RED HOUSE — Monday night’s Sunset Hike from the Summit area of Allegany State Park was the third this year.

It is the second year the state park’s Environmental Education/Recreation Department has offered the hikes in January and February. They start at 4:30 p.m. each Monday from the Warming House across from the Art Roscoe Cross Country Ski Area.

Adele Wellman, the newly-appointed environmental educator in the Allegany Region, led the hike, which instead of the usual 2.3-mile roundtrip to the Stone Tower, went down the hill to a series of beaver ponds. Temperatures were in the upper 30s and a very light rain started about halfway through the hike.

There was evidence of recent beaver activity, as several trees had been felled by the busy animals, in addition to beaver tracks, foxes and rabbits.

Wellman identified various trees from spruces to maples by their bark along the path of the hike as well as animal tracks.

Wellman said hikes along Bearpaw Trail to the Stone Tower were designed for snowshoes, but Monday’s partial snow cover didn’t necessitate them. If you don’t own a pair of snowshoes, Wellman said to call ahead for free use of a pair, along with ski poles.

There was no visible sunset on Monday, as skies were cloudy. Winter sunsets from the Stone Tower can be breathtaking, Wellman said.

She advised participants to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, snack and sense of adventure.

The remaining trek dates are: Jan. 23 and 30, and Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

For more information, or to reserve a pair of snowshoes if necessary, call the Allegany State Park Red House Administration Building at 354-9101 and ask for the Environmental Education/Recreation Department.