The Homestead Hikers traveled the Whiskey Run Trail at Stuart’s Knob trail system, Fairy Stone State Park, on May 8.
Hike leaders were Kurt and Norma Bozenmayer and Ellen Jesse. Under partly cloudy skies, 20 hikers traveled the 2.1 mile loop trail, visiting two iron mine adits, the CCC stone quarry overlook, and several documented (or suspected) moonshine still sites.
Other than short uphill treks at the beginning and end, the trail is mostly level to rolling, and varies from upland hardwood forest to lower wetlands near the back border of the park. The trail is in excellent condition except for a few recent windfall trees that park maintenance will probably address soon.
There was an abundance of spring woodland wildflowers that were identified, photographed, and enjoyed by the “flower ladies.”
Fairy Stone State Park is rich in history as an iron-mining town (Fayerdale). Kurt Bozenmayer shared some of the history and answered questions.
All mothers were entered in a Mothers’ Day drawing for some lavender lotion from the lavender farm. The winner was Louise Koslofsky. A good time was had by all.
The next Homestead Hikers’ hike will be June 11 at Buffalo Mountain.
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