Located approximately 10 minutes from the heart of State College, the trails at Boal Mansion are the site of ClearWater Conservancy’s Centred Outdoors program this coming week. Through free, guided hikes and Wellness Wednesday, attendees will be able to experience local history.
Bob Cameron has retired as director of the Boal Mansion Museum, but he said he’s “always (had) a passion for the outdoors,” and will lead two of the four guided hikes being offered.
Cameron, now COO of Phiex Technologies, said Boal Mansion houses approximately three miles of mulched trails. However, the guided hikes will probably cover around one mile.
“But, if hikers want to do more, there will certainly be that opportunity,” Cameron said.
The informative hikes will be offered from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, as well as 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. Cameron will lead Sunday’s outing and Bridget Whyte, ClearWater’s adventure coordinator, will lead Thursday’s outing.
Cameron explained that the majority of the trails are level, and there’s only one stretch of the hike that has a “slight gradient” and will be more of a “moderate” level for a couple hundred feet.
The hiking route will span three of the trails with “wide-ranging habitats,” including the new Blue Spring Trail that goes right along the stream and into the wetlands, according to Cameron, which is his favorite trail. Participants will hike the West Main Trail and connect to the Outer Loop as well, he said.
“They are going to be (transported) from our little urban area to the wilds of Pennsylvania… you’re out in the middle of nowhere,” Cameron said. “It really is cool that we have this little 48-acre oasis right in the middle of our urban area.”
There are various educational boards along the trails for hikers to discover local Boalsburg history, and most are a result of Eagle Scout projects.
The types of hikers who show up will “dictate” what the discussions are during the excursions, Cameron said, but he’s hoping to discuss the tree species diversity found on the Boal Mansion grounds, as well as various plants and insects. Cameron said he planted around 3,000 trees and shrubs over the seven years he worked there.
Though Cameron has not observed any ticks, he encouraged participants to apply a spray deterrent and tuck their pants into their socks, which will also help with mosquitos.
Centred Outdoors recommends using a water bottle that can hold at least 32 ounces or more per adult and “sturdy shoes,” according to its website. Cameron said there’s an outdoor sink, but that it would be best if attendees bring their own.
And for those who are interested in participating in the guided walks but don’t have gear, such as trekking poles, child carriers and day packs, reservations can be made online through Centred Outdoors’ Gear Library. The form must be filled out at least two days prior to the event.
Those participating in the informative hikes should park and meet near the Boal Barn Playhouse, where Cameron said there’s a trailhead near the mulch piles.
For those interested in an alternative to the guided hikes, Wellness Wednesday: Yoga and Outdoor Mindfulness will be offered from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
The event is presented by Stephanie Koller and co-sponsored by the Centre County Community Diversity Group, and it will include “elements of yoga, qigong and sound healing,” according to the event description.
All ability levels are welcome. There is a free van shuttle service available from State College for the wellness event, with a limited number of seats. Reservations are required through the Centred Outdoors website.
More information about upcoming events through Centred Outdoors can be found here. There will continue to be free, guided hikes offered to the public throughout the summer to encourage Centre County residents to spend more time outdoors.
