Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced the agencies’ Recovery in Nature initiative, which 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 across the Commonwealth.
The goal of National Recovery Month is to come together, celebrate individuals in recovery, and offer hope to those who are struggling with SUD. It reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from the disease of addiction.
“We know that for those in recovery from a substance use disorder, spending time in nature can be a powerful tool in their journey and provide a boost in both mental and physical health,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “DDAP is proud to partner with DCNR to spotlight the natural beauty and opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer, especially within our regional recovery hubs during such a meaningful time of year.”
There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to embed, expand, and promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, which is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is 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 waterway within a state park or trail system near each regional recovery hub. A number of the trails are included within Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign. All recommended locations below are recommended for Pennsylvanians to take advantage of throughout the entire month of September.
“Trails not only connect one place to another, they connect people to nature and the enjoyment of our state parks and forests which has benefits for our health,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Nature can help heal and Pennsylvanians are fortunate that there are hundreds of state and local parks and thousands of miles of trails that are waiting for them to explore.”
Region 1: Philadelphia
- Benjamin Rush Trail System, Benjamin Rush State Park
- All of the more than three miles of trails at Benjamin Rush State Park are connected, creating a hike to be as long or short as hikers like. The gravel, multi-use trails wind through forested areas and meadows.
Region 2: Allegheny County
- Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Point State Park
- This one-mile trail section within Point State Park has scenic views of the Allegheny River, Pittsburgh bridges, and the city’s north shore. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a pedestrian trail and greenway system in the Pittsburgh area, covering 37 miles along both sides of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers.
Region 3: Erie County
- Graveyard Pond Trail, Presque Isle State Park
- This three-quarter mile out-and-back-trail follows the shoreline along Graveyard Pond, which legend says was the final resting place for many of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s men during the winters of 1812-1814.
- In addition, on Thursday, September 19, the Erie County Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, which is DDAP’s Region 3 recovery hub, will be hosting a kayaking event to celebrate Recovery Month.
Region 4: Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Delaware, and Schuylkill counties
- Mill Race Trail, Evansburg State Park, Montgomery County
- This one-and-a-half-mile trail is designed for easy walking and is a shaded trail that loops through the woods.
Region 5: York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Huntington, Mifflin, Juniata, and Blair counties
- Doubling Gap Nature Trail, Colonel Denning State Park, Perry County
- Beginning and ending at Doubling Gap Lake, this one-mile self-guided loop trail has several informational panels about the natural history of the area.
- In addition, on Wednesday, September 25, the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association, which is DDAP’s Region 5 recovery hub, will be hosting a recovery-based hike along the loop. There will be a mid-point stop along the trail for recovery story sharing and a wellness-based activity.
Region 6: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette, and Somerset counties
- Copper Kettle Trail, Laurel Hill State Park, Somerset County
- This crushed stone bike trail is about one mile and meanders along the western shoreline of Laurel Hill Lake. It connects Old Mill Picnic Area and the beach area, provides excellent fishing access, and allows visitors to explore the park while bicycling or walking.
Region 7: Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, and Clearfield counties
- Middle Allegheny River Water Trail, Warren, Forest, and Venango counties.
- Enjoy a leisurely float or paddle along all or part of the Middle Allegheny River Water Trail, a 107-mile stretch of river canoeable year-round that’s both beginner and family-friendly.
Region 8: Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia, and Northumberland counties
- Double Run Nature Trail, Worlds End State Park, Sullivan County
- A one-and-a-half-mile loop trail begins and ends on PA 154 across from the park chapel. In Loyalsock State Forest, it travels through rich, fertile woodlands along the west branch of Double Run, which has waterfalls and pools.
Region 9: Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, and Northampton counties
- D&L Trail from Lehigh Gorge State Park to Jim Thorpe, Carbon County
- To access this section of trail, which is just over two miles one way, use the Lehigh Gorge State Park – Glen Onoko Access parking. Travel from there to downtown Jim Thorpe via the Nesquehoning Trestle that provides stunning views as it crosses the Lehigh River below.
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.
Surveys for DCNR’s statewide outdoor recreation plan show that 65 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that trails and parks are an essential component of our health care system, and 55 percent believe outdoor recreation should be prescribed by a doctor to deal with health issues.
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).