Annual Cherry Pie/George Washington Hike

Each month CarSense highlights some of the best attractions in the region in a feature called "Sunday Drives".

Saturday, February 22

George Washington’s fame may have come in the Revolutionary War of the 1770s and 1780s, but in 1753, he was a young soldier, sent on the Virginia Colony Mission that demanded withdrawal from British territory that precipitated the seven-year French and Indian War.

To commemorate that – and Washington’s birthday, of course – a group called Washington’s Trail 1753 is getting together for a series of hikes and a taste of cherry pie on Saturday, February 22. You can follow a part of the route of the Mission through Pennsylvania state parkland, learning about Washington’s role and seeing a re-enactment of the shooting that could have killed the future president when he was just 21.

There are six history hikes, which feature the opportunity to engage with noted history authors and period reenactors, plus Nature Walks which come in two lengths: a 75-minute stroll that lasts from 9 to 10:15 am, and a longer one that covers 7 miles, takes from 9 am to approximately 1 pm and is considered of moderate difficulty for ages 12 and up. All of the above are free and open to the public, although a $3 per person donation is encouraged (to cover the cost of refreshments and your cherry pie!) You should register online as soon as possible, as walks fill up; February 20 is the deadline. Call 724-290-2129 if you have questions. If you’re a real history buff, note that Washington’s Trail 1753 also hosts a day-long symposium with noted speakers and panel discussions on October 8 this year.

Jennings Environmental Education Center

2951 Prospect Road (PA 528)

Slippery Rock, PA 16057

724-290-2129