HARRISBURG — Sinnemahoning State Park in Austin is among nine Recovery in Nature sites across the commonwealth’s state parks.

For the second year, Pennsylvania departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced their Recovery in Nature sites, an initiative that will run throughout September in conjunction with National Recovery Month.

Recovery in Nature is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature — particularly for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) — and encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of trails and waterways throughout the commonwealth’s state parks.
In the program’s Region 7, which includes McKean, Warren, Cameron and Elk counties, Sinnemahoning’s Lowlands Trail follows the course of the First Fork through 5 miles of the park, passing through open fields, shrubby riparian zones and mature, towering forests. This scenic trail was originally part of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad bed.

On Sept. 11, the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug & Alcohol Commission Inc., which is DDAP’s Region 7 recovery hub, will host a guided hike and recovery-related event at the park to celebrate Recovery Month.
In Region 8, which includes Potter County, the Beaver Haven Nature Trail at Ole Bull State Park in Cross Fork is the highlighted destination. This nearly 2-mile loop travels along many riparian wetlands and past a large beaver pond. It offers many options for shorter and longer loops and out and back hiking and can be accessed in many locations throughout the park.

“Spending time in nature can be such a powerful and inspirational part of someone’s journey recovering from a substance use disorder,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “DDAP is proud to partner with DCNR again to spotlight the natural beauty and opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer, especially within our regional recovery hubs and during such a meaningful month of the year.”

There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to coordinate a network of community-based services and supports that are person-centered, with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness and quality of life for individuals in recovery from SUD.

DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or trail system within a state park near each regional recovery hub. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take advantage of the recommended locations throughout the entire month of September.

“Pennsylvania’s state parks offer more than recreation — they are vital spaces for personal growth and healing. There is hope in a sunrise, and peace in the woods,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “By supporting Recovery in Nature, DCNR is proud to contribute to a statewide effort that underscores the connection to outdoor access for individuals on the path to recovery.”
Across all systems, Pennsylvania currently has more than 12,000 miles of trails that offer activities such as walking, biking and horseback riding.
Trails are free outdoor recreation and important to health because:

• Their walkable access motivates people to participate in physical activity and to do so more frequently;
• Trails encourage physical activity that can improve heart health; and
• Parks and trails can provide safe spaces for people to play and exercise, away from busy streets and commercial zones.

Individuals seeking SUD treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can be connected to local resources by visiting treatmentatlas.org or by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at (800) 662-HELP.