On this special spooky episode of Hiking the Highlands the Somerset County legend of Jacob Thomas, his seven devils and hidden treasure, is explored, as well as how the myth has changed through the years ..read more

With just miles to go, Tribune-Democrat reporters Russ O'Reilly, Joshua Byers and photographer John Rucosky connect once more with GO Laurel Highlands Public Relations Director Eric Knopsnyder to finish the 70-mile journey on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in the final episode of Woodland Wanderings, a special Hiking the Highlands series ..read more

Tribune-Democrat photographer John Rucosky is back with GO Laurel Highlands Public Relations Director Eric Knopsnyder for the next section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail and this time T-D reporter Russ O'Reilly tags along for the roughly 30-mile trek. Tune in to find out how this outing went and who we run into along the way in this episode of Woodland Wanderings ..read more

In this episode of Hiking the Highlands, myself, Tribune-Democrat photographer John Rucosky and Go Laurel Highlands Director of Public Relations Eric Knopsnyder attempt a three-day backpacking trip on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail as part of a special report and partnership between the two entities. This is the first in a three-part series. Check www.tribdem.com for photos, stories, video and more ..read more

Ever wonder who planted the seed for Cambria County to grow into one of the best hiking areas in the state? It was local trail legend Laurie Lafontaine and in this episode she sits down with me at the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast in Dilltown, Indiana County, to share her story and how many of the local pathways came to be. That ranges from her position as the trails head for abandoned railways and trail development for America's Industrial Heritage Project to development of the Great Allegheny Passage, the legacy of her advocacy and much more ..read more

From Frank Loyd Wright to Buffalo Bill, a lengthy discussion about the beautiful Southwestern Pennsylvania autumns, and one of the best views on any hike I've taken. Come along with GO Laurel Highlands Director of public relations and community outreach Eric Knopsnyder and myself on the Wolf Rocks Trail at the Laurel Summit State Park in Somerset County ..read more

Out past Windber Borough in Somerset County is more than 16,000 acres of protected woodland in the Babcock Division of the Gallitzin State Forests. On this episode of Hiking the Highlands, Justin Vinglas, a recreational forester with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, guides me through the Bog and Boulder Trail off state Route 56, which lives up to its name. For more information on the Gallitzin State Forests, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests ..read more

The Great Allegheny Passage stretches from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh and picks up where the C&O Canal Towpath stops on its way from Washington, D.C. Within the more than 40 miles of the GAP in Somerset County there's roughly as many attractions for visitors to inspect, such as the Salisbury Viaduct, which provides a breathtaking view from its 101-foot height. Joining me this month to provide background on this historic path is Somerset County parks and trails Director Lindsay Baer, who some listeners may recognized from the 9/11 Trails episode. Larry Adams, county parks board mem ..read more

An introduction to all the wonders Hiking the Highlands has to offer ..read more

Tucked away in the forest surrounding the Ebensburg Municipal Authority's upper reservoir is Nathan's Divide Watershed Education Center. Dave Lester has dreamed of creating an outdoor destination for decades and in 2016 decided to make that dream a reality. Thus far, the center sports roughly five miles of trails and several educational programs for various ages. But he's not done. Lester has many more ideas for developing the area while also preserving the natural scenery. On this episode of Hiking the Highlands, the local man walks me through not only what he and numerous volunteers have acc ..read more