Posts Tagged ‘nature’

Lost Turkey Trail

Published Monday, June 27th, 2011

Our area’s forests and parks offer trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities and interests. From those out for a casual stroll or bike ride to those looking for a longer, more challenging hike. The Lost Turkey Trail can offer something for everyone in this spectrum. For casual hikers, consider traveling a small section of this 26 mile trail, perhaps starting at the southwestern trailhead where you can hike along Pot Ridge. The more experienced, adventurous hiker can attempt to take on the trail in its entirety. (more…)

The Sunken Gardens of Mount Assisi

Published Friday, August 20th, 2010

A beautiful sanctuary lies alongside St. Francis University, in Loretto, PA. Within the walls of the Sunken Gardens of Mount Assisi, visitors are treated to an expanse filled with a variety of neatly groomed plants and flowers, fish ponds and fountains, religious statues and a rock garden.

The grounds, considered to be an Italian formal garden, are meticulously cared for by the Franciscan Friars of the T.O.R. Each side of the garden is bookended with long stone walls, topped with foliage-covered pergolas. At the center is a large pool that captures the reflection of the former Charles Schwab limestone mansion.

There is as much variety among the garden’s visitors as there is among the foliage. During our visit we struck up conversations with several plein air painters, witnessed a bridal party in search of the perfect spot for a wedding day photograph and were surrounded by everyone from young families to senior citizens enjoying a sunny Saturday walk.

A collection of photographs, courtesy of Johnstown photographer Shawn Schmalz, can be found on our Johnstown, PA-themed Flickr.

The Sunken Gardens are located just off of Manor Drive (State Route 1001) in Loretto, PA (click here for a map to the Sunken Gardens of Mount Assisi) and are open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. More information is available by calling (814) 472-8971.

Ghost Town Trail

Published Thursday, October 29th, 2009

The crisp, cool weather of fall in Pennsylvania has already set in. It’s a great time to go for a long walk or bike ride – a final glimpse of the autumn colors and a final chance to enjoy the outdoors without needing to think about snow boots and gloves. And what could be more appropriate for the dwindling autumn season than the Ghost Town Trail?

With 36 miles of gravel trail, and many access points throughout the area, the trail is well-equipped for a casual afternoon bike ride or an all-day hike. The trail is one of many rail trails in our region, having been converted from the railways once connecting company towns, furnaces, and mines that have since been abandoned. Though little remains of these towns today, a walk down the trail is still a walk through western Pennsylvania’s industrial past.

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