Hiking the Highlands

The second installation of Haunting the Highlands again features a legend from Somerset County, this time focused on the small area of Hexebarger, or Hexie, and the witches that lived there throughout the years. I'm joined by local folklore enthusiast Michael Cook and The Tribune-Democrat photographer Thoams Slusser on this adventure through the hills and history outside Confluence.

Music credit: "Spellcraft" by Geoff Harvey

On this special spooky episode of Hiking the Highlands the Somerset County legend of Jacob Thomas, his seven devils and hidden treasure, is explored, as well as how the myth has changed through the years.

Prince Gallitzin State Park Manager Jessica Lavelua acts as a guide through the more than 6,000 acre green space and all of its amenities from fishing, boating and hiking to camping and snowmobiling in this episode of Hiking the Highlands. The park is located in the northern part of Cambria County.

With just miles to go, Tribune-Democrat reporters Russ O'Reilly, Joshua Byers and photographer John Rucosky connect once more with GO Laurel Highlands Public Relations Director Eric Knopsnyder to finish the 70-mile journey on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in the final episode of Woodland Wanderings, a special Hiking the Highlands series.

Tribune-Democrat photographer John Rucosky is back with GO Laurel Highlands Public Relations Director Eric Knopsnyder for the next section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail and this time T-D reporter Russ O'Reilly tags along for the roughly 30-mile trek. Tune in to find out how this outing went and who we run into along the way in this episode of Woodland Wanderings.

In this episode of Hiking the Highlands, myself, Tribune-Democrat photographer John Rucosky and Go Laurel Highlands Director of Public Relations Eric Knopsnyder attempt a three-day backpacking trip on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail as part of a special report and partnership between the two entities. This is the first in a three-part series. Check www.tribdem.com for photos, stories, video and more.

Ever wonder who planted the seed for Cambria County to grow into one of the best hiking areas in the state? It was local trail legend Laurie Lafontaine and in this episode she sits down with me at the Dillweed Bed and Breakfast in Dilltown, Indiana County, to share her story and how many of the local pathways came to be. That ranges from her position as the trails head for abandoned railways and trail development for America's Industrial Heritage Project to development of the Great Allegheny Passage, the legacy of her advocacy and much more.

From Frank Loyd Wright to Buffalo Bill, a lengthy discussion about the beautiful Southwestern Pennsylvania autumns, and one of the best views on any hike I've taken. Come along with GO Laurel Highlands Director of public relations and community outreach Eric Knopsnyder and myself on the Wolf Rocks Trail at the Laurel Summit State Park in Somerset County.

Jack Maguire, Jack Maher, Jerry Seitz are all alumni of the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy and largely responsible for work along the West Penn Trail and rehabilitation of several bridges on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail. Join me on this episode of Hiking the Highlands in which these men, along with CVC Executive Director John Wenzal, discuss the in-depth work that went into the creation of these paths.

Out past Windber Borough in Somerset County is more than 16,000 acres of protected woodland in the Babcock Division of the Gallitzin State Forests. On this episode of Hiking the Highlands, Justin Vinglas, a recreational forester with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, guides me through the Bog and Boulder Trail off state Route 56, which lives up to its name. For more information on the Gallitzin State Forests, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests.