Saturday A Day For All To Take To Happy Trails

I LIKE TO walk about among the beautiful things that adorn the world,” philosopher George Santayana once said.
On Saturday, all of us will have the opportunity to do just that, thanks to the folks who have scheduled a number of Luzerne County-based events to celebrate National Trails Day.
Additionally, participation is a “stop” on the Keystone Active Zone Passport program, an initiative that encourages kids and families to stay active outdoors by visiting parks and trails during the summer months.
All events will take place unless weather conditions turn nasty and it rains on the parade ... er, the hike or bike ride.
Here’s a look at what awaits.
A Back Mountain bike ride will begin at Frances Slocum State Park and end at Wilkes-Barre’s riverfront parks. Participants should meet at 8:30 a.m. near the state park’s boat launch on Carverton Road. Each person is responsible for his or her own shuttle or ride back to the starting point. For more details, call 430-0912.
A two-hour hike over varied terrain is set for Mocanaqua. Participants are asked to meet at 9:45 a.m. at the trailhead.
It can be reached by taking U.S. Route 11 south to Shickshinny, crossing the bridge into Mocanaqua and taking the first left. The trailhead and a parking area are located at the end of the street. For information, call 823-3445.
The Greater Hazleton Rail Trail Hike and Bike starts at 10:45 a.m. at the state Route 93 trail access parking lot. Call 455-1508.
A 1.5 mile (one-way) West Side Trail Walk starts at Sabatini’s Pizza, 1925 Wyoming Ave., in Exeter, and continues to the Swetland Homestead in Wyoming. Participants are asked to meet at 2:30 p.m. at the pizza parlor. Return transportation can be arranged by calling 654-0933.

Take a hike! You’ll be happy you stepped up and stepped out.