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Rare Serpentine Barrens Are Highlight of Nottingham Park
The first in Chester County (dedicated in 1963), the 731-acre Nottingham Park sits on more than a square mile of serpentine stone – one of the largest serpentine barrens on the East Coast. The land was formerly the site of feldspar and serpentine quarries as well as chromite ore mines. One of these feldspar quarries has been filled with water and is now known as the Mystery Hole. The park has 6 named trails and an 18-station fitness trail. The 3.37-mile Buck Trail traverses the highest elevation of the park, sometimes running across the park borders. The trails are used by hikers, bicyclists and equestrians who can create a loop…
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It’s Easy to Find Hiking Trails In Lower Montgomery County
It is easy to find open space in Montgomery County, PA. Since hiking involves very little in the way of gear or preparation, it is a great way to get started enjoying the outdoors. Montco has hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from paved paths to rugged dirt trails, some of which are shared by bicyclists and equestrians. While this is by no means an all-inclusive list, here are some suggestions to get you started in the southern half of the county. If you have an hour or two Many local parks such as Fischer’s Park in Towamencin or Penllyn Woods in Lower Gwynedd offer walking paths and/or hiking trails…
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Here’s Your Excuse to Go Take a Hike
National Take a Hike Day is held every November 17. The Adventure Travel Trade Association recently reported that hiking is the most popular outdoor activity. Of course this makes sense as it is the simplest activity to start. Though there are many hiking specific items you can purchase to make your hike more comfortable and interesting, you probably have everything you need readily at hand. Thanks to the efforts of Maurice K. Goddard, director of the PA Department of Parks and Forest in the mid-1900s, just about every Pennsylvanian has easy access to some outdoor area. There are 2.5 million acres of state parks and forests in the commonwealth and…