TRAIL TIME: We pick up again with John A. Lane’s story about
hiking trails:

“Clearfield County: Auto travel through Philipsburg, Pa., and
about two miles, driver’s side, on Route 305 (Sandy Ridge to Bald
Eagle, Pa.), an historical marker proudly proclaims ‘Indian Trails
Crossing.’

“Lycoming County: Pennsylvania Route 14 N/S NY/PA border.
‘Pennsylvania Wilds’ desolate but quiet, beautiful places for
sightseeing, driving, and outdoors people. One of the longest,
junk-free, cleanest, long valley roads but one of the lowest in
population areas.

“Even the used (old farm buildings and equipment, usually
abandoned) are neatly stacked there as if somebody still cares
about their countryside appearance. A few scattered houses and a
large school building remain along the roadside.

“The entire width and length of this Lycoming area is covered by
wild bushes, grasses, and lonely trees on hillside, border to
border through the beginning and end. Clean and clear but desolate
beauty!

“A single Lycoming highway sign marks another weathered sign
sentinel alongside a single bridge that’s seen better times. The
sign reads ‘Lycoming Creek Sheshebequin Path.’

“Bishop Spangenberg walked here on his way to Onondaga. He was
opposed by woods so thick he didn’t see the sun all day and by
mountains so close they reminded him of anthills! This comparison
can also pertain to the steep and ranged hills and valleys in the
famous Emporium Wilds area.

“The weather-beaten bridge crossing over the stream makes the
scene enticing as very trout possible!”

TUNA TRAIL: John also sends us a post script on the meaning of
“Tunungwant” – as in Tunungwant Creek and Trail as provided by
Bradford Area Public Library Director Linda M. Newman.

She wrote, “Molly Lindahl at the Bradford Landmark Society tells
me there are at least three possible meanings for ‘Tunungwant,’ the
Seneca Indian name for the creek that runs through the Bradford
area.”

“Depending on the source, and who did the translation, it is
taken to mean one of the following: ‘Big Cove with large mouth’
(this refers more to the head of the creek); ‘Beautiful fish’; or
‘Crooked Creek.’

“There is apparently no consensus as to which is the most
correct meaning.

“Because Tunungwant is a mouthful to say, early on the residents
of the area called the creek the ‘Tuna,’ and that is the way it is
usually referred to today.”