Various local parks will offer programs that folks may be interested in attending. All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate. The programs may be modified or cancelled in the event of severe weather or community guidelines.

Fall Foliage Hike

WOODWARD — Join the park naturalist at Poe Paddy State Park on Saturday, Oct 18, at 10 a.m., for a four-mile hike up Poe Paddy Drive to see the spectacle of changing leaves and fall colors from two beautiful views that the park has to offer. There will be a short break and a story at Ingleby View, before descending back to Poe Paddy. The hike is of moderate difficulty, but long, and takes about three hours. Wear comfy shoes, bring water and a snack! Please wear bright orange colors as the hike is during hunting season.

Punkin Chunkin

HOWARD — Bald Eagle State Park near Howard will be the site once again for Howard Fire Company’s Annual Punkin Chunkin on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many arts and crafts and food vendors will be set up along the beach area for you to browse and buy! There will also be trebuchets, an air cannon and chunkers hurling pumpkins into the lake every 15 minutes or so and other activities for the whole family all to benefit the Howard Fire Company. Free admission and free parking! Come on out and enjoy a fall day at Bald Eagle State Park!

Pumpkin Carving Contest

HOWARD — Bald Eagle State Park is running a pumpkin carving contest that you can enter! Starting Tuesday, Oct. 21, and ending Tuesday, Oct. 28, send a picture of your pumpkin to the park’s Facebook messenger and the carved pumpkin photo will be posted on the Bald Eagle State Park’s Facebook page. Voting for the best carved pumpkin is also done by Facebook. The pumpkin with the most “liked” picture will win Best of Show with a winner’s announcement on Friday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m.

The Best in Show winner will receive a goody bag from Bald Eagle State Park, their picture featured on the BESP’s Facebook page and in the park office.

Please note: When you submit your pumpkin picture to Bald Eagle State Park’s Facebook Messenger, you are agreeing to your picture and name being posted publicly on our Facebook page. Any pumpkin carvings or photos with political affiliations, profane language, violent depictions or that is otherwise deemed inappropriate by park staff will not be eligible for the competition.

Spooky Spiders

WATERVILLE — Join the park naturalist at Little Pine State Park on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 2 p.m., to learn about spiders commonly found in Pa. Did you know there are over 30,000 different spiders in the world? What do some of these spiders eat and where do they live? Meet at the Environmental Learning Center at the park office and bring a lawn chair. There will be a craft afterwards.

Spooky Spiders

HYNER — Did you know there are over 30,000 different spiders in the world? What do some of these spiders eat and where do they live? Come to Hyner Run State Park on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 5:30 p.m. to learn some of the more common spiders found in Pa. Afterwards, there will be a craft. Meet at the amphitheater by the pool. Please bring a lawn chair.

Trail Challenge

HYNER — Hyner View State Park will be hosting the Hyner View Trail Challenge on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 9 a.m. This 25K race is not a park event, but more info can be found by visiting www.patraildogs.com/the-view-25K.