Visit / The Lumber Heritage Trail

Stop #18 – Punxsutawney Phil: The Legendary Groundhog and His Timeless Tradition

Celebrate the Magic of Groundhog Day with Punxsutawney Phil

Groundhog Day is a cherished American tradition celebrated annually on February 2nd, where the world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, emerges from his burrow at Gobbler’s Knob to make his highly anticipated weather prediction. This timeless event ties modern-day celebrations to centuries-old folklore, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring.

The Legend of Groundhog Day

The origins of Groundhog Day date back to ancient traditions and European folklore, including Candlemas Day, where the weather on February 2nd was believed to predict the coming season. The legend states that if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter; if not, it foretells an early spring.

 

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle

Established in the 1880s, the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club Inner Circle is a dedicated group of 15 members tasked with upholding the legacy of Punxsutawney Phil. Dressed in tuxedos and top hats, they host the Groundhog Day festivities every year at Gobbler’s Knob.

At precisely 7:20 AM, Phil emerges to deliver his weather prediction, drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe. The Inner Circle also organizes a variety of events leading up to Groundhog Day, including the Groundhog Balland the Groundhog Banquet, creating a week of unforgettable celebrations.

Punxsutawney Phil: Year-Round Ambassador

Phil’s activities extend beyond February 2nd. Alongside the Inner Circle, he travels across the world, meeting fans and sharing his unique story. Each late summer, Phil is fed his “Elixir of Life,” a secret potion that grants him longevity and vitality, ensuring he remains the world’s most famous weather-predicting groundhog.

Become a Faithful Follower of Phil

Join the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and connect with a community that celebrates tradition, history, and the charm of Phil. Membership benefits include:

 

Plan Your Visit to Gobbler’s Knob

Experience the magic of Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and take part in a celebration that draws thousands of visitors annually.

Contact Information

Groundhog Club Headquarters
1548 Woodland Avenue Ext.
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
📧 Email: Director@ghogclub.com | admin@groundhog.org
📞 Phone: 814-618-5591
🌐 Website: groundhog.org

Celebrate Tradition with Punxsutawney Phil

Whether you’re visiting for Groundhog Day or joining as a Faithful Follower, embrace the whimsical charm and rich history of Punxsutawney Phil. This iconic weather-predicting groundhog brings joy, tradition, and community spirit to fans worldwide. Make your plans to celebrate this extraordinary American folklore today!

Other Stops on The Lumber Heritage Trail

Stop #1 – Explore Clarion County’s Natural Surroundings on the Rail 66 Country Trail

The Lumber Heritage Trail

Stop #1 – Explore Clarion County’s Natural Surroundings on the Rail 66 Country Trail

Rail 66 Country Trail is a non-motorized, 4-season trail that currently extends 20.1 miles through the scenic countryside of northern Clarion County near the Village of Lucinda on the historic Knox-Kane railroad bed. The 20.1 mile corridor of the Knox to Kane rail bed aka Rail 66 Country Trail starts at Clarion Junction (Rt 322) in Paint Township and stretches north along Rt 66 to the Clarion/Forest County line in the Village of Vowinckel. Beyond the county line it extends through Forest, Elk and McKean Counties. The trail directly connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Baker Trail and BicyclePA Route V. It’s located just a few miles from Cook Forest State Park, the Allegheny National Forest, State Game Lands, Clarion Highlands Trail and ultimately to the Sandy Creek Trail, the Allegheny River Trail and, the Redbank Valley Trail. ​Rail 66 Country Trail a/k/a Rail 66, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, was created and now owns a permanent easement for 20.1 miles of the corridor in Clarion County. Volunteers invested many hours and local donors gave thousands of dollars for the effort. Rail 66 members use, maintain and support the trail. The old B&O lives on as a rail trail, providing recreation and economic development in Northwest Pennsylvania by tying together numerous communities, several trail systems, two state parks and the Allegheny National Forest.

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The Lumber Heritage Maple Trail

Spring Valley Maple

Scott Kolesar of Spring Valley Maple produces his own syrup from a grove of sugar maples on his property in his “sugar shack.” Scott took 1st place in the Grade A - Amber Syrup in glass, 2nd place in Grade A - Dark Syrup in glass and 2nd place Grade A - Very Dark Syrup in glass at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show with his maple syrup. The process starts with drilling a tap hole into a maple tree. A spout is inserted to direct the sap to either a bucket or into tubing that sends the sap to a large collection tank at the sugar house or a central collection area using a vacuum pump. From the storage tanks, the sap is often put through a reverse osmosis machine, which takes a percentage of the water from the sap before boiling. The evaporation process sends clouds of sweet maple scented steam billowing from the sugarhouse cupolas and steam stacks. An evaporator is where the boiling takes place. Stainless steel pans sit atop an arch, or firebox, where either oil or wood creates an intense fire. As the water in the sap evaporates, the sap thickens. When the thermometer in the pan reaches 219 degrees the syrup is ready to draw off. Even though it looks like the finished product it will still need to be filtered, adjusted for density and graded for flavor and color. Choose PURE MAPLE SYRUP, a natural sweetener and a smart food choice!

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Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup

The Lumber Heritage Maple Trail

Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup

Today, Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup boldly displays hickory’s extraordinary adaptability in culinary, baking, topping, and beverage uses such as pouring over pancakes and waffles, glazing meats and fish, as a savory dipping sauce, for grilling, as a marinade, or even as an ice cream topping. Our main goal is to develop a distinctive Hickory syrup product and brand. Our infused, smoked hickory created waves in the culinary industry. You will not be disappointed, try Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup now. Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup does farm shows and markets, as well as, local charities throughout Pennsylvania. Each product is meticulously made by combining the best of nature with artisan workmanship and cutting-edge technology. Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup sells its goods both nationally and in its hometown Pennsylvania.

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