Field Trip to Rocky Ridge Natural Area (AKA Martin Gap),
(Huntingdon County)
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Sunday, May 22, 2016, 10 am at the parking area (see directions below)
Please register on our Facebook event page or email Debra Grim at vp@panativeplantsociety.org.
May is our favorite time to explore Martin Gap. Both yellow and pink ladys-slipper orchids may be found here, and showy orchis is a possibility too. Enjoy the rich variety of ferns and spring wildflowers.
The walking trail is steep but we will take it slowly as we watch for birds and interesting plants. At the top, you can elect to scramble through the rocks or follow the walking path. Bring water and a bag lunch, as well as the usual precautions against weather, insects and sunburn. We will dine at the top with a fine view from the rocks, perhaps being entertained by fence lizards doing their push-ups.
You may like to read Stan Kotala’s account of the hike: http://moshannon.pasierra.org/OTT/OTT11-01RockyRidge.htm.
Directions: From State College, take Rt. 26 south 20 miles to Martin Gap Road, which will be on your left. Follow Martin Gap Road into Rothrock State Forest and bear right onto Frew Road. Travel on Frew Road for about ¼ mile and look for the orange blazes on both sides of Frew Road, denoting its intersection with the Standing Stone Trail (a black and yellow gate is on the left side of the road in this area). Park along the road.
Please register on our Facebook event page or email Debra Grim at vp@panativeplantsociety.org.
May is our favorite time to explore Martin Gap. Both yellow and pink ladys-slipper orchids may be found here, and showy orchis is a possibility too. Enjoy the rich variety of ferns and spring wildflowers.
The walking trail is steep but we will take it slowly as we watch for birds and interesting plants. At the top, you can elect to scramble through the rocks or follow the walking path. Bring water and a bag lunch, as well as the usual precautions against weather, insects and sunburn. We will dine at the top with a fine view from the rocks, perhaps being entertained by fence lizards doing their push-ups.
You may like to read Stan Kotala’s account of the hike: http://moshannon.pasierra.org/OTT/OTT11-01RockyRidge.htm.
Directions: From State College, take Rt. 26 south 20 miles to Martin Gap Road, which will be on your left. Follow Martin Gap Road into Rothrock State Forest and bear right onto Frew Road. Travel on Frew Road for about ¼ mile and look for the orange blazes on both sides of Frew Road, denoting its intersection with the Standing Stone Trail (a black and yellow gate is on the left side of the road in this area). Park along the road.
