Spring Outdoor Events

Bucks County - Tyler State Park

• Date & Time - May 12th,  1:00pm - 3:00pm

• Meeting Location - Boathouse parking lot 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Courtland Handy, Community Engagement Coordinator (cohandy@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Families will take a self-guided nature walk with Mr. Handy and other Insight PA staff members. There is a playground for families to enjoy, as well as a field for games. Bring a lunch and connect with other Insight  PA families at the picnic area.

Chester County - Hibernia Park

• Date & Time - May 19th,  12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location - In the parking lot of Hibernia County Park Blue Trailhead

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Stephanie Chesnet, 3rd Grade Teacher (schesnet@insightpa.org) and Courtland Handy, CEC (cohandy@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Come join other Insight PA Students for a walk through nature. We'll get a chance to see wildlife alongside a bubbling creek. There are portable bathrooms along the trail. Bring a camping chair or blanket and your lunch and join us on the lawn after the hike.

Delaware County - Ridley Creek State Park

• Date & Time - April 21st, 10:00am - 12:00pm

• Meeting Location - Picnic Area 8 Pavillon (Behind Horse Stables) 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Courtland Handy, CEC (cohandy@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Elementary students will participate in a nature program led by park naturalists. MS/HS students will take a self-guided nature walk with Mr. Handy and other Insight PA staff members. Families will also be able to enjoy the playground. Bring a lunch and connect with other Insight  PA families at the picnic area. 

(CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER) Montgomery County - Fort Washington State Park

• Date & Time - April 28th, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

• Meeting Location - Lot 3 Playfield Picnic area (On State Rd,  Lot 3 is your first left toward Playfield picnic area)

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Courtland Handy, CEC (cohandy@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - We will start our adventure with lunch at the Playfield Picnic area, giving students and families a chance to connect before we begin our hike. Once we are done, we will head to the  Disc Golf Course to start a 1-mile loop paved hiking trail. This easy self-guided trail finishes at the Playfield picnic area, where students and families can continue socializing and connecting. Please bring your own lunch and water and wear study shoes for our hike.

Montgomery County - Valley Forge National Park

• Date & Time - April 21st, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location - Visitor Center

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Kate Mrakovich, MS Science (kmrakovich@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Discover nature and history at Valley Forge National Park!  Mrs. Mrakovich was a Park Ranger before becoming a teacher and will lead a hike that includes the history and nature of the area.  Please bring water and wear comfortable shoes.  (This event is best suited for MS and HS students.)

Philadelphia County - Fairmount Park East

• Date & Time - May 5th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

• Meeting Location - In front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, near the Rocky Statue

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Courtland Handy, CEC (cohandy@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Mr. Handy and other Insight PA staff members will lead families on a walking tour along the Schuylkill River Trail and Boxer's Trail, finishing at the Smith Memorial Playground. Bring a lunch and connect with other Insight  PA families at the picnic area.

Berks County - Gring's Mill Recreation Area

• Date & Time - May 12th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm 

• Meeting Location - 2083 Tulpehocken Rd. Reading, PA 19610 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Allison Dracha, MS Instructional Data Coach (aldracha@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - We will begin and end our hike at Grings Mill and hike a small portion of the Union Canal Trail. The section we are hiking is considered an easy hike and is 1.75 miles long. Please wear hiking shoes or sneakers with good traction and bring water. There is also a playground for families to enjoy.

York County - Gifford Pinchot State Park 

• Date & Time - April 14th, 10:00am - 1:00pm  

• Meeting Location - Conewago Day Use Area (1202 Alpine Road, Wellsville, PA)

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Alexandria Creamer, Academic Admin Assistant (acreamer@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - We will explore the trails in the Conewago Day Use area. Be sure to  dress for the weather, with layers for comfort and to stay dry! Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes that may possibly get a little muddy. Bring your own water bottle.

Allegheny County - Frick Park

• Date & Time - May 26th,  11:00 am - 1:00 pm (New date!)

• Meeting Location - Blue slide playground, Use the parking lot on English Lane

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Kimberly Bailey, Elementary Teacher (kbailey@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Enjoy an afternoon in the park! Bring your own picnic lunch and blanket to enjoy lunch and the park with your friends. Don't forget to bring a piece of cardboard to sit on while going down the blue slide! (This event is best suited for Elementary students.)

Allegheny County - Frick Park

• Date & Time - May 12th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 

• Meeting Location - Frick Park Clay Court Tennis Club parking lot (the lot is to the left of the courts on S Braddock Avenue)

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Brittany Sanden, HS Chemistry (bsanden@insightpa.org) and Jeremy Bassett, HS Chemistry (jbassett@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Join us for a walk in the park! Two avid hikers will guide you through Frick's natural wonder and help you explore the great outdoors on a series of connected trails! Please wear good walking shoes and bring water with you. If it rains ahead of this event, there may be parts of the trail that are muddy. There is a bathroom and areas to rest onsite. (This event is best suited for MS & HS students.

Allegheny County - Rachel Carson Trail

• Date & Time -  May 12th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location - Emmerling Park, in the parking lot. The Parking lot is across from Founders Field (soccer fields). 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Brittany Woodcock, MS Special Ed Teacher (bwoodcock@insightpa.org) 

• Additional Information - We will be hiking a small portion of the Rachel Carson trail - about one mile out and back. The trail travels uphill, so we will take breaks as needed. Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers and bring water and a snack. (This evens is best suited for MS & HS students.)

Allegheny County - South Park

• Date & Time - May 26th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location - Alabama Pavillion

• Insight PA Staff Hosts - Vince Ciaramella, HS History (vciaramella@insightpa.org) and Kim Spurgeon, HS Science (kspurgeon@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Come check out a lost wonder of the early 20th century hidden in the woods of South Park, PA. Get your Indiana Jones on and hike an easy trail to take in some history. The Vale of Cashmere awaits! In case it rains the night before, the trail might be a little muddy - wear shoes that are comfortable that you don't mind getting muddy if the trail is wet.

Beaver County - Raccoon State Park

• Date & Time - April 21st, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

• Meeting Location - Wildflower Reserve section of Raccoon Creek State Park (482 US 30 Clinton, PA 15026)

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Kelly Schmidt, 4th Grade Advisor (keschmidt@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Take a guided wildflower walk through Raccoon State Park! This 1.25 mile walk takes between 1.5 - 2 hours and includes a hill. Depending on the weather before the hike, some sections of the trail can be muddy. Please wear sturdy shoes you don't mind getting dirty! Bring water and a light snack or lunch.

(CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER) Beaver County - Raccoon State Park

• Date & Time - April 28th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location - Mineral Springs Pull In (on the bridge)

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Rachel Roberts, HS Paraprofessional (rroberts@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Join us for a Hike through History at the Raccoon Creek Mineral Springs. Please wear weather appropriate clothing, along with things you do not mind getting wet. The trail goes up a dirt road and borders a creek that we will be walking through on the way down. There is a waterfall, along with opportunities for epic pictures. (This event is best suited for MS & HS students.)

 (CANCELED) Blair  County - Canoe Creek State Park

• Date & Time - May 26th,  12:00pm - 3:00pm

• Meeting Location - Park in the main lot. At the stop sign, make a left and park in front of the pavilion. Head over to the pavilion for sign in and lunch. 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Kristin Seidel, Community Engagement Coordinator (krseidel@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Grab your lunch and meet your Insight PA Community Engagement Coordinator at the Pavilion for lunch from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Once we are done, we will head over to the Education Center and meet with our PA State Park guide, Heidi and hike through the Canoe State Park. It is encouraged that all members of our group wear sturdy footwear (hiking boots or sneakers with some traction). Everyone should bring a bottle of water and a manageable way of carrying it. 

Lackawanna County - Nay Aug Park 

• Date & Time - May 5th,  12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location -  Hanlon’s Grove 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Lacey Olbryk, MS Special Ed Teacher (lolbryk@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Discover the nature in your community while meeting other Insight PA students and staff! A guide will lead the way and help us explore the outdoors. There is a playground and areas to take breaks. Street Cats & Dogs, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the population of stray animals, is located at the park and attendees are welcome to bring donations if they would like. Please visit this site to view a list of items they need.

Luzerne  County - Hickory Run State Park

• Date & Time - May 12th,  12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location - We will meet in the parking lot of the Fireline Trailhead off of route 534 in White Haven. 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Kristin Seidel, CEC (krseidel@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Come join Hickory Run State Park Environmental Educator, Jake Smith for a hike on the Fireline Trailhead off Route 534. This is a this 2.8-mile out-and-back trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 15 min to complete. It is encourgaed that all members of our group wear sturdy footwear (hiking boots or sneakers with some traction). Everyone should bring a bottle of water and a manageable way of carrying it. After the hike, Jake will offer anyone that would like to follow him over to the office an opportunity to explore the exhibit hall. 

Northampton  County - Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

• Date & Time - May 5th,  12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location -  Park at B6 off of Belfast Road and meet at the amphitheater.

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Kristin Seidel, CEC (krseidel@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - We will be hiking the Henry's Wood Trail.  This trail is two miles long and takes about an hour. It is encourgaed that all members of our group wear sturdy footwear (hiking boots or sneakers with some traction). Everyone should bring a bottle of water and a manageable way of carrying it.

Centre County - Black Moshannon State Park 

• Date & Time - April 14th, 12:00pm - 3:00pm 

• Meeting Location - 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866 (Pavillion #4)

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Christa Harper, HS Biology (charper@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Join us out at Black Moshannon State Park for an afternoon of exploration and adventure! Several trail options will be available, from flat short loops offering views of the lake to more challenging hikes through hemlock right forests and woodlands of cherry and oak. 

(CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER) Columbia County - Ricketts Glen State Park

• Date & Time - April 28th, 10:00am - 12:00 pm 

• Meeting Location - Evergreen Parking Area off of Route 118.

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Kristin Seidel, Community Engagement Coordinator (krseidel@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - We will be hiking the Evergreen Trail, a 1-mile loop appropriate for all levels of hikers. This self-guided trail takes visitors into an old growth forest, one of the few remaining in all of Pennsylvania. The trail descends to Adams Falls, the park's 22nd named waterfall. Continuing down the path, a self-guided nature tour with kid friendly signs can be found. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water that you can carry with you.

(CANCELED) Lycoming County - Jacoby Falls Trail at Loyalsock State Forest

• Date & Time - April 28th 12:00pm - 3:00pm 

• Meeting Location - Parking Area (by the trail head) 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Brett Witmer, Student Resource Specialist (bwitmer@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Beginning at the Cotner Farm, this trail travels moderately steep terrain for 1.6 miles before arriving at the beautiful Jacoby Falls. The trail is just over 4 miles roundtrip and can be completed within three hours even when stopping periodically to enjoy the sights. At times, the trail can be slippery. Please wear study shoes and considering bring an extra pair of (dry!) socks and shoes. (This event is best suited for MS and HS students.)

Sullivan County - Worlds End State Park 

• Date & Time - April 21st,  10:00am - 1:00pm 

• Meeting Location - Visitors Center/Park Office

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Ariel  Crawford, HS English (acrawford@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information : Our Worlds End State Park Hike will be a 2.5 mile trail hike with sample sections of three connecting trails in the park - the High Rock, Flynn, and Butternut trails. While these three trails are all considered difficult because of the steep, rugged conditions, our route will only be moderately difficult with a couple of steep, rocky sections. Attendees must wear study footwear (hiking boots or sneakers with some traction) and should bring a bottle of water and a manageable way of carrying it. The trails will take the group through forested park lands to a scenic vista. We will cross a headwater stream and see some early spring wildflowers and a variety of songbirds along the way. We can stop to enjoy scenery and take photos, so bring a camera, sketchpad, or notebook if you’d like! Attendees are encouraged to pack a lunch. (This event is best suited for MS & HS students.)

Elk County - Benzinger Park

• Date & Time - May 12th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Meeting Location -  Main Office Building 

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Brandee Nearing, Registrar (brnearing@insightpa.org) and Jessica Fritz, Student Resource Specialist (jfritz@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Benzinger Park has a beautiful nature trail, as well as basketball courts, a tennis court, volleyball net, soccer field, and softball field. We will bring a basketball and volleyball for all to enjoy. There is also a very nice playground area, along with a covered pavilion to eat lunch. Please bring a bagged lunch and drink with you. There are restrooms in the main building.

Lawrence County - McConnells Mill State Park

• Date & Time - April 21st, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

• Meeting Location - TBD

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Bailey Annis, HS Special Ed (bannis@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - We will be hiking the Hells Hollow Trail. Beginning at Hells Hollow parking lot, this trail crosses Hell Run on the way to a lime kiln and Hells Hollow Falls. Although the main trail is smooth and level, the section by the waterfall can be slippery. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring water with you.

Mercer County - Maurice K. Goddard State Park (Lake Wilhelm)

• Date & Time - May 19th, 12:00pm - 3:00pm

• Meeting Location - Main parking lot at the marina

• Insight PA Staff Host(s) - Beth Habbyshaw, HS Transition Coordinator (ehabbyshaw@insightpa.org) and Christina Sowa, Transition Coordinator (cscotillo-sowa@insightpa.org)

• Additional Information - Take a hike around beautiful Lake Wilhelm at Maurice K. Goddard State Park with other Insight PA students and families! We will lead the way and help you explore the outdoors. There are bathrooms located at the marina and at some points along the trail. The trail is paved with some hilly parts. Hiking boots are not required, but sneakers/tennis shoes are strongly recommended! (This event is best suited for MS & HS students.)