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P.O. Box 242, West Newton, Pennsylvania, 15089 United States
2026 WYTC Events
2025-03-29 Saturday March for Parks
The Future Takes Funding!
(picture by Donna Morrison of Cedar Creek Park-Youghiogheny River near the Activity Center)
The 24th annual Citizens Advisory Board March for Parks fundraiser will be held at Twin Lakes Park, at the Activity Center on Saturday, March 28, 2026!
Make a $30 donation before March 28 and receive your official March for Parks t-shirt at a discount (price increase to $40 for same-day registration)! Kids and pets can also donate early for only $15 and get a cool swag prize or treat (no t-shirt). The Kid/Pet option also increases to $20 for same-day registration. Register before March 28 to save!
Through generosity of these donations, we have been able to accomplish numerous projects over the years. To keep our plans moving along as planned, please be aware that this registration is non refundable. We THANK YOU for your understanding and your support towards our beautiful parks!
A morning of fun on Saturday, March 28!
- Check in at the Twin Lakes Park Nature Center starting at 10:00 a.m.
- Pick up your official March for Parks t-shirt, kids prize, or pet bandana with donation (while supplies last)
- Enjoy a pig roast lunch and other snacks & refreshments following the March
- Listen to live entertainment on the Island Stage
- Take a chance on great raffle baskets
- Visit our sponsor booths and participate in fun activities and games for all ages
- The official march will kick-off at 11:00 a.m. with an optional walk around Twin Lakes
For more information check out their website HERE.
2026-06-07 Sunday Trail Appreciation Day
Meet your WYTC Trail Volunteers across from the GAP-WYTC West Newton Visitor’s Center. 11-3
Stop by our WYTC Table to learn more about Trail membership benefits, pick up individually packaged cookies, chips and water.
Get your free hot dogs and refreshments and get to know your trail neighbors. Find out what the West Newton Station has to offer you and meet the volunteers who make this resource possible for all GAP visitors.
The Rail Car will be open!
2026-09-07 Monday Labor Day Poker Run.
2026-09-07 Monday Labor Day Poker Run.
Ride and Walk (Bring Family and Friends!)
33rd Annual
Labor Day Poker Run
On the Great
Allegheny Passage
Sponsored by the
Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter
Event starts at 8 a.m.
You will be able to register on line.
Details to follow.
The event will start at the Arthur H. King Access Area of the WYTC section of the GAP in West Newton. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used by trail volunteers to maintain, preserve and enhance the Westmoreland County section of the Great Allegheny Passage.
3 NON-COMPETITIVE EVENTS BIKE—12 MILES LEVEL BIKE—20 MILES ENDURANCE WALK/JOG/WHEELCHAIR OPTIONAL—4 MILES Arthur H. King Access Area West Newton, PA September 7, 2026 Registration @ 8:00 AM Event @ 8:30 AM
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The Poker Run is NOT A RACE! Participants walk or ride at their own pace, to checkpoints throughout the course where they pick a playing card which is recorded on their Poker Hand Card.
At the end of the event, each poker hand is tallied. The person with the best hand in each category will receive a prize. At 11:00 AM the winners of the best hands in all events will be announced along with the winner of the 50/50 drawing.
In addition, participants will have a chance to win one of several gift cards available for this event.
THE COURSES — All courses are totally flat.
Walking, Jogging, Wheelchair optional—4 miles: This 4-mile walk will begin at the Arthur H. King Access area and proceed north along the Great Allegheny Passage with check point stops along the way.
The mid-way check point is at the Westmoreland/Allegheny County line.
Level Bike Ride—12 Miles: This 12-mile ride for cyclists will begin at the Arthur H. King Access Area, proceed south along the Great Allegheny Passage to the check point at Smithton Beach and return to the access area.
Endurance Bike Ride—20 Miles: This 20-mile ride for cyclists will begin at the Arthur H. King Access area and proceed south along the Great Allegheny Passage and continue past Smithton Beach another four miles to the mid-way checkpoint at Whitsett. From Whitsett cyclists will return to the starting point.
NOTE: All cyclists are required to wear an ANSI or SNELL certified helmet when riding a bike in the Poker Run and sign a release form. The signature of a parent or guardian is required for all participants under the age of 18 years old.
SUPPORT
There will be rest stops and water along the route. Personnel will be available for those unable to finish the course. Volunteers will direct you along the route and EMT personnel will be available for medical assistance.
EVENT RAIN OR SHINE **********************************
2024-09-07 Tribute to Teresa Liszewski
With sadness we report the passing of Teresa Liszewski, one of our Original Over The Hill Gang members. Besides being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she was a true Trail Pioneer, and contributed significantly in the 1990’s to improving the former railroad area near the Youghiogheny River, West Newton, PA.
This group of men and women, the Original Over the Hill Gang (OOTHG), formed the forerunner of the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter (WYTC). They met weekly and selflessly gave their time to create and improve the quality of our trail. They provided manual labor, expertise, fund raising, and often their own equipment resulting in the basis of the current trail we see today.
Terry and her husband, Caz, with other members of the OOTHG, began a journey developing the Westmoreland County portion of the Yough River Trail in the 1990’s. With the combined expertise of these members, their vision was realized, and we thank Terry for her many contributions, especially for serving as Trail Monitor for over 15 years.
Many local, regional, and national visitors have enjoyed the Trail because of their involvement and hard work for many years. Thank you, Terry, for all that you’ve done to improve the WYTC portion of the GAP Trail.
In Teresa's memory, contributions may be made to the WYTC, P.O. Box 242, West Newton, PA 15089.
Here is Terry's Obituary.
More pictures of Teresa and Caz Liszewski
