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September 2025
Dear Member,
Fall is a great time to get out there on a hike and bring a friend! Autumn's change in weather and colors brings on changes in many ways. Read Wayne's full President's Trailhead here!~ Wayne Gross, Keystone Trails Association Board President
Autumn Change and Possibility
The past few years have brought substantial growth at Keystone Trails Association. The staff complement has increased. Programming has expanded and diversified. The number of members, participants, and volunteers have multiplied. The interest in hiking, trails, and outdoor exploration is strong. People are hungry to acquire knew skills and knowledge that make them better adventurers and stewards of nature.
Across Pennsylvania, investments in trails and recreational amenities are making the state more vibrant and welcoming. So long as conservation is always at the forefront, this should prove to be a watershed era for the future of The Commonwealth. KTA is helping to shape and cultivate this vision. We are a force for good.
For almost four years as the organization’s executive director, I have served as a captain of sorts in advancing KTA. Surrounded, mentored, and inspired by a supportive, passionate network of colleagues, trail enthusiasts and hikers extraordinaire, I feel perpetually grateful to have such a role.
While never easy, change is often healthy and beneficial. I have decided the time is right for me to retire. While I cherish the experiences and interactions my position affords, I look forward to pursuing a few personal dreams and aspirations in the years ahead. I intend to transition in early 2026. Until then, assuring KTA’s continued momentum is a high priority, plus helping the board find a stellar new executive director. Be on the lookout for a call for applicants.
Meanwhile, let us savor the fall of 2025—full of ways to exercise and profess love for trails, brought to you by grant makers, sponsors, donors, and members that make our work possible. These programs–and the programs, projects, and publications in development–require significant financial support to bring to fruition. Costs are rising. Your help is more important than ever. Our fall donor appeal is coming soon. Please give generously.
Whether as a volunteer at a Trail Care activity, a participant on a hike, an attendee at a training workshop, a member of the board of directors, and/or a donor to the organization, I appreciate your commitment to KTA. Thank you always for making it great!
Sincerely, Brook Lenker Executive Director
Registration Open for Keystone Trails Symposium
Join us at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center for a day of connection, ideas, and inspiration in the South Mountains! Designed for leaders of hiking clubs and volunteer-driven groups, the symposium spotlights top speakers on communications, advocacy, volunteerism, trail care, and outdoor recreation priorities. Engage in dynamic discussions, share successes and challenges, and spark new collaborations.
The event is free (limit two per group) with coffee, lunch, and optional Friday-night lodging included. Plus—the first five groups to register will receive a special donation from KTA. Registration closes October 10!
I had the privilege to co-lead the recent KTA Wales international trip, which was a highlight of my year and an amazing experience I won’t soon forget. Our group explored the high county of Eryri National Park including Wales’s highest peak, Snowdon. We enjoyed taking in sweeping views of landscapes foreign to us. Craggy peaks devoid of trees, domestic sheep grazing on precariously steep grassy slopes, many ruins, and a 13th century castle.
After two days in the town of Llanberis, we traded the mountains for the sea as we transitioned to walking the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path. First, the group had the chance to explore the town of Beaumaris, with its own remarkable castle. In the end we would hike more than 40 miles of this beautiful, winding path - sometimes from one accommodation directly to the next. Dramatic sea cliffs, strikingly blue waters, charming beaches, and even more charming locals kept us constantly in awe. Thanks to our participants for such a memorable trip, and a special thank you to our intrepid volunteer trip leader and planner, Julie Queen! ~ Al Germann, Regional Trail Care Coordinator – PA Wilds
Advocate for Trails & Hiking
Are you concerned about the recently announced cuts to staff and funding that support hiking, trails, outdoor experiences, and environmental protection? Many of us feel that the government could be made more efficient. However, across-the-board cuts are not the answer because they don’t distinguish between efficient spending and that which could be improved.Tell Your Federal Representatives How You Feel About Preserving Conservation and Recreation Funding. Here is a guide to help you deliver your message effectively.
Call for 2025 Awards Nominations
The KTA Awards Committee seeks nominations for five awards that recognize outstanding individuals and clubs. The awards will be presented at the KTA Pennsylvania Hiking Awards and Volunteer Celebration on December 6th at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg, PA. - Read more about the KTA Awards here!
Registration open for Trail Love: Allegheny National Forest
KTA Executive Director, Brook Lenker and DCNR Deputy Director John Norbeck
This year’s event will take place in Allegheny National Forest as part of National Public Lands Day. Join KTA for a one-day trail maintenance extravaganza where volunteers and community partners will work together on multiple projects across several trails in the forest. Project work sites and detailed descriptions are now live on the event page, so you can see where you’ll be lending a hand.
The weekend kicks off with an optional forest camporee and cookout on Friday evening. On Saturday, breakfast and lunch will be provided while you dive into your trail project.
This event is made possible with support from Athletic Brewing Company’s Two For The Trails grant program.
The Allegheny Front Trail is a 42-mile loop in Moshannon State Forest, western Centre County, Pennsylvania. Encircling Black Moshannon State Park, the trail showcases dramatic vistas and diverse forest landscapes.
A new resource for hikers, Guide to the Allegheny Front Trail by Ben Cramer, is now available in the KTA Online Store.
Pennsylvania Hiking Trailers
The Allegheny Front Trail (AFT) is a 42 - mile loop in western Centre County, built in the late 1990s to complement the Rock Run Trails System for cross-country skiers. Learn more about the AFT here. A special thanks to Caleb Fisher for providing images for this video.
KTA Guided Hike in Collaboration with the PA Turnpike Commission: Grand Opening of the Sideling Hill Service Plaza Trailhead! September 20, 2025 - 2:00 pm | PA Turnpike Sideling Hill Service Plaza Explore the scenic beauty of Buchanan State Forest with Keystone Trails Association hike leader Tony Barr, starting from the brand-new trailhead at the Sideling Hill Service Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This moderate 6-mile hike begins and ends with a 1.5-mile roadwalk before connecting to the forest’s trail system. Register here!
KTA Webinar: Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail & Meet and Greet KTA Hike Leaders Shawna & Terry September 23, 2025 - 6:00 pm | Virtual Co-hosted by KTA hiking leaders, Shawna and Terry, a father-daughter hiking duo! You can find out more about their hiking journey and involvement with the Keystone Trails Association. Also hear from Kim Peck, Environmental Education Specialist at Laurel Hill State Park. Kim will be presenting on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail! Register here!
Trail Love: ANF Edition - National Public Lands Day September 27, 2025 | Allegheny National Forest Celebrate National Public Lands Day with KTA! During this one-day trail maintenance extravaganza, volunteers and community partners will tackle multiple projects on several trails in Allegheny National Forest. Enjoy an optional forest camporee and cookout on Friday evening. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturdays workday. This event is being supported by Athletic Brewing Company's Two For The Trails grant program! Register here!
Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend 2025 October 17 - 19, 2025| The PA Wilds Take in the splendors of fall this October 17-19th in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Be inspired by stories of restored rivers post mining, communities addressing health impacts from fracking, wander trails traversed by elk, and ride bike on PA's 2024 Trail of the Year. Room block rates expire mid-month so book your room and activities today! Register & book your room here!
Wilderness First Aid Training November 1 - 2, 2025| Mill Run, PA One spot remains for this November 1-2 training. Sign up today, and learn how to tend to medical mishaps while on the trail. Learn more and register here!
1st Annual Keystone Trails Symposium: A Retreat for Pennsylvania Organizations with Trail and Hiking Interests November 15, 2025| Kings Gap Mansion, Carlisle, PA Join us for an inspiring day of learning and sharing at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in the beautiful South Mountains. Geared toward leaders of hiking clubs and other volunteer-driven groups with a focus on trail-based recreation, the symposium features premier speakers and presentations on communications, advocacy, volunteerism, state outdoor recreation priorities, and trail maintenance and design. Facilitated discussions will engender a greater understanding of the successes, challenges, and needs experienced by this vital community of organizations. The event is free, but limited to two representatives per group. Lunch and morning coffee provided. Complimentary Friday-night lodging is available upon request. The first five organizations with representatives registered for the event will receive a special donation from KTA. Registration opens September 5th and closes October 10. Register here!
KTA ExtraGive Hike on the Conestoga Trail November 21, 2025 - 2:00 pm| Lancaster, PA Lancaster County's Conestoga Trail is 63 miles. Join KTA for a 5-mile hike along portions of this trail as we wander past a historic home and trek along the Conestoga River. This hike is part of Lancaster County's ExtraGive, a celebration of nonprofit organizations, including KTA. After the hike, head into Lancaster City for a night of live music, dancing, and fanfare. Learn more and register here!
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Shapiro Administration released the first-ever comprehensive trail data resource for Pennsylvania State Parks, providing details on 1,700 miles of trails to improve public access to information on mileage, experiences, and features across The Commonwealth.
Registration is now open the for Greenways and Trails Summit! The Summit is Pennsylvania’s premier networking, training, and inspirational event for those engaged in all aspects of trail and greenway work. Learn more and register through WeConservePa.
The Susquehannock Trail Club is pleased to announce the completion of its 2025 lean-to style trail shelter, the Morgan Hollow Shelter, at the scenic crossing of Young Woman's Creek, STS mile 36.8. This makes the 9th lean-to style shelter on the Susquehannock Trail System, with the CCC Dynamite House at mile 10.7 making a tenth site for camping and shelter on the 84 mile STS. Learn more about the Susquehannock Trail Club.
In 2023, York Energy Storage, LLC put forward plans to build a pumped storage facility featuring a 225-foot-high, 1.8-mile-long dam and power turbines. The project would inundate 580 acres along the Susquehanna River, an area valued for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities. Learn more with the newly released Cuffs Run Documentary Trailer!
For hikers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts, maps serve as gateways to discovery. The U.S. Geological Survey has introduced a new series of topographic maps, designed with recreational users in mind, offering an accessible format that enhances every outdoor experience.
Other PA Club & Org Events
9/7: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble team up to share the power of music and nature with its annual Music on the Mountain performance, featuring classical selections and held during the early migration season. Learn more at Hawk Mountain Sancturary.
9/7: The Wyoming Valley Mushroom Club is hosting its annual Wild Mushroom Fair. For additional information, interested participants can contact the club at wyomingvalleymushroomclub@gmail.com.
9/18-21: Wild & Uncommon Weekend is the Horn Farm Center’s biggest annual event. As a new expansion of the long-running York County Pawpaw Festival, Wild & Uncommon now spreads fun, education, and pawpaw-enthusiasm across the Lower Susquehanna Region! Learn more at Horn Farm Center.
9/20: 10 Year Anniversary Hike at Prince Gallitzen SP with 52 Hike Challenge PA. Learn more and register at Hike 52 Challenge.
9/20: The 7th Annual Dam Bridge Challenge features three different timed races along the Susquehanna River, stretching from the historic river town of Wrightsville to Lake Clarke and the Safe Harbor Dam.
9/31: The AT Museum will host Shayla “Kiddo” Paradeis, author of Footprint of a Heart. Attendees can enjoy an afternoon of storytelling and original folk songs inspired by her book, featuring experiences from the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Te Araroa in New Zealand.
10/5: Cumberland Valley A.T. Club Offers A Hike In Penns Woods. The hike will be part of the statewide Walk In Penns Woods program. Register for the six mile hike with CVATC here!
10/10-10/13: The 43rd Annual Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association Gathering will be held in Abingdon, VA at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Learn more and register at ALDHA.
10/11: Leave No Trace Hike with 52 Hike Challenge at Staple Bend Tunnel. Learn more and register with 52 Hike Challenge.
11/22: The Appalachian Trail Museum is pleased to announce their 2025 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet. Tickets can be purchased through Appalachian Trail Museum.
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