Hikers undertaking an arduous climb or a particularly long trek know that each step brings them closer to a place to rest and enjoy a drink of water.
They also know that what is important to them is not the destination, but the journey.
The same can be said of the effort to introduce more people to Warren County's vast outdoor resource, a resource that has gone unnoticed by far too many people who would appreciate its beauty and its variety of resources.
The Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways group, which grew out of the Leadership Warren County initiative a few years ago, didn't stop with the establishment of a trail system from Kinzua Beach to the base of Rimrock. Their journey continues with a proposal to establish a mountain biking trail system in the Allegheny National Forest to lure another group of outdoor enthusiasts to the region.
Recently, representatives of the PKP met with Forest Service, chamber of commerce and tourism promoters to pitch its idea.
According to Joe Colosimo, a spokesman for the group, the idea is to attract visitors to Warren County, educate them, provide good facilities for their visit, and promote good stewardship of the forest.
The fact that the last two Rimrock Bash events on Memorial Day weekend drew thousands of participants is testimony to the fact that the "market" is there for the unique beauty of the area.
The proposed Jakes Rocks Epic (mountain cycling) Trail System will expand the opportunities for enjoyment of the Allegheny.
Keep in mind that these sort of low-impact pursuits foster an appreciation for the forest, and appreciation fosters stewardship.
And, it's not a stretch to imagine at least some of these cyclists and hikers looking around during their journeys and wondering, "Hey, I bet this place is really neat under snow."
One step at a time PKP is doing the important work of bringing people (and their wallets) to Warren County, and we support their efforts with both thumbs vertical.