Cove Native Talks About Favorite Nearby Outdoor Areas

Mike Teeter, formerly of Martinsburg, is an outdoor enthusiast and advocate, who now lives in Bedford.

"I was always big into outdoor recreation and did a lot of hiking with my family growing up," he said.

Teeter said this allowed him to gain appreciation for the parks and outdoors areas near the Cove.

"Getting outdoors is important for physical health and also mental health," he said. "Walking outside is good for both the body and mind.

Teeter said Pennsylvania has a total of 123 state parks which are all free.

"The state designed the park system so there would be one within 15 minutes away no matter where you're at," he said. "I think they accomplished that."

A lot of people are not familiar with public lands and recreation, but there are many options within 10 minutes, Teeter said.

He said within the county many probably think of Canoe Creek state park or the Lower Trail in Williamsburg, but there are other areas nearby in the surrounding counties.

Blue Knob is great for the trail system especially for those who like to hike or mountain bike, according to Teeter.

"It is the highest campground in PA, and the second highest peak in the state," he said. "I have a love for Blue Knob. It has old cabins, mountains, old homesteads, rivers and streams."

Shawnee State Park located in Schellsburg, in Bedford County, is another place that offers a trail system as well as a lake, Teeter said.

Other areas in Bedford County include Warriors Path State Park in Saxton, which offers kayaking on the river, and the Sweet Root Natural Area located in the Buchanan State Forest near Chaneysville.

"Sweet Root Natural Area is the state's first natural area and it features saltpeter caves," Teeter said. "People who enjoy history and the outdoors will have a really great time."

In Huntingdon he recommended Raystown Lake, Trough Creek State Park, and Huntingdon and Broad Top Rail Trail.