This post is a bit overdue, but I wanted to share my thoughts on my not-so-recent trip to Moraine State Park (March 2016). First off, here are some stats:

• Moraine State Park is located in Butler County, PA. It’s at the intersection of Interstate 79 and State Route 422.
• The main feature of Moraine is the spectacular Lake Arthur. A man-made lake formed by impounding Muddy Creek.
• Moraine State Park’s recreational activities include boating, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. (All of which I plan to do more of this summer!)

To start off my day, I hiked part of the Wyggeston Trail. This trail is located just off State Route 528 at the intersection of Christley Road. The trail is rated moderate to difficult. It supposedly passes through an undeveloped part of the park that includes historic remnants of an old house foundation, stone fences, and a historic oil pump house, but I didn’t hike far enough to see that!

• I’ll be honest, I wasn’t super impressed with this trail. Maybe because it was early spring and the landscape was very brown, or it could possibly be that it was too muddy. I definitely recommend (and I’ll be taking my own advice on this,) checking this place out. I think that I may have just hit the trail at a weird time, so I’ll be going back to give it a second chance!

After stopping for gas and grabbing a quick snack, I headed over to the Sunken Garden Trail. At a moderate hiking level, and about 3 miles, this trail was a definitely my favorite of the day. I shall repeat myself by saying that it was un-impressively muddy, but this trail has some pretty awesome views that won me over.

The trail starts off through a wooden area and opens up to an almost swampy setting. (Not as swampy as Buzzard Swamps, but pretty swampy, I must say!). I really did hit Moraine at a strange time, because it wasn’t as stunning as I am accustomed to. (The Alleghenies have spoiled me with their beauty!) Although, when the trail reached the shores of Lake Arthur, I was impressed. I wish that the trail had benches, or even some clean logs, that I could have sat on and just enjoyed being in nature.

I finished my day by relaxing at one of the many boat launches, and just enjoying the sun and beautiful weather. Moraine State Park has so many hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered, and I can’t wait to find them! I also hear that Moraine has an annual Regatta, so I’m also pretty excited for that!

*Life Update*

• So my first semester at community college is almost to an end, and I am so thrilled to have the summer wide open for travel plans. There are so many state parks that I want to see this summer! I’ve also decided to take another huge leap of faith and attend a private, 4-year school next fall! Things are looking up:)
• Also, I’ve been thinking a lot about this past year and how crazy it’s been, so Thank You to all the people that still read this crazy, weird blog I have. YOU ROCK!

xoxo