CLARION CO., Pa. (EYT) — Labor Day is a holiday designed to give hard-working people a break from the daily grind, but what is the best way to spend that hard-won time off?
Labor Day 2019 is the 125th anniversary of Labor Day celebrated as a national holiday.
Designed to be a holiday celebrating the achievements of American workers who are working hard every day, it is the perfect time to enjoy a break with friends and family.
Here are some great ways to spend your Labor Day holiday:
Visit Cook Forest State Park
Encompassing 11,536 acres in northwestern Pennsylvania, bordered by the Clarion River, the 2019 Pennsylvania River of the Year, Cook Forest State Park (pictured above) is sometimes referred to as the “Black Forest” of Pennsylvania, as well as “The Land of Giants.” The state park is home to some of the tallest tree species in the Northeastern United States, including virgin white pine trees that are over 300 years old and over 200 feet high.
Cook Forest offers a trail system of 52 miles for hiking as well as opportunities for fishing, picnicking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and more.
Picnic on Tionesta Lake
A picturesque six-mile-long, manmade lake, Tionesta Lake offers not only perfect spots for your Labor Day picnic, but also 3,000 acres for unlimited horsepower boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
Explore the Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest encompasses approximately 517,000 acres of land, with over 463,000 acres forested, 42,000 acres non-forest, and 11,000 acres covered by water, primarily the Allegheny Reservoir formed by the Kinzua Dam, which impounds the Allegheny River.
Recreation opportunities in the forest are nearly endless, including fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, cycling, birding, and ATV Trails, with highlights that include the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, Rimrock and Jakes Rock Overlooks, Kinzua Beach, and over 600 miles of multi-use motorized and non-motorized trails.
Check out Oil Creek State Park
Set on 6,250 acres in Cherrytree, Cornplanter and Oil Creek Townships in Venango County, Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry through self-guided walking trails, providing a glimpse into the boom and bust towns that formerly existed on the land that is now the park.
It is also home to several picturesque waterfalls as well as an almost 10-mile bike trail which travels along the banks of Oil Creek for those who prefer to check out the park on two wheels.
Meet Comet and Blitzen at Double Diamond Deer Ranch
Double Diamond Deer Ranch in Clarington offers the opportunity to get up close and see whitetail deer in their natural habitat.
Along with their acres of fences, natural wooded deer habitat, Double Diamond Deer Ranch also has a wildlife museum featuring over 100 taxidermy displays, as well as the Big Trucks Big Fun playground for kids, and a picnic area and gift shop.
Enjoy Family Fun at the Knox Township Firemen’s Homecoming
The 48th Annual Knox Township Firemen’s Homecoming is being held Labor Day Weekend at the Firemen’s Park in Knox Dale.
The celebration kicks off on Friday, August 30, and continues through Monday, September 2, with softball tournaments, great food from the concession stand, a parade, a gun bash, a demo derby, a cornhole tournament, a free concealed carry seminar, games and basket raffles and much more.
Check Out the View from Beartown Rocks Scenic Overlook
Tucked away in Clear Creek State Park, in Jefferson County, Beartown Rocks is a winding maze of massive house-sized boulders, created by glaciers, spread out in a manner that creates the odd “town” like feeling that gives the site its name.
Trails through the area lead through colorful mossy growth, weathered crevices, and pockmarks, as well as up a short set of wooden stairs that lead to an observation area built atop one of the biggest rocks, offering an amazing view of the Clarion River Valley.
Take a Walk in Two Mile Run County Park
Two Mile Run County Park is a 2695 acre park with a 144-acre lake in Venango County that also hosts 38 miles of trails. Recreation opportunities in the park include hiking, boating, fishing, and even mountain biking, with an extensive system of mountain bike trails available in the park.
Stretch your legs on the Rails to Trails
Whether you’re looking an easy walking trail or a bike trail, there are many Rails to Trails options available in our region.
The Redbank Valley Trail is a 51-mile non-motorized trail which was recognized by the DCNR as Pennsylvania’s very first Trail of the Year in 2014 for its scenic beauty.
The Rail 66 Country Trail is a 13-mile non-motorized trail through the scenic countryside of northern Clarion County from Leeper through Lucinda to Marianne.
The Allegheny River Trail & Samuel Justus Recreation Trail offer 25 miles of asphalt trail stretching from Oil City to Emlenton with numerous river views, as well as several picnic areas along the way.
Enjoy a Car Show, Live Music, and More at Old Home Day
Fertigs Community Center holds its annual Old Home Day on Labor Day each year.
This year’s event kicks off at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m.
The event includes a car show, food, a Chinese auction, live music, and a craft and vendor market.
