Photo by Beth Teutschmann on Unsplash. Illustrative carved Halloween pumpkin; not a Hobgoblin Hike photograph.

Westmoreland County's autumn calendar offers a cheerful way to put community spirit into action: neighbors can help bring this year's Hobgoblin Hikes to life at Cedar Creek and Twin Lakes parks.

The free outdoor events return to Cedar Creek on Saturday, October 17, and Twin Lakes on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

For volunteers, the opportunity begins sooner, with the first planning meeting scheduled for October 13.

A local tradition built together

Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation is seeking scare actors and trail guides, with group participation encouraged.

Those roles give people different ways to contribute: some may enjoy creating a costumed scene, while others may prefer helping visitors move through the route.

Before deciding, contact the organizers about what a role involves and what they need from your group.

That conversation is especially useful for first-time participants who want to help but have never worked on an outdoor evening event.

Volunteering with friends can make the introduction easier, but the county's invitation is also a reason for individuals to ask how they can take part.

Meet before the hike

The Cedar Creek volunteer meeting is Tuesday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Cedar Creek Park Activity Center.

The Twin Lakes meeting follows Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. in that park's Activity Center.

The county asks groups unable to attend in full to send a few representatives.

Use the county's volunteer notice to reach the separate registration links for each park, rather than assuming one signup covers both evenings.

Volunteers ages 15 and older are sought; younger participants may help when an adult accompanies them during the hike.

Families should discuss supervision directly with organizers before making plans for a younger volunteer.

Costumes, guidance and teamwork

Limited costume materials are available to borrow, and volunteers may bring their own costumes, masks and makeup.

The volunteer notice specifies fake props only, a detail worth checking before packing anything for a station.

If you prefer not to register with an email address, the county says staff can arrange a manual signup.

The event page also lists refreshments for volunteers after each hike.

These are useful practical details, but the real starting point is the planning meeting: arrive ready to listen, ask questions and learn how your contribution fits the evening.

Visitors have two dates

Both hikes run continuously from 7 to 9 p.m. and follow half-mile guided routes through the parks' themed woods.

The county recommends the events for ages 8 and older and encourages parents to attend with children.

That recommendation matters: a haunted walk may be enjoyable for one child and overwhelming for another, so families should choose according to their own comfort.

Visitors may wear costumes, but no treats will be distributed.

Admission is free, with monetary donations welcomed.

Hikes are planned for rain or shine, with cancellation reserved for dangerous or severe weather; check current county notices before leaving home.

Make the evening easier

Cedar Creek Park is in Rostraver Township near Route 51 and Interstate 70, while Twin Lakes is east of Greensburg with access via Donohoe Road from Route 30.

Review the county's park maps, allow time for arrival, and choose shoes and clothing suitable for an outdoor October evening.

Volunteers should ask about arrival times and station needs instead of relying on visitor hours as their reporting time.

Keep your plans flexible if weather or organizer instructions change, and share the correct date and park with everyone in your group.

For registration questions or general information, call Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation at 724-830-3950.

Whether you join a volunteer team or attend with family, these evenings offer a concrete way to enjoy local parks and appreciate the neighbors helping make them welcoming.