PORT ALLEGANY — The Port Allegany Rotary Club, in collaboration with Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center (SHCTC), announced the completion of the Port Allegany Geocache Trail — a 1.6-mile public trail experience that blends hands-on learning, historical education and outdoor recreation.

Launched in spring 2025, this innovative project features 12 interactive geocache locations designed and placed by SHCTC students, highlighting both local history and the diverse career and technical programs offered at the center. The trail winds through scenic woodland and park areas, now enhanced with newly constructed footbridges, a large trailhead kiosk and updated signs — all built by SHCTC’s Building Construction students.

“This project exemplifies what Career and Technical Education is all about — real-world skills, collaboration across disciplines and giving back to the community,” said Brent Bryant, networking and telecommunications instructor at SHCTC. “Students didn’t just build something — they created an experience for the entire town.”

The digital geocaching component, developed by students in the networking and design programs, allows visitors to navigate the trail using GPS-enabled mobile devices. Each cache includes a logbook, small take-home items (“swag”) and content about CTC programs or local landmarks — including a tribute to the historic Hogan structure that once stood nearby.

The Port Allegany Recreation Association granted access to the trail area and supported environmental improvements, while McKean County GIS provided professional mapping software to guide the project’s layout. Funding for the trailhead signs, materials and geocaching components was made possible by a Rotary District 7280 Grant, sponsored by the Port Allegany Rotary Club.

Residents and visitors are invited to bring their curiosity, hiking shoes and mobile devices to explore the trail. It’s a new way to discover the natural beauty, history and talent that make Port Allegany a special place to live and learn.