Butler Outdoor Extravaganza Includes NCT Events

from the web site of the Butler Outdoor Club

The Butler (Pennsylvania) Outdoor Club is once again planning a huge Extravaganza for Memorial Day Weekend. The North Country Trail will be featured for some events, and will benefit from the Gear/Rummage Sale.

Base camp is at Breakneck Campground near Moraine State Park and McConnells Mill State Park. Camping an food are optional. There are a variety of outdoor trips, fun workshops, excursions, and gear exchange / flea market planned for the weekend, along with evening entertainment. There is something for all ages and all interests. Both of these parks are on the North Country Trail (NCTA map PA-03)

NCT Events are:
Hike the North Country Trail in PA from the Ohio State line on State Game lands 285. 4.1 miles going through woods and fields. Much of the trail is along a ridge with several nice overlooks. If we're feeling strong, there's a possible 2 mile extension along a beautiful stretch of the North Fork of the Little Beaver Creek.

Excursion – Tour of Four Historical Structures. First stop is McConnells Mill, nestled amidst striking scenery and the deep gorge of the Slippery Rock Creek, a national natural landmark, the 19th century gristmill is the centerpiece of McConnells Mill State Park. Our guided interpretive tour will bring to life the working grist mill, its history and the historic covered bridge. Next stop will be the old historic oil pump at Moraine State Park, where you will see a demonstration and learn the history of the pump. Then make our way to the 200 year old log cabin house near the North Country National Scenic Trail. We will have lunch hear while we learn who lived here etc., now leased by the North Country Trail Assoc., used by hikers and backpackers. People like you can also rent it with facilities inside and camping outside. One more stop at the Old Stone House, a stagecoach stop, north of Butler. Find out how this historic structure was used other than a stagecoach stop and how George Washington used the old Venango Trail that goes right past this house.

For a donation, one can set up a table or gazebo for the whole weekend. “Set-up” donations will be going towards a good cause. The Davis Hollow Cabin, leased by the North Country Trail Assoc, is in need of repair at Moraine State Park. This old historical structure sits along the NCT for hikers or a weekend getaway. This Gear Exchange/ Flea Market will be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Extravaganza from afternoon to dusk. It will also take place under a large covered carport in the campground.

The Annual event is always a real Extravaganza! This year is no different, with road, trail & mountain biking, canoeing or kayaking on lakes & streams, sailing, rock climbing, rafting, caving, horseback riding and various levels of hikes. Also pontoon boat tour, historical excursions, fun workshops such as: Backpacking, Glass Blowing, Providence Plantation, GPS Geocaching, Yoga, Historical Buildings Tour and Kids Activities. Breakneck Campground is base camp. Workshops and trips begin 9:00 AM. each day and leaders take you to where trip takes place. Breakfasts, bag lunches, dinner and camping provided, but optional. Friday evening is a Weiner Roast Picnic, Guitar and campfire songs with Nancy Dickson. Saturday evening is a Pig Roast followed by Reenactment with George Washington himself by Carl Roberetson. Birds of Prey is the Sunday presentation by Tamarack Rehab Center. Around the campfire will be telescope viewing and of course smores. Throughout the weekend a gear exchange/flea market will be set up, so join us to buy or sell. This weekend is a must!

Registration, and complete information about events can be found at Butler Outdoor Club