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March 2026
Greetings fellow trail wanderers! I’m honored and awed to be stepping into the KTA executive director role. With so much upward and forward momentum under Brook, taking the helm of this most excellent ship feels daunting, and yet I know there are so many folks standing beside me, ready to assist. I’ve spent the past 20 years or so working in conservation education/stewardship, and this slight shift into hiking and outdoor recreation opens up a whole new world of acquaintances and partners. I look forward to meeting you all and hearing your stories.
Like many folks on this path, being outside was an integral part of my childhood. But it wasn’t until I was well into adulthood that I recognized that moving along a trail – at whatever pace I choose at that moment – is instrumental to my health. My husband teases that I’m actually a plant with feet – always seeking sun, water, air, and soil. I would add that sunlight glittering on water’s surface or dappling onto a forest floor, and the sound of wind rustling through trees, are as important to my survival as air. Research backs this up – moving outdoors in natural spaces has so many benefits.
Now, raise your hand if you’ve helped build or maintain a trail. We celebrate and thank you! If your hand is down (and this includes me), let’s give it a try. Since joining KTA, the idea of being on the trail, sun dappling and breeze rustling and all that, while swinging a tool is enormously appealing. This takes the benefits of “moving outdoors” to a whole new level. KTA offers so many opportunities to engage, learn, contribute, and yes – move. I can’t wait to lace up my boots and get out there. In the meantime, thank you for being part of the KTA community and I hope our paths cross soon. If you’re attending our Spring Hiking Weekend, I will see you there! ~ Holly Smith, KTA Executive Director
President's Trailhead
In 2026, we are celebrating 70 years of KTA. From its small beginnings as the start of an Association to help coordinate the efforts among the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs to an expanded mission of providing, preserving, protecting, and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. It just seems like yesterday that my wife was hauling two large, decorated cakes that she had made to the 50th anniversary at the Penn Wells Hotel 20 years ago.
The building that has been KTA's home in downtown Mechanicsburg for nearly 10 years has been sold, and we are relocating! Starting April 1st, you can find us on the first floor at 1631 N. Front St., Harrisburg. We’re grateful to the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) for housing us for about two years while we renovate the Scott Farm. Our phone number will remain the same.
KTA GRANTS TO CLUBS
KTA Member organizations can now apply for projects that benefit trails, the vitality of clubs, and hiking. The Spring 2026 round will award up to fifteen (15) $500 grants to qualifying organizations. Applications are due by March 25th.
Happy International Women’s Day from Keystone Trails Association! Thank you @torytalkstrails & @hikesandhopsblog for leading an epic hike on Sunday, March 8th at McConnells Mill State Park. Also, thanks to Lauren Kennedy-Little for guided Forest Therapy.
Policy and Action
The Appalachian Mountain Club is urging supporters to back the America the Beautiful Act, a bipartisan bill that would extend the Legacy Restoration Fund for eight years — securing critical funding for trail maintenance, facility repairs, and ecosystem restoration across national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and public lands after the program's original authorization expired. Learn more and take action here.
Featured KTA Store Item
Barbara Batakova, author of Hunting Mushrooms: How to Safely Identify, Forage and Cook Wild Fungi, will be leading a mushroom foraging activity at KTA's Spring Hiking Weekend. Her guide covers 25+ mushroom profiles, foraging tips, poisonous species to avoid, and rustic recipes for your finds.
👉 Shop Barbara's book on KTA's online store here!
Cheerful Volunteers Sought to Represent KTA
If you like attending festivals- and talking about KTA, you might be a perfect fit to represent KTA at public events this year. We're seeking volunteers from all parts of the state.
Keystone Trails Association's Haley Feaster attended American Hiking Society's 29th Hike the Hill® on March 1st in Washington, D.C. Haley represented Pennsylvania hiking trails, outdoor recreation, conservation, and stewardship. Pictured above are Haley and Heather Klein Olsen, Executive Director of American Hiking Society.
March KTA Trail Care Updates
Photo from our Women's Trail Care event last November
The 2026 Trail Care season will be underway soon! The schedule is set; see the website for the entire list of 25(!!!) Trail Care events, plus some Cabin Care weekends, a trail race aid station, and five weekday Trail Cares with Central Pennsylvania Conservancy! Here are some highlights of the first couple months:
We have moved away from the problematic Google Forms method for signing up for Trail Care, and are working toward entering all the events into our CRM (Customer Relations Management) system, NeonOne. If you already have a KTA login (you’re a member, have bought merchandise or registered for an event), you can login while signing up and your details, such as address, phone number, will prepopulate. You can login at any time and see all the Trail Care events you’ve signed up for, under “My Volunteer Info”. Al and Jenn are hoping the event rosters and record-keeping will also be easier to deal with. Thanks for your patience and cooperation.
Another difference this year is that all volunteers will be required to sign up for an account with DCNR’s new Conservation Volunteer system. Once you do that, you are covered under DCNR’s workmen’s compensation umbrella when working on state forest or park land. Also, you can now earn points towards free camping! The good news is that Jenn will be inputting all your Trail Care volunteer hours; you won’t have to worry about that. KTA is working with DCNR to host a webinar on June 9th explaining the new system.
Cabin Care: There will be two opportunities to help spruce up Panther Run Cabin: April 9-12 and May 7-10. If you haven’t been there, or had a chance to stay overnight in Sproul State Forest in the PA Wilds, come join us for a day or the weekend! During the second Cabin Care weekend, we also have the opportunity to shepherd a trail race aid station. Al has been assisting the Eagleton Trail Challenge with information on the Chuck Keiper Trail as they worked out where to have aid stations, as well as characteristics and logistics of the trail. See more details and sign up on the Trail Care website.
Our first Trail Care event will be April 23-26 on Reeds Gap Spur and White Mountain Ridge Trails in Mifflin/Union Counties. This year, we secured lodging at Scouting’s Camp Karoondinha near Weikert. You’re also welcome to bring a tent instead of grabbing a cot inside. Reeds Gap Spur Trail connects the state park to Mid State Trail. Continuing our progress from last year, we’ll be widening the corridor and freshening blazes. We’ll also resume our work on reblazing White Mountain Ridge to be hiking-only!
May: Our weekday events in partnership with Central PA Conservancy kick off 5/13. Watch for varying locations this year throughout Cumberland and Juniata Counties on the second Wednesday through September. Our season continues with weekend events on Mid State Trail Woolrich Region (May 14-17), Chuck Keiper Trail (May 21-22), and Tiadaghton State Forest Trails (May 28-31).
TRAINING: There are still a couple spots left for our Trail Care Academy March 27-29! Join us in Centre County as we learn about safe and ergonomic techniques for moving rocks and building rock structures on trails, along with other salient topics such as risk management, trail blazing, and tool care. Learn more and register by 3/23 here.
2027 St. John Service Trip Update: Unfortunately, the January 2026 St. John Service Trip had to be canceled due to Winter Storm Fern. KTA has reserved Jan. 31-Feb. 6, 2027, with Friends of Virgin Islands, to try this again! Stay tuned for the lottery announcement. Those who signed up for the 2026 trip will be given preference.
KTA Trail Care Academy 2026 March 27-29, 2026 | Petersburg, PA Are you passionate about trail care and looking to enhance your outdoor skills? Are you brand new to trail work and want to get an idea of what's involved? Join us next month for an engaging training event hosted by Jenn and Al from the Keystone Trails Association Trail Care team, plus Lauren Kennedy-Little from North Country Trail Association. Sessions will include topics like trail blazing and marking, tool maintenance and care, and risk management for trail workers. The major topic this year will be building with rocks. Register here!
KTA Webinar: What's So Cool About a Vernal Pool? April 7, 2026 - 6:00 pm| Virtual Vernal pools are isolated, small wetlands that only contain water for part of the year. They are often found in the forest and are easy to overlook while hiking, yet they are vitally important to the survival of several wildlife species. Join Miranda Smith, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Southwest Region Education Specialist, to learn about vernal pools and how they serve as a vital habitat. Registration is free, but required. Learn more and register here.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival on IMAX & Accessible Hike April 14, 2026 | Lancaster County Join us for a hike, dinner, and a showing of award-winning films in this year's Wild & Scenic Film Festival. The festival is hosted by one of KTA's partners, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Come for any portion of the evening; all events are accessible. Last year's films were awe-inspiring; don't miss this event. Registration is full, learn more and join waitlist here.
KTA Webinar: Introducing the South Central Pennsylvania Accessible Adventure Guidebook May 19, 2026 - 6:00 pm| Virtual Join us on May 19th at 6:00 PM for a special webinar celebrating the release of the South Central Accessible Adventure Guidebook, a brand-new resource designed to excite and inspire outdoor adventurers of all abilities. Hear directly from the authors — Brook Lenker of Keystone Trails Association, Janetta Green of JW Consulting, and John Naylor. The guidebook highlights 12 outstanding trails across Pennsylvania's south central region, offering detailed information to help individuals who use mobility aids or have limited mobility plan safe, enjoyable outings. Registration is free, but required. Register here.
America250 PA Cumberland County Appalachian Trail Hikes June 6 & 27th 2026 | Cumberland County Lace up your boots and step foot on the most iconic trail in the United States, the Appalachian Trail. Learn about the history of the trail and what it's like to walk all the way from George to Maine. Hikes differ in distance, and both are led by KTA members who have thru-hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail. Register here!
North Country Trail Slackpack- Clarion June 10-12, 2026 | Clarion, PA Join KTA and the Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail for three days of hiking and half day of kayaking the Clarion River. Register here!
Wilderness First Aid Certificiation July 27-28, 2026| Stone Valley Recreation Area, Centre County Learn general medical concepts and basic life support skills so you're ready for a mishap in the outdoors. This training is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. This training can be paired with Leave No Trace on July 29-30. Learn more and register here.
Leave No Trace Level One Instructor Certification July 29-30, 2026| Stone Valley Recreation Area, Centre County Delve into low-impact skills for outdoor recreation and explore your outdoor ethics. This training is geared toward hiking enthusiasts, trail maintainers, outdoor educators, and those working to preserve public and private lands for recreational use. This training can be paired with Wilderness First Aid on July 27-28. Learn more and register here.
The National Park Service announced that all Blue Ridge Parkway sections closed by Tropical Storm Helene damage will reopen by end of 2026, with parkway staff continuing repairs on approximately 45 landslides across 40 miles. Learn more via Blue Ridge Public Radio.
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is celebrating Women's History Month by spotlighting women in STEM fields — honoring their vital contributions to science, technology, engineering, and math to amplify women's voices and inspire future generations. Visit NEEF to learn more.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2027 Working Together for Wildlife Art Contest is now accepting original, full-color paintings featuring common Pennsylvania shorebird species, with all entries to be submitted online by Thursday, July 31, 2026 at 4 p.m. Visit PA Game Commission to learn more.
Hawk Mountain's Spring Migration Hawkwatch runs April 1–May 15 (peak April 15–22), where visitors can join the official counter at North Lookout to spot returning raptor migrants with help from staff and volunteers, with a trail fee required for non-members. Visit Hawk Mountain to learn more.
WeConservePA's 2027 Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails Summit will be hosted by Tioga County Planning and the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance Heritage Corridor, drawing over 300 trail builders, volunteers, advocates, and outdoor enthusiasts for three days of mobile workshops, educational sessions, and networking in Tioga County. Visit WeConservePa to learn more.
Other PA Club & Organization Events
American Trails Webinar: Bridges and Boardwalks: Planning, Design, and Construction — March 12, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET. American Trails will present a webinar on the planning, design, and construction of bridges and boardwalks. Learn more and register here.
Fallingwater — March 14 | Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy's Fallingwater reopens March 14 for its 63rd tour season, celebrating 90 years as one of the world's most influential works of modern architecture alongside the completion of a major preservation effort. Learn more here.
King's Gap Environmental Center Vernal Pool Monitoring — March 18 | 1:00–3:30 PM. King's Gap Environmental Center invites participants ages 12 and older to learn about and help monitor vernal pools, the temporary ecosystems used by frogs and salamanders for breeding. Register by phone at 717-486-3799 or email ra-nrspkingees@pa.gov
A.T. Museum Spring Work Days — Fri–Sat, March 20–21, 2026 | Gardners, PA Save the dates for the 2026 A.T. Museum Spring Work Days at the A.T. Museum (1120 Pine Grove Rd). Two work sessions are planned: Friday, March 20, 1–4 pm (indoor tasks) and Saturday, March 21, 10 am–1 pm (outdoor tasks), with flexibility built in for weather. Learn more & sign up here.
Hellbender Hootenanny — Sat, March 21, 2026 | Harrisburg, PA The New Cumberland Collective presents the Second Annual Hellbender Hootenanny on March 21 at 7:00 pm at Abbey Bar. Tickets are $15, with all proceeds supporting local land and natural resource conservation in South-Central Pennsylvania. Learn more and get tickets here.
Spring Up Peters Mountain — Sat, March 21, 2026 | Duncannon, PA Volunteers needed to help the York Hiking Club with spring trail cleanup on the Appalachian Trail. No experience required—just a willingness to get outside and give back. Learn more & sign up here.
72nd Annual Meeting of Alpine Club of Williamsport — Sun, March 22, 2026 | Hillsgrove, PA. Attendees are welcome to join us for a bite to eat at 3 pm. The meeting of Loyalsock Trail friends will start at 4 PM. Learn more here.
Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club Annual Banquet — March 27, 2026 | Mechanicsburg, PA. The Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club will hold their Annual Banquet at Hoss's (61 Gettysburg Pike) with social time from 6:00–6:30 PM; RSVP by March 15, 2026 by emailing Cindy Mundis at cmundis54@comcast.net.
Standing Stone Trail Club Spring Meeting — April 4, 2026 | Huntingdon, PA. The Standing Stone Trail Club will hold their spring meeting at Rothrock State Forest headquarters, welcoming volunteers and new members to learn how the club supports the trail and get involved. Learn more here.
South Mountain Partnership 2026 Spring Partnership and Regional Trail Coalition Meeting — April 10, 2026 | 9:00 AM & 1:00 PM. Learn more and register here.
Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community's Inaugural "Brews & Views Hike" — April 11, 2026 | Duncannon, PA. The Duncannon Appalachian Trail Community has opened registration for their inaugural "Brews & Views Hike," with spots limited and filling fast. Learn more and register here.
2026 Rocksylvania Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Kickoff | Saturday, April 11th | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, PA Visit the KTA table at the 2026 Rocksylvania Pennsylvania Appahlachian Trail Kickoff hosted by Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club, on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Learn more here.
Wilderness First Aid — April 18–19 | Oliver, Pa Presented by Outside In. This Wilderness First Aid course provides essential skills for managing medical emergencies in outdoor and remote settings. Please contact administration@myoutsidein.org for more details.
Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference — April 29–May 1, 2026 | Lancaster, PA. Join the Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference at the the premier networking and training event for land conservation professionals. Learn more here.
Hike Across Maryland (HAM) 2026 — Sat, May 23, 2026 | Maryland Save the date for the 2026 Hike Across Maryland on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Mountain Club members will receive a registration invitation around Feb 14, with non-member registration opening Feb 28. First-time, non-member hikers should email their full name and email to get started.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Summer Nature Camps — June 15–Aug 7, 2026 | Kempton, PA. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary announces 2026 Summer Nature Camps—eight weeks of hands-on outdoor learning for youth in grades 1–5, running June 15 through Aug 7. Learn more here.
21st Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum — November 13–15, 2026 | Shepherdstown, WV. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay will host the 21st Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum at the National Conservation Training Center. Save the date and learn more here.
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