Q&A with Tony Barr, Shawnee and Blue Knob State Park Friends Group, and Mid State Trail Everett Region Manager

Pennsylvania Friends Groups are made up of dedicated volunteers who generously give their time, services, and support to our state parks and forests. These groups form for various reasons, but they all recognize the value of their state park or forest. Shawnee and Blue Knob State Parks have a Friends Group organized through the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. The Friends Group consists of people like you who are interested in making Shawnee and Blue Knob two of the best parks in Pennsylvania!

Tony Barr is the fearless leader of the Friends of Shawnee and Blue Knob State Parks. Whether discovering the area for the first time or just dipping your toes into the great outdoors, joining a friend group is like stepping into a magical realm of connection and exploration.

Tony: “We organize monthly group hikes that alternate between Shawnee and Blue Knob State Parks. Additionally, we host monthly group work sessions to assist the parks in improving their facilities. Throughout the year, we also organize special events. For this year, we have scheduled movie nights at both parks and will be hosting an art-in-the-park event over Labor Day weekend, combined with a 5k at Shawnee.”

Q: How did you join our local state parks friend group?

Tony: “A friend told me they were reconstituting the friends group as we emerged from the pandemic, and I started attending meetings. I stepped up to be the chair in 2022.”

Q: Where did you grow up, and what brought you to the Southern Alleghenies?

Tony: “I grew up in suburban Chicago. The house I grew up in was across from a forest preserve, so I spent my childhood surrounded by woods. After various travels, I ended up in Western PA. I worked at a wilderness school for adjudicated youth in Ohiopyle, PA. After completing my master’s degree, I was looking for a school district in the mountains and ended up at Everett School District 27 years ago.”

Q: Where is your favorite place to spend time outdoors locally?

Tony: “My favorite hike in the two parks would be the Mountain View Trail in Blue Knob State Park. It follows Beaver Dale Creek and has four creek crossings. The sound of the rushing water is soothing. The trail includes a nice climb that’s great for getting the heart pumping. The Mountain View Trail is about seven miles long, but you can easily shorten it to five. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the Pavia Overlook Loop Trail is about one to a half miles long.”

Q: What micro adventure would you recommend locally?

Tony: “We have so many hiking trails, not just in Blue Knob or Shawnee, but also in the Mid-State and Buchanan State Park. For a short adventure, take the Mountain View Trail from the Willow Spring Picnic Area at Blue Knob!”

Q: What prep should one consider if it is their first visit?

Tony: “Before heading out, always check the weather and make sure you’re prepared. Bring enough water, snacks, and proper gear. These essentials are important no matter where or what you’re doing. You never know when things might take a turn for the worse.”

Q: What item do you always have on hand before you head outdoors?

Tony: “I am also a member of the Blue Knob Ski Patrol, so when we go hiking, I always bring my ski patrol pack. There have been times when I’ve needed items from it, like a first aid kit. It’s important to know how to use it. I love the woods because they are wild, but the downside is that they are also wild, and sooner or later, we all might need a little help!”

Haley: The best way to stay in touch with our local friends group is on Facebook: Friends of Shawnee and Blue Knob State Parks. Join the Friends of Shawnee and Blue Knob State Park at these upcoming summer events!:

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 6 p.m. — led group hike meeting at Willow Springs Picnic Area and hiking the Three Springs, Pavia Overlook, and Mountain View Trails

Saturday, July 20, 2024, 10 a.m. — Volunteer Work Session at Blue Knob

Saturday, July 20, 2024 (dusk, approx. 8:45 p.m.) — Outdoor Family Movie Night at the Blue Knob Amphitheater.

Hikes with Haley, hosted by Bedford native and entrepreneur Haley Feaster, are monthly conversations featuring local voices to highlight the outdoor gems in Bedford, Pennsylvania (PA) and the greater surrounding region of the Southern Alleghenies. For trail recommendations and more guides, check out @hikeswithhaley on Instagram.