More than 400 riders from 21 states participated in a 200-mile, round-trip bicycle journey during July. The third annual Pennsylvania Greenway Sojourn, sponsored by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a six-day, off-road bike tour of Pennsylvania’s scenic and historical regions. Bicyclists ranging in age from 4 to 84 traveled an average of 33 miles a day at a leisurely pace, mostly on rail-trails, to enjoy breathtaking scenery and entertainment.

The Sojourn is an event celebrating open rail-trails and garnering support for future development of additional mileage. Billed as “Three Rivers to One Great Lake,” this year’s Sojourn highlighted the Allegheny River Valley which will eventually become an integral part to a 150-mile trail from Erie to Pittsburgh.

“We are excited because people from all walks of life are coming from across the nation to see our incredible network of greenways and trails,” said Tom Sexton RTC Pennsylvania field office director. “Their presence not only boosts the economy for these small cities but it also encourages the city residents to get out and enjoy the trails as well.”

Pennsylvania is host to 114 rail-trails which totals an astounding 1,185 rail-trail miles according to RTC’s new Pennsylvania Rail-Tail guidebook.

This year’s tour, through the Allegheny River Valley, began and finished in Spartansburg, Pa. Stops along the way include Titusville, Oil City, Franklin, and Foxburg. Riders enjoyed a variety of activities such as the Drake Well Museum, Oil Heritage Festival, camp amidst Victorian homes at Riverfront Park and the ribbon cutting for ten additional miles on the Allegheny River Trail.

Blackwater Falls Replacing Boardwalk

To improve safety for visitors, the boardwalk at Blackwater Falls State Park from the falls up to the patio will be replaced completely, according to Park Superintendent Rob Gilligan. The project will began Monday, August 16, and will take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Visitors may continue using the Gentle Trail overlook to view the falls while work is underway to replace the boardwalk.

“We want to let folks know that we are improving the safety of the falls access for our thousands of annual visitors,” said Gilligan. “The boardwalk was built in the early 1960s and was last refurbished in the late 1980s, so it's time to make sure this natural wonder will be accessible and safe for the next generation.”
 

WV State Record Rainbow Trout Caught

A West Virginia state record rainbow trout was caught by Mr. Aaron Propps of Covington, Virginia, according to Ed Hamrick, Director of the Division of Natural Resources. Mr. Propps caught the 29.7-inch, 13.09-pound fish from a private pond in Monroe County on June 30, 2004 using a nightcrawler as bait. Propps’ catch establishes a new West Virginia record for weight. The previous record rainbow trout was a 31.7-inch, 11.74-pound fish caught by Mr. John P. Arnett from Stonecoal Lake in 1993. Mr. Arnett's fish remains the state record for length.

Anglers who believe that they have caught a state record fish should check the record listing in the 2004 Fishing Regulations brochure. The brochure also outlines the procedures to follow for reporting their catch.
 

Wisp Hotel Completes Renovation

Wisp Mountain Resort Hotel and Conference Center has undergone a $2.5 million dollar interior and exterior renovation. Along with a new lobby design and layout, the entire hotel has been outfitted with new furnishings, wall vinyl & carpet. Electronic locks have been installed on hotel guest room doors and the meeting rooms are now equipped with hi-speed Internet capabilities & new audio / visual equipment.

The Wisp Resort Hotel’s renovation and the construction of an 8,500 sq. ft pumphouse at Wisp at Deep Creek Mountain Resort are the latest in over $13 million dollars in renovations and additions to Wisp Resort since 2001.

During the past three years, Maryland’s only four-season resort has also added two new triple chairs, beginner's ski carpet, Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park, the Savage Super Pipe, new driving range and the expansion and renovation of the Lodge which includes a new outdoor deck.

Wisp Resort lies in the heart of Garrett County, the western most and largest county in Maryland. Adjacent is Deep Creek Lake, the largest inland lake in the state, with more than 65 miles of shoreline.
 

Wisp Hotel Completes Renovation

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources State Forest and Park Service has started selling 2005 All Season Park Passes. This is a bonus because the 2005 passes may be used for the remainder of 2004.

Purchasing an All Season Pass entitles free day-use admission for up to nine passengers in a vehicle to all Maryland State Forests and Parks, free boat launching at most facilities, and 10% discount on all state-operated concessions concession items and boat rentals.

Passes may be purchased conveniently online at www.dnr.maryland.gov and at most parks. Customers having questions may contact the State Forest and Park Service’s main office at (410) 260-8186 or 1-800-830-3974.