"You're climbing on rock and ice to get to the top and you find a beautiful landscape," Schirra said. "It's probably the most beautiful and pristine countryside you can see."

A desire to discover natural beauty compels Schirra to hike not only in distant parts of the country such as Alaska, but also in Northeastern Pennsylvania as a member of the newly formed Endless Mountain Hiking Club.

Noting that Wyoming County was in need of a hiking group, Schirra said that she began to form the club in the fall.

"Hiking is a way for me to relax and have fun," Schirra, of Dimock, said.

She added that people often learn and come to appreciate nature as they participate in hikes.

On Sunday, June 1, the group will gather again at Salt Spring State Forest and Friends' Preserve, meeting at the Salt Springs Farm house at 1 p.m. The distance is about three miles and Schirra will take hikers along a "hands-on" vista of all the falls at Salt Springs.

The group had its first outing in April at the Endless Mountains Nature Center.

On Saturday, May 10, the club returned to the EMNC to hike a trail known as 'The Canal.' It follows the path of the Old North Branch Canal that dates from the 1830s.

The canal showcases great beauty, according to Rebecca Lesko, of the nature center.

"The wildflowers are out," Mrs. Lesko said. "It's a beautiful place and the birds are singing."

The trail runs along the Susquehanna River.

Tunkhannock attorney and outdoor enthusiast Jeff Mitchell said that the EMNC has, "trails leading to impressive rock walls that once held a canal."

"I think in the springtime blueberries bloom along the river," Mitchell said. "When they bloom it is like a carpet along the forest floor."

Mitchell is also a member of the group and led a hike on Saturday, May 17, at Schrader Creek Valley and Falls Creek near Monroeton in Bradford County, where falls reach almost 100 feet high.

"The falls are really beautiful," Mitchell said.

He added that the hiking club is informal and is the first of its kind in Wyoming County and gives people a means to explore the outdoors.

"There are a lot of people who like to go outside but they don't know where to go," Mitchell said. "Most of the hikes by the group are easy, some are difficult."

Mitchell has hiked for about 11 years.

"I like hiking because it's the best way to see the beauty of our region," Mitchell said. "It's great for physical fitness."

Hiking also reminds some people of their childhood, such as Gene Berger, who when growing up near Hazleton become fond of nature.

"My dad when I was 5-years-old took me out hiking," Berger, of Laceyville, said. "We would walk through the forest and explore the coal mines."

For more information about the new hiking club go to, http://www.woodbourneforest.org/hiking_club.htm.