Saturday, June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., explore the waterfalls along the lower Turkey Path on your quest to unlock the geologic secrets of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

The one-mile round trip hike up about 400 vertical feet (half way) of the trail will be led by both park staff and professional geologists from DNCR’s Bureau of Geological Survey. 

The hike begins at the base of the canyon, where the Lock Haven Formation is exposed. These rocks were deposited approximately 380 million years ago as sediment on the edge of an ancient sea and contain fossils of marine organisms. As the hike progresses, the exposed rock will be progressively younger and transition into the shoreline and alluvial plane deposits of the Catskill Formation, effectively transporting participants through time and space of the geologic history of the gorge.

This program is well-suited for those curious about the ancient past of the gorge and those willing and able to complete the strenuous hike. 

Registrants will meet by 9 a.m. in the Darling Run access parking lot for the Pine Creek Rail Trail, be bussed approximately 3.5 miles to the base of the trail below Leonard Harrison State Park where the program will begin. 

To get to the Darling Run access parking lot for the Pine Creek Rail Trail from Wellsboro or Galeton, drive on U.S. Route 6, turn onto Route 362 and go about 1.5 miles to Darling Run in Ansonia.

After a brief introduction, the group will climb slowly, learning along the way to a point about half way up the path and near the upper waterfall.  

Participants should wear proper footwear and layered clothing for the hike. A small backpack, water and snacks are also encouraged.

Those interested should register by calling 570-724-3061 between 8 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 

The deadline to register is by next Thursday, June 1. Spaces are limited.

Thursday, June 1 is the deadline to preregister for the Laurel Festival 10K to receive a free event T-shirt and be entered in the “Early Bird Drawing” with a chance to win $25 in Wellsboro Chamber Dollars to spend in area businesses.

The Laurel Festival 10K, sponsored by First Citizens Community Bank, will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 17 followed at 9:05 a.m. by the two-mile Fun Run/Walk. The 10K course has rolling hills, paved and dirt surfaces, and exciting Pennsylvania Grand Canyon country views.

Registration and check in for the Laurel Festival 10K and two-mile Fun Run/Walk will be at Packer Park on Queen Street from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on race day. The entry fee for the 10K is $25 and for the Fun Run is $5. Race day registrants pay in cash or by check. 

UPMC Wellsboro is sponsoring the awards. Medals will be presented to the 10K male and female runners who place in the top three overall; finish first, second or third in each age category (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over) and to the oldest and youngest runners that finish first. 

Each Fun Run participant will receive a commemorative ribbon. The Fun Run first, second and third place overall finishers and the youngest to finish will receive medals. 

Timing will be by Insta-Results. The Tioga County Amateur Radio Club will handle communications.

C&N and Weis Markets are providing free post-race refreshments to all participants.

Go to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.wellsboropa.com, click on the orange button in the 10K Foot Race banner and then on the blue button to preregister online or scroll down the page to “Mail-in Registration” and click on the pdf icon to print the form to preregister for both the 10K and Fun Run/Walk.

Call 570-724-1926 or email info@wellsboropa.com for more information.