania.
3rd ed. Woodstock, Vermont: Backcountry Guides, 2000.
