#16: Visited Moraine State Park

Though I have seen the signs everywhere during my four years at SRU, I had never visited Moraine State Park until this past week, and I am now obsessed. Moraine is definitely the place to go if you want to hang out with good friends in the sun, want some family time in nature, or just want some alone time enjoying life away from everyone and everything. Moraine state park is one of Pennsylvania's state parks that stretches across 16,725 acres resting in Brady, Franklin, Muddy Creek, Clay, and Worth Townships within Butler County. I have learned that you can come to the park for their beach, for boats and fishing in the water, for amazing hiking trails, and fantastic bike trails.

Here is a series of pictures I took when I reached the beach on my first day after biking half of the 7.5 mile long paved bike trail, which you can also hike on if you choose. The Moraine bike trail is as I said, 7.5 miles long and paved, and a one way path meaning that it is 7.5 miles to the end and then 7.5 miles back, so it does not loop around, which is fantastic for most bikers. On this trail, which I have now biked half of it multiple times since I enjoy biking to the beach and then hanging out there in the sun for a few hours, is positively gorgeous.

 I have seen the cute families taking a bike ride for the day as well as couples of all ages, running from as young as teenagers to as old as well into life, simply enjoying the weather and scenery. I have also seen the competitive riders working on their speed and exercise habits as well as groups of great friends and the solo riders getting away from life for a bit. The trail is relatively easy to ride, so an amateur cyclist who has not ridden in years should not die from exhaustion, because the paved trail is relatively flat for being in what I consider the mountains with various slight inclines and a few deep slopes and hills. Also anyone on the trail is more than welcome to stop and turn around at any point in their ride. For me the best part of riding the trails is the

sights, smells, and overall aura of being thrown into nature and hiding from society for a bit each day or week. As you can tell from some of the pictures the trails primarily flow with nature versus cut through it like most roads and highways do these days. This adds to the mindset of being out and about and away from the craziness of society and really lets you think out anything that is on your mind as you travel through the woods. Of course as you can see I am fascinated by the sights because they are so different to what I am used to from being from New Jersey which may

 sound crazy to you since you are thinking that all woods are alike, but they are not. I'm from South Jersey which for starters is flat as
flat gets. So what you would call as normal terrain I call hills, and your version of hills to me are mountains. Also, the area of South Jersey I am from is also known as the Pine Barrens, so most of the trees I am typically surrounded by are, shocker, pine trees as well as various other plants and trees that I did not see so much in Moraine which adds to the change of scenery as well.

Another aspect of riding along the bike trail that I loved was that parts of it run along the water, and it was beautiful. Each time I came to a point in the trail where I passed the water's edge I had to pause and just look and truly see how massive Moraine State Park really is. Another fantastic perk for those who are like me, and burn at the
 thought of the sun, is that most of the trail is relatively shady due to the canopy above you from the trees. Obviously there are some break points where the sun peeks through or you can break out of the forest for a loop or two as you pass a tent/cabin area for campers, but otherwise the trail is primarily shady so don't have too much fear of becoming a lobster on the 14.5 mile bike

ride if you plan on doing the whole trail. And
also if you do not have your own bike it's no
problem because at the beginning of the trail
 is a bike rental spot that opens at 11:00. I do not know how much it costs though since I have a bike, but I see lots of renters on the trails so I'm sure it is not an arm and a leg, and whatever the price may be it is totally worth it! Also I have noticed that they have a variety of bikes from standard bikes to mountain bikes, bikes with baskets to hold your stuff, bikes with additional connections for two-riders, and bikes with children's seats on the back. So what ever may be your situation and group, I am sure you will have no trouble finding a bike to use there. They also sells snacks and drinks at the rental shop as well as have restrooms at the beginning of the trail and at various points throughout the trail for anyone who needs to stop.

And finally the best part is the wild life. You will see some critters who at the sight of you will run and scamper off into the forest, and others who will give you the approving head nod saying 'sup' as you ride on past. Which ever it is you may encounter, you will see wildlife from as small as birds and insects to as large as dear and possibly black bear who inhabit the area. On my last ride I had the experience of seeing a family of turkeys, parents were not too excited about me though and hurried the 'kiddies' along, as well as a young buck. From the picture you can tell who approved of my passing by.

I know I have written primarily about the bike trail but do not forget that there are hiking trails throughout the park that are also easy to get along through whether with friends/family or solo, and the trails have just as many beautiful sights if not more. So do not be afraid to grab a pair of comfy clothes and shoes, possibly some good friends or family, an rent a bike or pick a trail or grab a spot of the beach, I've done all and they are all beautiful and relaxing. Can't wait for my next adventure!