51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ

The area surrounding the 51¾«Æ·ÊÓƵ’s Johnstown campus offers opportunities for every type of outdoor adventurer: a verdant garden tucked beside a monastery for a moment of peace, a 900-acre reservoir for the paddling enthusiast and even a drive-in movie theater for those who prefer creature comforts.

Here are five opportunities to get outside without going far — each experience is within a 30-minute drive from campus.

Take a breath

The shrines and sunken gardens pictured above are located on the grounds of the . This spot of natural splendor is open to the public and invites visitors to take a moment for quiet reflection amid the fountains and flowers.

Distance: 30-minute drive

Where: Saint Francis Friary at Mount Assisi, 105 Saint Francis Dr., Loretto, PA, 15940

Cost: Free

Dabble with a paddle

The , located on the 900-acre Quemahoning Reservoir, is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon on the water. Whether you’re kayaking or paddleboarding, this is the place for a float. Don’t forget to say hi to the numerous fish friends that make the reservoir their home, including bluegills, northern pikes and rock bass.

Distance: 20-minute drive

Where: The Yak Shak at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, 135 CSA Dr., Hollsopple, PA, 15935

Cost: A single kayak or paddleboard is $10 per hour; a canoe or dual kayak is $15 per hour.

Bike or hike to a site of railroad history

The , completed in 1833, is part of the Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. The 901-foot tunnel is purported to be the first railroad tunnel in the U.S. and is the anchor of a 2.5-mile recreation trail. The tunnel’s stonework and sandstone-arched liners are a must-see in railroad history.

Distance: 18-minute drive

Where: Staple Bend Tunnel Park, 1189 Beech Hill Road, Johnstown, PA 15904

Cost: Free

Go on a scavenger hunt

Take a jaunt on the while solving puzzles. Use the trails’ and to search for 19 geocaches hidden in the region. Come for the challenge of GPS navigation and stay for the wooded scenery, including the 15-foot Turtle Falls waterfall.

Distance: 13-minute drive

Where: Lorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails, 503 Green Valley St., Johnstown, PA, 15902

Cost: Free

Have a star-studded night

The historic has been a slice of local Johnstown color since 1950. Watch the latest flicks on the big screen from the comfort of your car for a night at the cinema from a bygone era.

Distance: 3-minute drive

Where: Silver Drive-In, 1664 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, PA, 15904

Cost: Tickets are $9 per person for a double feature.

Ìý

— Nichole Faina, photography submitted by the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus