Fall programs invite Juniata River Valley residents outdoors

A season of discovery arrives

LEWISTOWN -- The Juniata River Valley is heading into a stretch of fall programs that encourage folks to get outside, learn something new and enjoy the changing season.

With two hands-on events at Whipple Dam State Park, located in Petersburg, Huntingdon County, the coming weeks offer chances to explore fungi, try fly fishing and spend time in the woods as the leaves begin to turn.

The first event arrives in early October with a workshop designed specifically for women interested in learning the basics of fly fishing. The "Women's Intro to Fly Fishing" program will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon at Whipple Dam State Park, 3746 Laurel Run Road. Staff from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and certified Fishing Skills Instructors will lead the session.

The workshop is built for beginners and focuses on knot tying, casting techniques and on-the-water skills. Instructors break down each step, from handling the rod to understanding how fly lines work, and guide participants through practice sessions that help build confidence quickly.

All equipment is provided, making the program accessible for anyone curious about trying fly fishing without needing to bring gear. Participants under age 18 must attend with a parent or guardian. Space is limited, and registration is available online.

A week later, Whipple Dam will host a program that draws nature lovers, hikers and curious beginners each fall. The Central PA Mushroom Club will lead its annual mushroom walk on Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon to 3 p.m. at Pavilion No. 3 at Whipple Dam State Park. The afternoon begins with a short orientation on fungi, covering how mushrooms grow, where they thrive and how to identify common species found in the Juniata River Valley's forests.

After the introduction, participants will head into the woods for a guided forage. The walk is relaxed and welcoming, with club members offering tips on spotting mushrooms along the trail, understanding habitat and recognizing the difference between edible and non-edible species. For many, the experience becomes part nature lesson, part treasure hunt, with each turn in the trail offering something new to discover.

No registration is required. Environmental Education Specialist Jen Moore can provide more information at (814) 667-1800 or by email at jennmoore@pa.gov.

Together, the two programs highlight what makes fall special in the Juniata River Valley. Cooler air settles in, leaves begin to shift toward gold and red, and the parks take on the quiet energy that makes outdoor learning feel both peaceful and refreshing.

Whether it's watching a fly line arc across the water for the first time or spotting a bright orange mushroom tucked beneath fallen leaves, each event offers a chance to connect with the natural world in a way that feels personal and memorable.

For families, beginners or anyone looking for a reason to spend a few hours outside, the October programs at Whipple Dam provide easy entry points into two hobbies with deep roots in Pennsylvania's outdoor culture. And with knowledgeable instructors leading the way, participants can expect an experience that blends education with adventure.