CUP opens new hiking trail to public

From staff reports

Three Clarion University students including Sara Lander, a senior from Fryburg recently teamed up with the North Country Trail Association and the Clarion University Foundation to create a three-mile trail loop behind the newly constructed Suites on Main North.

The trail is free and open to the public. The trail is useable to those of all fitness levels and takes users down to a scenic view of the Clarion River.

A “grand opening” ceremony is set for April 14.

There are two designated parking places set aside for Trail Users only, along with three constructed trail signs highlighting the geography and history of the Clarion River and Clarion forests.

Lander, along with Bridget Klein, a senior from Butler, and Chelsea Lanigan, a sophomore, from Stroudsburg, each received the Civic Engagement Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year that covers a full school year of tuition.

In part of receiving the scholarship, each student must complete an individual and group community project of their choosing.

The three young ladies chose to work with the trail group and the CUP foundation to establish the trail.

Three local photographers’ photographs have been donated for use on the trail signs.

The photographers are Tiffany Smathers, owner of Tiffany Marie Photography, formerly of Clarion; Michelle Simone Turk Photography of Shippenville; and David Schmude Photography of Van.

Trail markings have been provided to help navigate new users safely and easily along the trail.

As-needed trail maintenance will be performed by students at Clarion University and the North Country Trail Association.

Formal opening

The trail is set to open Saturday, April 14.

Clarion University will host a “grand opening” walk at 2 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Everyone who attends will be taken on a guided tour of the trail.

Water and a light snack will be provided by the North Country Trail Association.

Parking is available that day in the bottom parking lot below the Suites on Main North.

Anyone who attends is welcome to bring their own snacks and refreshments if they wish and visitors can take photos of the trail.

Visitors are asked to keep pets at home for this event, but may bring pets along the trail on future outings at their own discretion.