Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced the agencies’ second annual Recovery in Nature sites within Pennsylvania’s state park system. The initiative will run throughout the month of September in conjunction with National Recovery Month.
Recovery in Nature is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature - particularly for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) - and encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of trails and waterways throughout the Commonwealth’s state parks.
“Spending time in nature can be such a powerful and inspirational part of someone’s journey recovering from a substance use disorder,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “DDAP is proud to partner with DCNR again to spotlight the natural beauty and opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer, especially within our regional recovery hubs, and during such a meaningful month of the year.”
There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to coordinate a network of community-based services and supports that are person-centered, with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals in recovery from SUD.
DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or trail system within a state park near each regional recovery hub. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take advantage of the recommended locations throughout the entire month of September.
“Pennsylvania’s state parks offer more than recreation — they are vital spaces for personal growth and healing. There is hope in a sunrise, and peace in the woods,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “By supporting Recovery in Nature, DCNR is proud to contribute to a statewide effort that underscores the connection to outdoor access for individuals on the path to recovery.”
Region 1: Philadelphia
- River Walk, Neshaminy State Park
- The river walk trail takes hikers alongside the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. Visitors can observe scenic views of the water and the Philadelphia skyline.
Region 2: Allegheny County
- Wildflower Reserve Trail System, Raccoon Creek State Park
- More than 700 species of plants can be found along the more than four miles of trails, between a variety of habitats including oak-hickory forest, pine plantations, meadows, and riparian forest.
Region 3: Erie County
- Bluffs Edge Trail, Erie Bluffs State Park
- Traveling along the bluffs edge, there are two overlooks with views of Lake Erie along the trail.
Region 4: Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Delaware, and Schuylkill counties
- Mink Trail, Nockamixon State Park
- Accessed from either the parking lot off Old Ridge Road or from the parking lot on Mink Road, this hiking and equestrian trail loops along the south shore east of Church Trail through forested areas and grass fields.
Region 5: York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Huntington, Mifflin, Juniata, and Blair counties
- Pond Loop Trail, Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area
- This one-mile loop trail skirts the spring-fed pond which is a popular watering hole for wildlife.
Region 6: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette, and Somerset counties
- Lakeside Loop, Keystone State Park
- The two-mile lakeside trail is an ideal trail for the whole family to explore Keystone State Park. It circles Keystone Lake and offers views through various ecosystems. These ecosystems are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot birds, fish, reptiles, pollinating insects, and more.
Region 7: Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, and Clearfield counties
- Lowlands Trail, Sinnemahoning State Park
- The Lowlands Trail follows the course of the First Fork through five miles of the park, passing through open fields, shrubby riparian zones, and mature, towering forests. This scenic trail was originally part of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad bed.
- In addition, on Thursday, September 11, the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc., which is DDAP’s Region 7 recovery hub, will be hosting a guided hike and recovery-related event to celebrate Recovery Month at the park.
Region 8: Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia, and Northumberland counties
- Beaver Haven Nature Trail, Ole Bull State Park
- This nearly two-mile loop travels along many riparian wetlands and past a large beaver pond. It offers many options for shorter and longer loops and out and back hiking. It may be accessed in many locations throughout the park.
Region 9: Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, and Northampton counties
- Lake Shore Trail, Frances Slocum State Park
- This trail begins at the Campground Road bridge or in the Big Pines Picnic Area and offers a peaceful walk along the water’s edge of the Lake Shore Trail.
Across all systems, Pennsylvania currently has more than 12,000 miles of trails that offer activities such as walking, biking, and horseback riding.
Trails are free outdoor recreation and important to health because:
- Their walkable access motivates people to participate in physical activity and to do so more frequently;
- Trails encourage physical activity that can improve heart health; and
- Parks and trails can provide safe spaces for people to play and exercise, away from busy streets and commercial zones.
DCNR requires all state park officers to be trained in administering naloxone and to carry a naloxone kit including a pair of gloves, two prefilled, needleless intranasal devices and a carrying case while on duty at DCNR’s state parks. Additionally, many state parks have posted signage containing help for individuals struggling with the disease of addiction, such as avenues to get naloxone, resources for finding SUD treatment, and educational tools.
Individuals seeking SUD treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can be connected to local resources by visiting treatmentatlas.org or by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
EDITOR NOTE: File photos of DDAP/DCNR hikes can be obtained by emailing ra-dapressoffice@pa.gov
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