About the Adventure

Activity Level 2: Moderate Location: Bear Run Nature Reserve, Mill Run, PA Guides: Joe-lead, Megan-assist This is a spectacular hike! Located near Falling Water, Bear Run is the largest property owned by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Pennsylvania. While much of the hike is through a maturing hardwood forest, we’ll also experience stands of Eastern White Pine and Hemlock, encounter swaths of rhododendrons and have streams to cross and waterfalls to view! On this amazing hike, we will ascend to the highest point in the reserve and also hike through an “emerald” forest. This is one of our favorite Pennsylvania hikes. The hike is approximately 7.5 miles long with an elevation gain of nearly 1250 feet. The pace of this hike will be about 2 - 2.25 mph. Driving time from Pittsburgh to Bear Run in Mill Run, PA is about 1.5 hours. This is a hike you will not want to miss! This hike is part of our "Jaunts with Joe" series. Who is Joe? Joe loves to share our local woodlands and trails with others of all skill levels and backgrounds. As a high-school teacher for Pittsburgh Public Schools, Joe not only ran the ski club for many years, but co-sponsored an outing club where he took students hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and white-water rafting. Joe later volunteered his time as a trip leader for Venture Outdoors. After retiring from teaching, Joe worked at REI where he enjoyed helping folks plan their own outdoor adventures. He also taught many classes for REI's Outdoor School in hiking, backpacking, cycle touring, and snow sports. Joe volunteered his time to help out the Boy Scouts of America and coach the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Xtreme Hike. In addition to teaching classes and leading outings for the Women’s Adventure Club, Joe is now working at True North Wilderness Survival School as a Senior Trip Leader. Jaunt: v, to make a short journey, especially for pleasure.