In Continued Support of Pennsylvanians in Recovery, Shapiro Administration Announces Statewide ‘Recovery in Nature’ Sites Ahead of National Recovery Month Initiative spans nine PA state parks!
- pasocdianna
- 8 minutes ago
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The Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced the agencies’ second annual Recovery in Nature sites within Pennsylvania’s state park system. The initiative 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 throughout the Commonwealth’s state parks.
There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to coordinate a network of community-based services and supports that are 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 trail system within a state park near each regional recovery hub.
Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take advantage of the recommended locations throughout the entire month of September.
“Pennsylvania’s state parks offer more than recreation — they are vital spaces for personal growth and healing. There is hope in a sunrise, and peace in the woods,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “By supporting Recovery in Nature, DCNR is proud to contribute to a statewide effort that underscores the connection to outdoor access for individuals on the path to recovery.”
Region 1: Philadelphia
River Walk, Neshaminy State Park
The river walk trail takes hikers alongside the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek. Visitors can observe scenic views of the water and the Philadelphia skyline.
Region 2: Allegheny County
More than 700 species of plants can be found along the more than four miles of trails, between a variety of habitats including oak-hickory forest, pine plantations, meadows, and riparian forest.
Region 3: Erie County
Bluffs Edge Trail, Erie Bluffs State Park
Traveling along the bluffs edge, there are two overlooks with views of Lake Erie along the trail.
Region 4: Montgomery, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Lancaster, Delaware, and Schuylkill counties
Mink Trail, Nockamixon State Park
Accessed from either the parking lot off Old Ridge Road or from the parking lot on Mink Road, this hiking and equestrian trail loops along the south shore east of Church Trail through forested areas and grass fields.
Region 5: York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Huntington, Mifflin, Juniata, and Blair counties
Pond Loop Trail, Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area
This one-mile loop trail skirts the spring-fed pond which is a popular watering hole for wildlife.
Region 6: Beaver, Butler, Armstrong, Indiana, Cambria, Washington, Westmoreland, Greene, Fayette, and Somerset counties
Lakeside Loop, Keystone State Park
The two-mile lakeside trail is an ideal trail for the whole family to explore Keystone State Park. It circles Keystone Lake and offers views through various ecosystems. These ecosystems are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts looking to spot birds, fish, reptiles, pollinating insects, and more.
Region 7: Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson, and Clearfield counties
Lowlands Trail, Sinnemahoning State Park
The Lowlands Trail follows the course of the First Fork through five miles of the park, passing through open fields, shrubby riparian zones, and mature, towering forests. This scenic trail was originally part of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad bed.
In addition, on Thursday, September 11, the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc., which is DDAP’s Region 7 recovery hub, will be hosting a guided hike and recovery-related event to celebrate Recovery Month at the park.
Region 8: Potter, Tioga, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, Sullivan, Centre, Union, Snyder, Montour, Columbia, and Northumberland counties
Beaver Haven Nature Trail, Ole Bull State Park
This nearly two-mile loop travels along many riparian wetlands and past a large beaver pond. It offers many options for shorter and longer loops and out and back hiking. It may be accessed in many locations throughout the park.
Region 9: Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Monroe, Pike, Lehigh, and Northampton counties
Lake Shore Trail, Frances Slocum State Park
This trail begins at the Campground Road bridge or in the Big Pines Picnic Area and offers a peaceful walk along the water’s edge of the Lake Shore Trail.
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).
