Last Saturday (Sep 29), we joined the International Fellowship Ministries for a fall hike in the beautiful Pennsylvania forests. Nestled on the 
western edge of an area of Central Pennsylavania known as the Seven Mountains, Greenwood Furnace State Park (GFSP) is about 45-minute drive from State College. According to the brochure, "it is an area of rugged beauty, abundant wildlife, breathtaking vista and peaceful solitude."The Link Trail, which leads up to the Stone Valley Vista, is approx. 3.5 miles in length. We found the hike challenging because of the steep and rocky slope. 
Lagging behind, we persevered.
Lagging behind, we persevered. At the top, we were rewarded with a panaromic view of the valley below. Enjoying the crisp autumn air, whilst gobbling down our sandwiches with a hot cup of tea, we rested our tired feet. We took a group photo for the album.
For the descent, we had two routes to choose. The simplest way is to retrace our steps. The group unanimously agreed on the other route, which was more challenging. Called the Turkey Trail, it is an old log slide used in the logging days to bring logs down the mountain. It is 200 metres straight down and very steep (40-45 degrees slope). Because the track was very slick due to the many dried leaves, we had to walked sideways (like a crab) to have a better grip. Still, some loose their footing and ended up having their bump kissing mother earth! 
.A cut tree branch, which I found at the peak, came in very handy as a hiking stick to aid in the descent. Twice, I nearly loose my footing but thankfully, my wife was able to hold on to me. At the bottom, we still have to walk another mile to reach the starting point. The hike took two hours (excluding the interval at the peak). Overall, it was a tiring adventure. Our leg muscles continued to ache for a few days after.
