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Stony Creek Valley
By Producer, Kelly Meinhart
 've
been visiting Stony Creek for years now, and it feels like home. Also
known as the St. Anthony's Wilderness, this area is teeming with beautiful
scenery, wildlife, and of course, Stony Creek.
 he
area consists of State Game Lands #211, with over 44,000 acres of
protected and managed wild areas. Rich in history, this area was first
settled in the early 1740's by Moravian missionaries attempting to
convert native tribes. The area soon became a bustling town, which
prompted the construction of the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Railroad
system. The system was built to transport coal and lumber, which were
both abundant in the day. Eventually stripped and mined of its natural
resources, the area was abandoned by the last settler in approximately
1944. But surprisingly, many of the remnants of these old settlings
are still visible today, including one eerie cemetery.
[Photo Gallery 1]
he PA Game Commission then purchased the land in 1945 and converted
the railroad system to a rail-trail, one of the first in the nation.
But soon after, controversy found its way to the valley, and in the
late 60's and early 70's the fight to save Stony began. In a deal
to promote commercial energy production, PP&L and the Game Commission
swapped land in order for PP&L to construct a hydroelectric facility
on the creek. It took a coalition of anglers, naturalists, and one
botanist, our very own dear friend, Ralph Kinter, to stop the proposal.
It took a lot of hard work, but the group went through the proper
channels to have Stony Creek designated as a Scenic River, and PP&L
later backed down on their plans. And so, Stony Creek was saved.
 ne
of the best ways to get to know Stony Creek Valley is by walking it.
From the rail-trail, it's an easy walk down to the creek to do a little
fly-fishing, or just do a little creek walk'in. There are also many
hiking trails that meander up the slope of the wilderness, and that's
really where you have a good opportunity to see wildlife. The Appalachian
Trail runs through the ridge of the Stony Creek Valley, but I'm sure
as many of those hikers can attest to, you have to watch your footing
in the Valley. The area is known for its boulder fields and rocky,
wooded terrain. Making it, in my opinion, all the more beautiful.
[Photo Gallery 2]
f the many trails branching off of the rail-trail and main road into
the valley, my favorite would have to be the Fire Tower Trail. Well
known in Central Pa as being a tough hike, for any level, but also
one of the most rewarding. It's also well known to serious mountain
bikers who describe the trail as a rush, and a challenge. I'm often
amazed at the mountain bikers who 'scream' down the mountain as we're
huffing and puffing up on foot. But the true gift of this hike is
found at the very top of the mountain. I think I'll save the surprise
for you to investigate on your own - but suffice it to say - you may
find yourself face to face with a soaring Turkey Vulture.
'd
love to tell you more about the Valley, the creek and its history,
as well as the efforts to improve the water quality of Rausch Creek,
a major tributary to Stony Creek, but you can find all that information
in the following website links. If you enjoy hiking, biking, or just
examining the simple things - be sure to visit Stony.
[Photo
Gallery 3]
For More Information:
 Ralph
Kinter finds rare plant species in Stony Valley
Trout
Unlimited and others save Stony Creek
St.
Anthony's Wilderness
PA
Rails to Trails Office
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See past topics of Between Cattails here!
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