Saturday Trips
* All trips leave campground 9:00 AM. (Except horseback riding at 10:00 AM)
Leaders and participants meet in field in front of the small brown lodge.
A signpost will have your trip name on it. Go there even if leader is not there yet !!
Leaders will also hold a white folder with the trip name .
Be on time or trip may leave without you.
* Make sure you have water, bag lunch, raingear, and sunscreen.
Workshops & Children’s Activities meet near Group Campfire area in the white carports.
(9:00 AM for morning session and 1:00 PM for afternoon session)
1. Horseback Riding –Nearby Pleasant Valley Stables
This trip leaves the campground with a leader at 10 AM instead of 9AM when other trips leave. Reason is
stables open at that time. Ride the trails throughout the countryside on your own and as long as you want.
Pay the owner by the hour and it gets a little cheaper the more hours you ride. (Last year first hour was $15.)
2. Easy Hike & Video– North Country Trail (3-4 miles)
(leader Ron Rice)
Begin the day with a video at the campground explaining the National Scenic North Country Trail that goes
west to east from North Dakota to New York. It will be twice as long as the Appalachian Trail when finished.
Ron will take you on an easy hike afterwards in Mc Connells Mill State Park. You will start on Alpha Pass and
hike past the Mill over the Covered Bridge to Eckert Bridge .Cross Eckert Bridge and then return to the Mill on
the Kildoo Trail to end back at Alpha Pass .No shuttle ! Lots to see and easy to hike. If time, you will stop and
see the Mill in operation making flour from grain.
3. Intermediate Hike - Hells Hollow Hike (6- 8 miles)
(leader Mike Fallon)
“Hell of a Hike” in McConnells Mill State Park. Up and down, up and down, and along the creek But,
it is unbelievably beautiful. It is part of the North Country Trail. Follows Hells Run Gorge and then along
Slippery Rock Creek. Several falls along the way. Outstanding scenery! This is a must if you haven’t done it.
4. Advanced Hike – Slippery Rock Gorge ( 12 miles)
(leader David Barndollar)
This will be a loop hike in McConnells Mill State Park. We will follow ridges to bridges & go along Slippery
Rock Creek. We will follow marked trails, unmarked trails, and do some bushwhacking from Cleland Rock
to Harris Bridge to Slippery Rock Gorge trail and then across Eckert Bridge. Similar to the intermediate hike
but you will see both sides of the gorge. Outstanding scenery as described above but this hike is for the “hiker”
who wants to put on some miles while he hikes a beautiful gorge.
5. Road Bike Trip – George Junior Loop (29 miles)
(leaders Patty and Steve Brunner)
It's a nice ride on roads that either have an ample shoulder to ride or are in low traffic back country areas.
You'll enjoy rural western Pennsylvania and have a comfortable workout in the process. There are
some hills, but none of them are "killers" as some trip leaders call them.
6. Road Bike Trip - Lake Wilhelm-Greenville loop (35 miles)
(Leader Dale Vilsack)
For those who want to put some miles on biking the rural countryside near Lake Wilhelm.
It will leave Lake Wilhelm Marina in Sandy Lake. The ride will be relatively flat with one small hill.
We will be on minimally traveled roads. All roads will be blacktop. Last part of trip is downhill.
7. Paved Bike Trail – Sandy Creek Trail ( Choice of 16 or 26 miles)
(leaders Jean & Dave Adams)
The Sandy Creek Ride has easy riding 8 miles of paved asphalt surface, 5 bridges and a tunnel (the roof
has been lined cement arches). Going out and back will be a 16 mile ride, but beginners can go as far as
you want and turn around to enjoy a downhill trip back to the river. The trail winds along East Sandy Creek
through some of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular hills, valleys and forest. There is a slight uphill grade
from the Allegheny River to Van, but its downhill all the way back to the river. It crosses the Allegheny River
at the Belmar Bridge, 1385 ft long, with a wooden deck and a great view of the river valley. This is almost
entirely undeveloped, remote and of great natural beauty. Bring your own food, water, spare tire and pump.
There are no facilities on the trail. Those wanting to ride more can ride North along the Allegheny River
5 miles to Franklin and back.
8. Canoe/Kayak Keystone Lake
(Beginners or Experienced)
(Leader Linda Xenophontos) (co leaders Dennis Fleeson and Woody Kirby)
We will explore the lake and all the little fingers of the lake with Linda. She lives near the lake and goes
there all the time and claims it is a beautiful lake. This has never been done at the Extravaganza before.
Go for it !!!!
9. Canoe/Kayak Connequenessing Creek - Class C ( ? miles)
(Beginners)
(leaders Paul Henry & Joyce Appel) (co-leader Pat Vilsack & Tim Dunn)
We will be doing a pretty section of the creek that has never been done at the Extravaganza .
10. Canoe/Kayak Connequenessing Creek – Class I ( 11-13 miles)
(Experienced only)
(leaders Russ Tague & Vickie Gotaskie) (co-leaders Dana & Scott Workman)
We will be doing the same stream but a different section and a little more challenging.
Connequenessing Creek from Zelionople down stream to Country Club/Fresco.
Class I drop, run a chute on a rock dam, paddle through a rather scenic steep gorge, along with
some flat water stretches. Have seen geese, herons and deer on this stretch before.
11. Rock Climb at McConnells Mill State Park –(beginner or experienced)
(leader Jeff Dunn)
Equipment provided. You will be taught how to harness yourself, safety tips and basic climbing
techniques. Then you are on your way. It is a rush to make it to the top of a rock formation !!!
There is a harness safety rope so no need to be afraid.
Experienced climbers will have just as much fun trying out your skills.
12. Sailing – Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park
(leaders are Moraine Sailing Club)
You will be taught all the ins and outs of sailing. Then you actually get a chance to do it.
If you have never tried it, then it is high time you do! You will have lessons and sail in the morning,
go on shore for lunch, and if you are up for it, back out on the lake in the afternoon. Or quit, take a dip
in the lake, or go for one of the options below.
13. Learning Workshop 1 – GPS Training (Morning session 9:00-12:00 AM)
(Meet near Extravaganza Campfire area inside white carport)
Instructor from Eastern Mountain Sports
Learn what a GPS is and how to use it. Very helpful in planning trips, keeping you from getting lost, mapping, and
other uses that you will find out about. GPS will be provided and any other instruction material.
14. Learning Workshop 2 – Geocaching (Afternoon session 1:00-4:00 PM )
(Meet near Extravaganza Campfire area inside white carport)
Instructor from Eastern Mountain Sports
This can be done along with morning workshop or by itself. Learn what geocaching is all about and how to find hidden
treasures using GPS. This is a growing sport with those that like challenging themselves with the GPS. The GPS will
be provided, along with the hidden treasures. Wonder what treasures are in store for you !!!
* Optional Pontoon Boat Tour –Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park (2:00 or 4:00 PM)
This option is available only in the afternoon if you choose morning GPS Workshop, Horseback Riding,
Sailing, or Rock Climbing. It takes place on Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park. Boat leaves Mc Daniels
Launch on the North Shore. Narrated and you will learn about the history and present situation of the lake.
Will see osprey. Great tour if you haven’t done it.
( If you sign up for this optional tour, directions will be provided in your registration envelope.)
* Optional Horseback Riding – Pleasant Valley Stables (afternoon)
This option is available only in the afternoon if you choose morning GPS Workshop, Sailing, or Rock
Climbing. Description is in # 1, except you will need to make your own way to the Stables in the afternoon.
(If you sign up for this option, directions will be provided in your registration envelope.)
* Outdoor Kids Extravaganza Activities Group (Must be completely potty trained)
Meet near Extrav. Campfire area inside white carport.
(9-12 noon and 1-5 PM with lunch 12-1 PM
Supervised planned activities for children, if parents do not want to take their child on the trip or
workshop they have chosen for today. Have children there by 8:45 AM so you can meet your own leader and
trip by 9 AM. Depending on what kids sign up, activities will be geared around Ages 5-9. However, 10-14
may enjoy helping. Be sure you leave a packed lunch. Pick your child up by 5 PM or earlier. Donations to
parents in charge would be greatly appreciated.
* Gear Exchange Flea Market – Near the brown lodge with white windows.
(Afternoon to early evening)
EMS will be selling used or rented gear throughout the day. If you have any thing you would like
to sale or trade, feel free to join the gear exchange.
* Mt. Bike trip is a possibility today if leaders are found.
( Interested in leading or participating, contact Joyce Appel. )
724-526-5407 or joyceappel@arm-tek.net )
Sunday Trips
* All trips leave campground 9:00 AM. (Except horseback riding at 10:00AM)
Leaders and participants meet in field in front of the small brown lodge.
A signpost will have your trip name on it. Go there even if leader is not there yet !!
Leaders will also hold a white folder with the trip name .
Be on time or trip may leave without you.
* Make sure you have water, bag lunch, raingear, and sunscreen
Workshops are near the Group Campfire area in one of the white carports.
1. Easy or Intermediate Hike – Mill Creek State Park ( ? Miles determined by you )
(Leader Glenn Oster)
You must do this hike to see how you can be in an urban area and not even know it You will see
flowers, plants, trees, water falls, and much more. The hike can be easy or intermediate.
The group may opt to hike just a few miles, and then go inside an old working mill to check it out
Also, a new museum was just built in the State Park which would be interesting to see..
2. Intermediate or Advanced Hike –The Bushwack Hike with Compass and Topo Map
(4 or 8 miles) (leader Jerry Heckathorn)
This hike is a good one for those of you who took the map and compass workshop last year. You can still
sign up for this hike even if you did not take the workshop. This will be a hike across hills and Neshannock
creek without trails or bridges using a compass and topo map. For those that want to, we can lunch at either
the Iron Bridge or Rachel's before hiking back to our vehicles. You may also eat a bag lunch here if you
brought one. We can car pool hikers that only want to go one way (4 miles). Otherwise, total is 8 miles.
3. Road Bike Trip – Banks Covered Bridge Route ( 15-25 miles)
(leader Jerry Hoffman)
This route starts and finishes at the makeshift parking area about 100 yards west of I-79 on PA Route 108.
For the first eleven miles the terrain is mostly flat with some easy, rolling hills and some nice downhill runs.
For the next nine miles there are a few hills that riders might want to walk. Relatively flat from there to the finish.
In general, it is a beautiful route with farmland and wooded areas.
4. Road Bike Trip – Loop out of the Campground (30+ miles)
(leader Jeff Rapp)
We will make our way out of the campground and go by secondary roads through the rural scenic countryside of western Penna. This way we do not have to shuttle the bikes or cars. Some of the trip is flat & some
will be gently rolling hills. Isn’t that part of the fun! We will eventually make it back to the campground.
5. Bike Trail Trip – Lake Wilhelm Loop in Goddard State Park (12 mile loop)
(leader Joanne Winwood)
Easy flat paved bike path. Loops around the lake. Scenic. Peaceful. Group may opt to add more riding
around the lake. Those that have biked it before have come back saying they enjoyed it.
6. Canoe / Kayak French Creek – Easy Class C ( ? miles)
(leaders Paul Henry & Joyce Appel) (co-leaders Russ Tague & Vickie Gotaskie )
(For beginners and experienced)
This creek has a lot of oil history behind it and is fairly remote. Dams were used to float the oil barges.
Fur trappers used it as a trade to get from here toLake Erie to the Mississippi. The last time we did this
stream, we heard Indian drum beats as we paddled down stream. A Soldier and Indian reanactment was
taking place. Maybe we will be lucky again
7. Canoe / Kayak French Creek – Class C to Class 1 (8-10 miles)
(Experienced only)
(Leader Woody Kirby) (co-leader Tim Dunn)
Same description as # 8 French Creek Trip, except a little more challenging.
8. Canoe/Kayak Lake Wilhelm in Goddard State Park
(Beginners and experienced)
(Leaders Dana and Scott Workman) (co-leader Dennis Fleeeson)
Explore all the little fingers. Check out the osprey nests, see eagles and geese. Paddle among the stumps
of the lagoon part of the lake. Pretty and interesting lake to paddle. Maybe have lunch on one of the
islands.
9 . Horseback Riding -- nearby Pleasant Valley Stables (Same description as Saturday.)
This trip leaves campground with leader at 10 AM instead of 9AM when other trips leave.
10. Rock Climb at McConnells Mill State Park –(beginner or experienced)
(leaders Dale and Pat Vilsack)
Equipment provided. You will be taught how to harness yourself, safety tips and basic climbing
techniques. Then you are on your way. It is a rush to make it to the top of a rock formation !!!
There is a harness safety rope so no need to be afraid.
Experienced climbers will have just as much fun trying out your skills..
11. Sailing – Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park
(leaders are Moraine Sailing Club)
You will be taught all the ins and outs of sailing. Then you actually get a chance to do it.
If you have never tried it, then it is high time you do! You will have lessons and sail in the morning,
go on shore for lunch, and if you are up for it, back out on the lake in the afternoon. Or quit, take a dip
in the lake, go to the nearby stables for horseback riding or the optional Pontoon Boat Tour.
* Optional Pontoon Boat Tour – Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park (2:00 or 4:00PM)
This afternoon option can only be done if you choose the morning Workshop, Sailing, Rock climbing or
Horseback riding. Check Sat. description. You are on your own to get there after your morning choice.
(Directions will be provided in your registration envelope.)
* Optional Horseback Riding – Pleasant Valley Stables (Afternoon)
This afternoon option can only be done if you choose the morning Workshop, Sailing, or Rock
Climbing. Check Sat. description. You are on your own to get there after your morning choice.
(Directions will be provided in your registration envelope.)
* Mountain Bike Trip is a possibility for today if leaders are found. Interested ?
Contact Joyce Appel 724-526-5407 or joyceappel@arm-tek.net
* Outdoor Kids Extravaganza Activity Group is a possibility for today if we find
volunteers. Interested?
(See description for Sat.)
Contact Steve Bowser 412-276-3993 or steve.bowser@comcast.net
Monday Trips
* All trips leave campground 9:00 AM. (Excpt horseback riding at 10:00AM)
Leaders and participants meet in field in front of the small brown lodge.
A signpost will have your trip name on it. Go there even if leader is not there yet !!
Leaders will also hold a white folder with the trip name .
Be on time or trip may leave without you.
* Make sure you have water, bag lunch, raingear, and sunscreen
Workshop will be near the Group Campfire area in one of the white carports.
1. Llama workshop and easy hike near the campground (3 or 4 miles)
(Instructor and leader – Diane Neely) * This is tentative !
Here is a different kind of workshop and hike for you. Ever wonder what it would be like to walk or
backpack with a llama. Well, here is your chance. Learn all about llamas and what you can do with
them. Then there will be a walk with a llama on trails by the campground. Great for kids also !
(8 years or older)
. Backup easy hikes – Leader Jerry Hoffman
We will begin at Wolf Creek Narrows, a 1-2 mile loop. Exceptional variety of wildflowers, terrain and
huge trees. We will sometimes follow the creek where crayfish and fish species can be seen in the clear
shallow water. If the group is interested, we can walk a short way in the creek with a different view of
the 50 foot cliffs. We can also cross the road to a dirt road and path that passes a pond, sugaring hut, and
memorial to Native Americans. Good time for lunch and then head over to Sunken Garden Trail at
Moaraine State Park, 1-2 mile loop which is also known for its wildlife plants and flowers.
2. Intermediate Hike and Tour of historic log house– Moraine State Park (8 miles)
(leader Tim Dunn)
We will hike a glacier ridge on the North Country Trail. If possible we will stop at the log house
and talk to the caretaker along with a tour. We will stop at the hiking shelter that is a fairly new
to the trail in the park. Great spot for lunch break. This hike has all the different terrian on it :
switch backs, ascents and descents, flat areas. It is mostly through the open woods but you
will see sections of evergreens. At the end of the hike we will cross the hidden river bridge and
there is a real nice beaver complex in that area. Will be a nice day hike
3. Advanced Hike – Environmental Hike (12 miles)
(Leader Dewaine Beard
)
Loop around Jennings Prairie, north of Morraine State Park. We will start at the mine treatment exhibit
at Muddy Creek, go north on the North Country Trail to Jennings, spend a short time there. Then, head
back. This hike demonstrates passive mine runoff cleanup technologies as well as prairie restoration.
4. Bike Trail – Stavich Trail (10 miles one way, total 20 miles)
(leaders Jane and Randy Holmes)
This bike trail begins near New Castle and heads towards Youngstown. It is paved and flat,
going through farmland and wooded area along the Mahoning Creek.
5. Road Bike Trip – Old Ash Road Loop (25 miles)
(leader Helen Coyne)
This will be a slow to moderately paced bicycle ride along country roads with rolling hills.
You might want to push on one moderate hill. We will pass the local sky divers facility, an alpaca
farm enclosure and a historic general store, originally known as the Polluck Store. If all riders agree,
we will ride an additional 1/10 of a mile to see the Springfield Falls and return to our route.
It is a beautiful place to sit and relax on the huge rocks in the shade with waterfalls beside you.
6. Road Bike Trip – Springfield Falls Loop (37.4 miles)
(Leader Glenn Oster)
This a loop but not the same loop as Old Ash Road Loop described above, even though we also will pass
and stop at Springfield Falls, a must stop. We may have lunch there. Look at the description above of
Springfield Falls. We will also pass by Rachel’s Roadhouse, another option for lunch, and continue past
the outskirts of Grove City and back to the starting point. Most of the terrain is flat, but there are some
definite hills and some simply rolling hills. It follows country back roads and major highways with shoulders.
7. Canoe / Kayak Geneva Swamp
(Beginners and experienced)
(leader Ed Divers ) (co-leader Pat Valsick)
This is an easy trip and you never know what you might find or see in a swamp.
.
8. Canoe/Kayak Shenango River (Class C ) (? miles)
(Beginners)
(leaders Paul Henry & Joyce Appel) (co-leader Dennis Fleeson)
We will start at Riverside Park in Greenville and paddle to the old scenic covered bridge, which
is a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery, the bridge and lunch. It is a very pretty section as we paddle
downstream. This section of the river is narrow and interesting near the old Erie Extension Canal.
9. . Kayak/ Canoe Slippery Rock Creek – Class 1 (8 -10 miles)
(leaders Woody Kirby) (co-leaders Dana & Scott Workman)
(For beginners and experienced)
Paddle along pretty rural countryside. The ducks and herons love to follow along with you. Happy farmers’
dogs like to greet you. Cows will give you a “moo”. Maybe you could stop for a little milk to drink with
your lunch along the bank. And if you are too hot, grab that rope swing and take a dip into the creek.
10. Caving (Spelunking) – Cave near Worthington
(leader Jeff Dunn)
This cave is definitely a cave ! You are guaranteed to get dirty, muddy and wet but you will also be
guaranteed a good time. But you must go with the right frame of mind. Call or email Joyce Appel
if questions about the cave, what to wear and what to take. (724)526-5407 or joyceappel@arm-tek.net
11. Horseback Riding -- nearby Pleasant Valley stables (Same description as Sat. # 1)
This trip leaves campground with leader at 10 AM instead of 9 AM when other trips leave.
.
* Optional Pontoon Boat Tour – Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park (2:00 or 4:00PM)
This afternoon option can only be done if you choose the morning Workshop, Horseback riding or
Caving. Check Sat. description. You are on your own to get there after your morning choice.
(Directions will be provided in your registration envelope.)
* Optional Horseback Riding – Pleasant Valley Stables (Afternoon)
This afternoon option can only be done if you choose the morning Workshop or Caving.
Check Sat. description. You are on your own to get there after your morning choice.
(Directions will be provided in your registration envelope.)
* Mountain Bike Trip is a possibility for today if leaders are found. Interested?
Contact Joyce Appel 724-526-5407 or joyceappel@arm-tek.net
* Outdoor Kids Extravaganza Activity Group is a possibility today if volunteers
are found. Interested? Donations will be paid to volunteers.
(See description for Mon.)
Contact Steve Bowser 412-276-3993 or steve.bowser@comcast.net
Have a wonderful time this weekend !!!!