David “Thatch” Fockler has hiked over 10,000 miles in his hiking career, but like the famous saying attributed to philosopher Lao Tzu, “a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step.” And in Western PA, it is easy to find a trail for not only that single step, but miles and miles of hiking.
Now 46, Fockler began hiking in his early 20s. “My most formative trip was my 2005
Appalachian Trail thru-hike, which introduced me to trail culture and changed my life, setting me on a path of adventure, discovery and friendship,” he said.
Thru-hiking is defined as the act of hiking continuously on a long-distance trail, such as the Appalachian Trail end-to-end. You don’t have to hike hundreds of miles to enjoy hiking–there are a variety of trails to enjoy. Additionally, there are several organizations dedicated to the development and maintenance of trails, as well as numerous opportunities to get out on the trails with others.
Friends of the Riverfront is a nonprofit dedicated to building safe, clean and accessible riverfront trails. It’s a part of the Three Rivers Heritage and Water Trails system, which creates and maintains an outstanding experience for trail users while providing economic, environmental and health benefits to the Pittsburgh region, according to Kate Angell, director of development and communication for Friends of the Riverfront. “We plan and build new segments of trail, maintain our current 33 plus miles of trail and do events, education and programming on our trails,” she said.
Trails are important to a region for recreational benefits – safe places to walk, run, hike and bike – but there are other benefits. “The Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Water Trail hosts more than one million annual trips for both locals and visitors. They not only offer a popular transportation option and recreational asset, the trails are also significant economic and environmental assets, with a major role in driving local business and tourism, as well as helping to maintain the quality of our green space and rivers,” Angell said.
Trails improve the quality of life in an area, according to John Stephen, Many Trails One Community (MTOC) trail network development director. MTOC is an initiative of the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy (RCTC) to develop, promote and advocate for more hiking trails. The RCTC is an all-volunteer organization that oversees 170 miles including the Baker, Rachel Carson and Harmony Trails.
Stephen pointed out that there are many mental health and wellness benefits of hiking, plus it’s a relatively easy activity to start. “Hiking is very affordable, and there are a wealth of easily accessible trails in our region, “ he said.
Alyssa Crawford, program and volunteer manager of Venture Outdoors, listed additional benefits. “Beyond health, trails showcase the natural beauty of the region, offering recreational spaces for relaxation. They serve as focal points for social interaction, fostering a sense of belonging and community engagement,” she said. “Exploring Southwestern PA’s trails is essential for enhancing the overall vibrancy of the region.”
Fockler offered a few tips for beginner hikers. “While online resources, such as videos and social media can be very helpful, I recommend repeatedly getting out there and figuring out what works for you,” he said, “Knowledge is readily shared in the trail community, and joining a group hike offered by Venture Outdoors, Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy or Meetup can flatten the learning curve.” In addition to his years of hiking experience, Fockler also serves as a board member and trail steward with the RCTC.
Angell suggested signing up for their newsletter and following social media to keep abreast of activities. “That way you’ll hear about our volunteer efforts, our events, our educational sessions and our new trail segments,” she said. The RCTC offers various fun hikes as well as training hikes for the arduous 37-miles in-one-day Rachel Carson Challenge and training runs for their 50-mile Baker Trail Ultra Challenge.
Venture Outdoors provides an extensive selection of trail activities, organizing over 150 public hikes all year long, with many programs geared towards beginners. This includes a women and nonbinary series, BIPOC series, size inclusion series and more.
Many local communities are also getting into the scene. Both Hampton Township and the Town of McCandless have recently built trails. “Our trails have given park visitors the additional opportunity for outdoor recreation. With the park’s close proximity to the high school and middle school, the school district has been able to use the trails for student recreation during the day. Many also use the trails as walking paths to and from certain amenities such as the playgrounds,” said Melanie Martino, parks and recreation programs administrator.
Fockler suggested a few trails for newbies to get started. “The gentle 1-mile Harmony Trail is a very accessible trail to start on. Those interested in more physical challenges can continue on to the 45-mile Rachel Carson Trail. For adventure of any size, the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail passes through Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks on its way from Vermont to North Dakota,” he said, “For solitude and unscripted adventure, the 133-mile Baker Trail is a hidden gem.”
The best advice, Fockler said, is to just get out and start walking. “Having the right gear can sometimes seem like a barrier, but most people already have clothing and shoes adequate to begin. After all, it’s just walking, and humans are built for it,” he said.
For more information about local trails including events and volunteer opportunities visit:
The Friends of the Riverfront:
Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy:
Venture Outdoors:
North Country Trail: