Hemlock Trail

Snow finally happened! So I thought it would be the perfect time to go for a hike in an old growth hemlock stand. I’m a huge fan of hemlocks and good thing too. Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock, the father of Pennsylvania Forestry said that “If Pennsylvania were to select one tree as a characteristic of our state, nothing would be better than the hemlock.” I really couldn’t agree more. After all, it is the state tree! You will find many hemlock stands across the state, most of which are quite famous. There really isn’t anything more enjoyable than a nice hike through an old growth hemlock stand. The one I chose to explore is located in Laurel Hill State Park. It’s a short 1.2 mile hike, it starts along Laurel Hill Creek, and enters the Hemlock Natural Area. From there move slightly up hill and continue along the trail. At the end is an old cabin now deteriorated. It is a loop trail, so I decided to go up toward the cabin first. It was cold, the wind was blowing. Snow gently falling from the trees. the sun was just starting to shine through the hemlocks hitting the forest floor. Birds were waking up and gently chirping in the early morning air. The hemlock area in Laurel Hill escaped the lumberjack. The area is similar to what would have been seen by the natives and early pioneers. It was nice to spend time in such an area like this. Hemlock stands are also vital to the forest. They provide good conditions for plants and wildlife. Not to mention purifying our air, water, and soil.