Smethport Web — by Ross Porter

The 2015 “Walk With Doc” Hike along the new Shawmut Trail and the Goosechaser Trail took place Sunday, October 4, 2015. The hike started at the Bowman Health Center Parking Lot at 2 pm Sunday and proceeded down the Shawmut Trail toward the McKean County Poor Farm.

Dr. Tim Pierson, naturalist/ forester and nature photographer, acted as the hike facilitator.

Following the hike, about 25 participants attended a bratwurst and hot dog cookout at the Hamlin Lake Park Island pavilion. The Potato Creek Trail Association sponsored the event.

Dr. Douglas Bowman first popularized the trail with his annual “Walk With Doc” nature hikes along the former Shawmut Railroad grade. Dr. Bowman, a strong and consistent advocate of healthy activities, practiced medicine in Smethport for 29 years until his untimely death in 2008.