Holy Hikes - Southwest Pennsylvania

St. Michael’s of the Valley, Ligonier and St. Francis in the Fields, Somerset have partnered to launch an official chapter of Holy Hikes in the Diocese, known as Holy Hikes of Southwestern Pennsylvania. We piloted a series of hikes in 2024, as a way to test how the ministry would go and to understand how congregations might collaborate. After a successful initial season, we are ready to launch the ministry diocesan-wide. 

We are an official ministry of Holy Hikes®, an eco-Ministry network committed to rebuilding Communion between all of God’s Creation. It was started as a ministry of All Saints Episcopal Church in San Leandro, California several years ago. Through Holy Hikes we worship God in the beauty of God’s creation, in what John Muir called God’s “first temples.”

St. Michael’s of the Valley, Ligonier and St. Francis in the Fields, Somerset are partnering again this year to host Holy Hikes of Southwestern Pennsylvania, an official chapter of Holy Hikes. Last year, representatives of other congregations in the Diocese joined us for a number of hikes, and St. Thomas Memorial, Oakmont is organizing some hikes near that location this year.

The hiking season runs from May to October on the third Saturday of each month, starting at 10 a.m. This gives folks coming from farther away in the Diocese time to get to the trailheads. Look for announcements with details about each hike on the Diocese’s Facebook page a week or two before each hike.

The hiking schedule for 2026 is:

●      Saturday, May 16, 2026 - 10:00 am

○      Laurel Summit State Park (address in Somerset; between Rector and Somerset) - Spruce Flats Bog Trail (0.8 miles out and back) and Picnic Area Trail (1.5 miles) - YOUNG FAMILY FRIENDLY easy

●      Saturday, June 20, 2026 - 10:00 am

○      Bushy Run Battlefield Park (Jeannette)

- Edge Hill Trail.(1 mile loop)

- YOUNG FAMILY FRIENDLY easy

- After the hike, spend time at the Visitor Center, stay for site tour, or walk the other trails on the property

●      Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 10:00 am

○      Indian Creek Valley Trail (Mill Run trail head near Camp Christian)

- Indian Creek Gorge section (3 miles out and back)

- easy

●      Saturday, August 15, 2026 - 10:00 am

○      Mount Davis Natural Area (Meyersdale)

- High Point Trail  - 2 miles (out and back)

- easy

- optional climb up the observation tower

●      Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 10:00 am

○      Kimberly Run Natural Area (Somerset )

- South East trails off South parking lot - 2.5 miles

- easy

●      Saturday, October 17, 2026 - 10:00 am

○      Laurel Hill State Park (near Somerset; Pump House Trailhead)

- to Jones Mill Dam - Pumphouse Trail to Martz Trail to Water Line Trail - about 3 miles

- easy (except Water Line trail which is more difficult but downhill)

During the hike, we hold a service of Holy Communion, stopping along the trail to read the scripture and say the prayers, while sharing the Eucharist at the end of the hike or at another appropriate setting along the trail. It’s a lovely way to have a worship service!

In addition, we believe this is an important opportunity for members of the Diocese to invite friends, family, and neighbors–especially those who might not want to attend a Sunday morning service–to something a bit different. We have found it’s a wonderful way to build community beyond our four walls.

If you have questions about any of this season’s hikes, please contact ministry team member Katie Ong.