Health and nature partnership looks to bring Recovery in Nature initiative to PA trails

28 August 2024- Today, the Pennsylvania Departments of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced the agencies’ Recovery in Nature initiative, which will run throughout the month of September in conjunction with National Recovery Month. Recovery in Nature is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature – particularly for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) – and encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of trails and waterways across the Commonwealth.

The goal of National Recovery Month is to come together, celebrate individuals in recovery, and offer hope to those who are struggling with SUD. It reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from the disease of addiction.

“We know that for those in recovery from a substance use disorder, spending time in nature can be a powerful tool in their journey and provide a boost in both mental and physical health,” said DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones. “DDAP is proud to partner with DCNR to spotlight the natural beauty and opportunities Pennsylvania has to offer, especially within our regional recovery hubs during such a meaningful time of year.”

There are nine regional recovery hubs, funded by DDAP, across the state. The hubs are designed to embed, expand, and promote a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, which is a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered, with the ultimate goal of improving the health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals in recovery from SUD.

DDAP and DCNR have identified a corresponding trail or waterway within a state park or trail system near each regional recovery hub. A number of the trails are included within Governor Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign. All recommended locations below are recommended for Pennsylvanians to take advantage of throughout the entire month of September.

“Trails not only connect one place to another, they connect people to nature and the enjoyment of our state parks and forests which has benefits for our health,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Nature can help heal and Pennsylvanians are fortunate that there are hundreds of state and local parks and thousands of miles of trails that are waiting for them to explore.”

Locally, in Region 5: York, Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Huntington, Mifflin, Juniata, and Blair counties

• Doubling Gap Nature Trail, Colonel Denning State Park, Perry County
• Beginning and ending at Doubling Gap Lake, this one-mile self-guided loop trail has several informational panels about the natural history of the area.
• In addition, on Wednesday, September 25, the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association, which is DDAP’s Region 5 recovery hub, will be hosting a recovery-based hike along the loop. There will be a mid-point stop along the trail for recovery story sharing and a wellness-based activity.  

Across all systems, Pennsylvania currently has more than 12,000 miles of trails that offer activities such as walking, biking, and horseback riding.

Trails are free outdoor recreation and important to health because:

• Their walkable access motivates people to participate in physical activity and to do so more frequently;
• Trails encourage physical activity that can improve heart health; and
• Parks and trails can provide safe spaces for people to play and exercise, away from busy streets and commercial zones.