Celebrate Trails Day Returns to Corry June 20 with Rides, Activities and Family Fun

CORRY — The Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance and Friends of the Corry Junction Greenway Trail will host their sixth annual Celebrate Trails Day on Saturday, June 20, offering a full day of outdoor recreation, education and family-friendly activities centered around the Corry Junction Greenway Trail.

The free event will take place at the outdoor pavilion at the Elmer C. Carrier American Legion Post 365, 1460 Sciota Road, Corry.

In an interview with Channel 98.9 Program Director Brian Silvis, Kimberly Hawkes, founder of the Friends of the Corry Junction Greenway Trail and vice president of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance, said the annual celebration has evolved into more than just a trail event.

“It’s our sixth annual Celebrate Trails Day, but it’s not just about the trail,” Hawkes said. “It’s about a celebration of everything nature in Northwest Pennsylvania and all the people who call it home.”

The day begins at 10 a.m. with a 24-mile Bike Erie ride looping from Corry to Clymer, New York. Riders are encouraged to use non-road bicycles with tires at least two inches wide, and helmets are required.

A guided native plant walk will follow at 10:15 a.m., giving participants an opportunity to learn more about the local ecosystem found along the trail.

At 10:30 a.m., families can take part in a two-mile “slow roll” bicycle ride on the relatively flat trail corridor.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the celebration shifts into full swing with activity and informational tables, games, music, giveaways and a bike rodeo obstacle course hosted by Rolling 2 You Mobile Repair. The group also will provide minor bicycle repairs, including fixing dislodged chains and addressing leaking or low tires.

Guided hayrides along the trail will begin at 11:15 a.m., allowing participants to explore portions of the Greenway Trail while learning about its history, wildlife and natural features.

Channel 98.9 will be on hand throughout the event with music and prize drawings.

Visitors can also enjoy food from Ploss’ Lunch Box, along with complimentary ice cream and s’mores.

Several organizations are expected to participate with educational exhibits and activities, including PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Trout Unlimited, the Erie County Conservation District, the Northwest Pennsylvania Trails Association, Tri-County Snowblazers and the Erie County Department of Planning.

Hawkes said organizers are eager to hear from residents about the future of the trail system.

“What is it that you want to see on the trail?” Hawkes said. “What type of amenities do you want to see? Where do you want the trail to go?”

The Corry Junction Greenway Trail is a 6.1-mile multi-use trail built along a former railroad corridor connecting Corry and Clymer, New York. The trail is part of the larger Erie to Pittsburgh Trail network, which continues to expand throughout western Pennsylvania.

Recent improvements along the trail include six new wooden benches built by volunteer Bob Frazier and installed with the help of Marty Radock. A new viewing area overlooking Hare Creek also has been completed, featuring an interpretive sign about the watershed.

Hawkes said the trail provides a valuable community resource that encourages people to spend time outdoors.

“The Junction provides a safe, free place for people to connect with nature and each other,” she said. “The more we spend time outside, the more we can slow down, have real conversations and build stronger connections.”

The day concludes with giveaway drawings beginning at 2 p.m., featuring children’s bicycles, trail gear and other prizes. No purchase is necessary to enter.

Most activities do not require preregistration. Organizers encourage residents to bring their own bicycles and spend the day celebrating the outdoors on one of Corry’s unique recreational assets.