Harrison Hills Hikers club kicks around at St. Joseph High School

David Widenhofer, a history teacher at St. Joseph High School, is hoping to stoke students’ passion for the great outdoors through a new after-school hiking club.

Harrison Hills Hikers will nurture the teens’ interests in nature, fitness and adventure-seeking, Widenhofer said.

“We try to give our kids a little bit of everything here,” he said. “We want them to develop a passion and spend some time developing those connections.”

The club kicked off Friday, Oct. 28, at Harrison Hills, an Allegheny County-owned park off Freeport Road in Harrison.

The club is scheduled to meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays throughout the school year. St. Joe’s students have half-days on Fridays.

With 524 acres, Harrison Hills offers countless miles of hiking trails. Widenhofer plans for his students to trek up to 3 miles a week and explore the scenery that includes wooded trails, a pond and native flowers.

There are no fitness requirements to join the club. Widenhofer said anyone who can traverse the trail can be a member.

For those interested in taking it up a notch, he will plan a few longer treks throughout the year.

Enrollment will be open-ended so athletes who play fall or winter sports can join when their seasons end, he said.

Gia Richter, 15, of New Kensington signed up for the club as a way to be more disciplined.

“I love the outdoors,” said Richter, a sophomore. “I find hiking peaceful, but I don’t go that often. When I do though, I’m reminded that I love it.”

Widenhofer, a self-described outdoor enthusiast, is excited to offer a club that can appeal to a wide variety of students.

“We had a back-to-school picnic there, and so many different students commented how much fun they had,” he said. “I think this is something that could be for anyone.

“Plus, I threw in an incentive. If anyone spots Big Foot, they win $1,000.”