Hikers move through the Pleasant Valley Trail of Moraine State Park during a Groundhog Day hike on Friday, Feb. 2 Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle

Kyle Prudhomme

Area residents did not have to drive to Punxsutawney to “Phil” their need to see a groundhog.

On Friday, Feb. 2, Moraine Start Park officials hosted a “Groundhog Hike,” where participants were led on a nearly 2 mile hike from 1 to 3 p.m.

Lovers of the outdoors were able to bask in the winter weather, which, according to Punxsutawney “Phil,” will be six weeks shorter since he didn’t see his shadow this year.

Nature enthusiasts navigated the Pleasant Valley Trail, where they were able to spend the afternoon hiking over easy-to-moderate terrain while learning fun facts about animals and the park in the winter.

Led by Natalie Simon, environmental specialist with the state park, hikers were asked to wear sturdy shoes, winter-weather attire and to bring their inquisitive nature as they explored the great outdoors at the state park for the family-fun affair.

Hikers stop to admire Lake Arthur during a Groundhog Day hike of the Pleasant Valley Trail at Moraine State Park on Friday, Feb. 2. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle

Kyle Prudhomme

Chris Phillips shows off his Punxsy Phil T-shirt during a Groundhog Day hike of Moraine State Park on Friday, Feb. 2. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle

Kyle Prudhomme

Led by Natalie Simon, environmental specialist with Moraine State Park, hikers move through the Pleasant Valley Trail for a Groundhog Day hike on Friday, Feb. 2. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle (02/02/24)

Kyle Prudhomme

Led by Natalie Simon, environmental specialist with Moraine State Park, hikers move through the Pleasant Valley Trail for a Groundhog Day hike on Friday, Feb. 2. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle

Kyle Prudhomme

From left, Dave Held, of Pittsburgh, and Wanda Couch, of Lawrence County, hit the final stretch during a Groundhog Day hike of Moraine State Park on Friday, Feb. 2. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle

Kyle Prudhomme

Chris Phillips, of Chicora, gives an update on the outcome of Groundhog Day to a cohort of hikers at Moraine State Park on Friday, Feb. 2. Phillips, born in Punxsutawney, is an honorary member of Punxsy Phil’s Fan Club. Kyle Prudhomme/Butler Eagle

Kyle Prudhomme