Contact: Louis DeVito                                                        

Tel. 412.779.2929 (cell)

ldevito@ventureoutdoors.org

PROGRAMS HIGHLIGHT FALL FOLIAGE

Venture Outdoors biking, pedaling and paddling programs lead participants through scenic areas

(Pittsburgh, PA - October 2, 2007) - As the temperature begins to cool, lovers of the fall season look forward to what comes with the changing weather– the vibrant color transformation of many deciduous trees.  

Venture Outdoors will be holding programs to highlight that particular facet of nature.

The Fall Foliage Pedal and Paddle on Saturday, October 20 presents an opportunity for participants to either kayak or canoe around North Park Lake. After the paddle, participants will bike ride around the lake. This event is ideal for families and is set at an easy physical difficulty level. Cost is $20 for members, $35 for non-members and $10 for kids. The program begins at 1 p.m. and will continue to 5 p.m.

The Fall Foliage Biking as well as the Pumpkin Fest Bike Excursion are part of the Trail Town Series programs. The new series highlights a few of the area “Trail Towns” by touring scenic and historical areas.

Pumpkin Fest Bike Excursion, this Saturday, October 6 will highlight the beginnings of this year’s fall foliage as it tours the Great Allegheny Passage through 11 miles of biking. Participants will arrive in Confluence, a charming valley village hosting PumpkinFest that same day. When returning to Ohiopyle, one will have time to explore the town and sightsee before heading home. The biking program starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

Fall Foliage Biking follows another 11-mile trail from West Newton to Perryopolis. The trail cuts through spectacular fall foliage and past many points of interest, such as George Washington’s restored 1776 gristmill and a Whiskey Rebellion 1794 distillery. The program begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. Cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

Any Venture Outdoors program within the month of October is sure to lead participants through beautiful fall foliage. Upcoming programs include:

Oct. 13 – Long Distance Hike Series, Flyfishing for Brown Trout, Curry Hike

Oct. 14 – Advanced Paddle Series, Natural Reflections

Oct. 15 – Beginner Paddle – North Park Lake

Oct. 16 and 23 – Tyke Hike

Oct. 20 – Pancake Hike

Oct. 21 – Riverview Escape Hike

Oct. 22 – Beginner Paddle – Downtown

Oct. 26 – Werewolf Paddle

Oct. 27 – Haunted Hike, Witch’s Brew Tasting Hike

Oct. 28 – Apple Pie Hike, Halloween Haunted Bike Ride

To register for the any of the Fall Foliage programs, or for any events, those interested need only call the Venture Outdoors office at 412.255.0564 or visit the Web site, where there is a complete listing of programs, at www.ventureoutdoors.org.

Venture Outdoors, a non-profit organization, seeks to transform the Pittsburgh region into a place where the outdoors is an integral part of our culture, our identity and our lifestyle.  Venture Outdoors does this by increasing participation in outdoor recreational activity. This in turn creates a sense of community among participants, an increased awareness of the region's excellent quality of life, and a better understanding of and deeper appreciation for the environment and wilderness among the residents of and visitors to western Pennsylvania. 

For more information, visit www.ventureoutdoors.org or call 412.255.0564.
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