In This Issue: Climbing a Thousand Steps Revisiting the Golden Eagle Trail Pennsylvania Hiking Week May 24th to June 1st National Trails Day June 7th Hiking on the Web - American Hiking Society Announcements - Hiking Organizations & Outing Clubs Deal of the Month - Insect Repellents Climbing a Thousand Steps Located in Jacks Narrows, between the towns of Mount Union and Mapleton Depot, is a series of steps up the mountain side. These steps, over one thousand in all, were built in 1936 to aid the quarry workers on their way to and from work. Know as the Thousand Steps, this is now a section of the 70+ mile Standing Stone Trail. Most locals just hike to the top of the steps for a nice view and then head back down. That was exactly what we did, we hiked to the top, enjoyed the vistas and history, and then hiked back down. Visit PAHikes.com to read all about our day hike and view some pictures of the great views as well as a photo of our first rattlesnake sighting of the season. [LINK TO TRIP REPORT AND PHOTOS] Revisiting the Golden Eagle Trail There were three of us doing this hike. One of my fellow hiker and I last did this hike together over 3 years ago. That was the last time either of us had been on this trail. I was looking forward to doing this hike again, now with it being a little later in the year, and with leaves on all the trees. I do believe a hike on the GET in the fall, when the leaves are changing color, is on my short list of future hikes that I'll want to do. The challenging Golden Eagle Trail is located just north of Cammal Pennsylvania, on route PA414. Tom Thwaites in his book 50 Hikes of Central Pennsylvania called the Golden Eagle "the most beautiful day hike in Pennsylvania". After hiking this trail, I think you'll agree with this assessment. With two breathtaking vistas, two pristine mountain streams, and a challenging climb, the Golden Eagle Trail has a lot to offer for the day hiker. [LINK TO TRIP REPORT AND PHOTOS] Pennsylvania Hiking Week May 24th to June 1st DCNR has teamed with the Keystone Trails Association (KTA) to offer nearly 100 organized hikes and walks available throughout Pennsylvania during the nine-day event that runs from Saturday, May 24 through Sunday, June 1. All of the scheduled hikes have leaders. Most hikes are on the two weekends of the event, but several weekday and evening hikes also are offered. Special hikes include night hikes; wildflower walks; hikes for people with disabilities; pet walks; geology walks and much more. Most hikes will take place in state parks and state forests, with some hikes scheduled on the Appalachian Trail, in Allegheny National Forest, and in city and community parks. Visit the Pennsylvania DCNR website to see a listing of all the hikes currently scheduled. [LEARN MORE ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA HIKING WEEK] National Trails Day June 7th American Hiking Society's signature trail awareness program, National Trails Day (NTD), inspires the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects. NTD also provides an opportunity to thank volunteers, land managing agencies, and outdoor-minded businesses for their support in developing and maintaining trails. Visit the American Hiking Society's website to see what events are planned near you. [NATIONAL TRAILS DAY EVENT LISTINGS] Hiking on the Web - American Hiking Society The American Hiking Society's website is a great resource for hikers. On their website you can learn about intiatives supported by the American Hiking Society in order to preserve and protect hiking trails across the nation. You can also find how-to information with regards to backpacking and hiking, from safety to gear and essential skills. Coming soon will be an interactive trail finder that will help you learn more about the thousands of trails from California to Maine. [VISIT THE AMERICAN HIKING SOCIETY WEBSITE] Announcements - Hiking Organizations & Outing Clubs June 3-8 , 2008: KTA Trail Crew Pinchot Trail Camp at Manny Gordon Picinic Area. Contact Joe Healey (570-655-4979) if you are interested in helping out. More information at www.kta-hike.org. June 10-15 , 2008: KTA Trail Crew Donut Hole Trail Camp at Western Clinton's Sportsman Association. Contact Joe Healey (570-655-4979) to sign up. More information at www.kta-hike.org. June 17-23 , 2008: KTA Trail Crew Mid State Trail Camp at Hills Creek State Park. Contact Pete Fleszar (717-583-2093) to participate in extending the MST. More information at www.kta-hike.org. July 18-20 , 2008: 5th Annual Prowl the Sproul The Keystone Trails Association, along with the Western Clinton Sportsmen's Association, are sponsoring the 5th Annual Prowl the Sproul weekend. The Prowl the Sproul weekend promotes the Nature/Environmental Center at the Western Clinton Sportmen's Association facility in Renovo and is the meeting site for all the weekend events. This fun filled weekend will include hiking, kayaking, a 10K fun run and sitting by the fire with friends. Guided hikes will be led by DCNR personnel Friday, Saturday and Sunday. More information at www.kta-hike.org. Do you or your hiking organization or outing club have information that you'd like to share? Planning a trip, fund raiser, or future trail maintenance? Then let the "Go Take A Hike" e-Newsletter help. Submit your announcements to webmaster@pahikes.com. We will post all announcements here each month for everyone to see. [SUBMIT YOUR ANNOUNCEMENTS TO THE WEBMASTER] Deal of the Month - Insect Repellents With all the rain and wet weather on the east coast this spring it seems that the bugs are out in full force. Black flies and gnats are bothersome while hiking. However, ticks and mosquitoes pose a real health risk, with the possibilities of contracting Lyme disease or the West Nile Virus. Insect repellents are strongly recommended when hiking in tick infested areas or around marshes and standing water where mosquitoes can be found. To help protect you this summer we are offering 10% off Insect Repellents for the Deal of the Month. To receive your 10% discount off of any insect repellent at The Hiking Spot, simply use coupon code BUGOFF. You'll have the opportunity to enter your coupon code during the checkout process. This offer expires June 30th, 2008. Only one coupon/coupon code per order. Some coupons can only be used once. Other restrictions may apply. This exclusive Deal of the Month offer is only valid for "Go Take A Hike" e-Newsletter subscribers. [STOCK UP ON INSECT REPELLENTS AT THE HIKING SPOT]     www.pahikes.com www.thehikingspot.com The Hiking Spot 153 Long St. Spring Mills, PA 16875 (814) 414-0253 webmaster@pahikes.com Click on the link below to unsubscribe