Hiking enthusiasts will get a chance to explore a normally restricted stretch of the McMichael Creek near Brodheadsville on Sunday.

Sponsored by the Brodhead Watershed Association, with support from the William Penn Foundation, hikers will have an opportunity to traverse an area along the creek that is owned an protected by the Pohoqualine Fish Association. The secluded winter scenes along the route will be well worth the walk, according to BWA's Carol Hillestad."We may be lucky and see a great blue heron, possibly hawks or even an eagle," Hillestad said. "We'll see trout in the stream, low waterfalls, the lovely rippling, meandering stream itself, and downstream, a pond with cattails and other native plants."The 2½ mile trek will begin at the parking area off Route 715 in Chestnuthill Township, directly across from Idlewood Drive and run from 1 to 2:30 p.m.Sunday's weather forecast calls for temperatures in the 40s and light rain, so Hillestad recommends dressing in layers and wearing sturdy, waterproof boots. Walking sticks or trekking poles could come in handy for the narrow trail and wet or rocky areas.Supervised children over 12 years old are welcome, though it is best to leave dogs at home.The event is free, though registration is required. Contact 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727, or email

info@brodheadwatershed.org for more information.If you happen to be free on Sunday, take the rare chance to get outdoors and enjoy a walk amid the beautiful and vital creek."The McMichael is a beautiful stream and an important tributary of the Brodhead Creek," Hillestad said. "Protecting the land along this creek and creeks throughout the watershed protects water quality and keeps our drinking water safe and pure."