If you haven't visited the events calendar lately, now's the time!
The heat wave that landed in our region reminds me (tenuous thread here, stay with me) that social media algorithms, in all their brilliance, have noticed me pausing over hiking-related posts from all over the country and, of course, now I’m seeing more of them. This can be super distracting, but it’s also interesting to read charming A.T. trail magic posts, or catch an update from a Laurel Highlands long-distance hiker, or learn what someone carries on a trip into the Mojave Desert. What’s troublesome, though, are the reports of incidents related to extreme temperatures or hazardous weather conditions, whether it be the sudden onset of cold or snow, much like we see in the White Mountains, or excessive heat, high winds, flash flooding, or the like.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of good info out there to help support smart decision-making. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has an informative web page dedicated to Trail Weather Hazards, and its Trail Updates page is worth a visit if you’re hitting that trail. Heading out in the heat? Outside online just published I'm an Internal Medicine Doctor. Here's My Best Advice for Staying Safe (and Cool) During a Heat Wave, offering tips about NOAA’s National Integrated Heat Health Information System and how to read the heat index chart. This statement got my attention: “The temperature on your phone is only half the story. Without also checking the heat index, you are missing the number that actually predicts how hard your body has to work to stay cool, which could be the difference between a good day out and a trip to the emergency room.” Bottom line: think ahead, do your homework, ask for help when you need it, and have a back-up plan. Here's to smart planning, good adventures, and staying safe out there. It only counts if it’s a round trip! ~ Holly Smith, KTA Executive Director |
Enjoy a summer hike on the many trails of our Commonwealth and look for the many signs of Pennsylvania’s contributions to our nation’s freedom and development and our unique conservation contributions over the last 250 years. ~ Wayne Gross, KTA Board President
👉 Read the entire President's Trailhead here! |
North Country Trail in Cook Forest State Park |
Senate Bill 857, sponsored by Senator Scott Hutchinson, would require approval from county commissioners before the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Pennsylvania Game Commission, or the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission could acquire lands through purchase, exchange, or donation. The bill has advanced from the Senate State Government Committee and remains under consideration in the Senate. Conservation organizations, including Keystone Trails Association, have raised concerns that SB 857 would create significant new barriers to voluntary land conservation efforts, complicate opportunities for willing landowners to donate or sell property for public benefit, and undermine decades of bipartisan conservation policy that has expanded access to trails, state forests, state parks, game lands, fishing access, and boating opportunities across the Commonwealth.
If enacted, SB 857 could make future trail connections, greenways, habitat restoration projects, and strategic additions to Pennsylvania's public lands system substantially more difficult, uncertain, and politicized. It could hinder efforts to conserve working forests, protect watersheds, preserve wildlife habitat, and secure public access to outdoor recreation resources that support local economies and Pennsylvania's growing outdoor recreation industry. Organizations working on similar conservation priorities—including The Nature Conservancy, WeConservePA, local land trusts, sportsmen's organizations, watershed groups, and other public lands advocates—have begun mobilizing supporters and expressing concern that the legislation would establish an additional layer of local approval, potentially discouraging conservation transactions and impeding long-term land protection goals.
Members and supporters of Keystone Trails Association are encouraged to contact their State Senators, particularly members of Senate leadership and the Senate State Government Committee, to respectfully express opposition to SB 857. Advocates can emphasize the importance of maintaining efficient, science-based, and voluntary conservation processes, protecting opportunities to expand trail networks and public access, and preserving Pennsylvania's longstanding tradition of investing in public lands that benefit residents, visitors, local communities, and future generations. ~ Ezra Thrush, Ridge Policy Group & KTA Board Member |
Keystone Trails Association near you |
Stop by one of these festivals to find out about upcoming KTA events. Thanks to the volunteers promoting KTA at these public events!
🥾 July 18 Party at the Lake in the Laurel Highlands
🥾 July 18 Presque Isle Half Marathon Packet Pick-Up in Erie
🥾 July 18 Outdoors for All in Harrisburg
🥾 July 25 Discover Presque Isle in Erie
🥾 July 25 Outdoors for All in Lancaster
🥾 August 1 Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo at Shikellamy State Park (Marina)
🥾 August 1 & 2 Erie Blues and Jazz Festival in Erie |
Thank you Department of Adventure for the Cook Forest Lizard Maps for our Clarion slackpack participants!
👉 Check out the Purple Lizard Maps available through the KTA store here! |
July KTA Trail Care Updates
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Mid State Trail Regions (map courtesy Mid State Trail Association) |
After Trail Love on the first weekend (recapped in the June newsletter), Trail Care volunteers spent the rest of the month tackling PA’s wildest and longest footpath: the Mid State Trail.
We began in the southernmost Everett Region of the MST, which is notorious for some briar-covered rocks. A crew of 21 intrepid volunteers, including 11 folks from the nearby REI Bedford Distribution Center, contributed 244 hours and some blood, sweat, and maybe tears. We tamed 14 miles of trail, including completely opening up an impenetrable section of the Igloo Trail, a side trail from Tenley Park in Everett. Kudos to Everett Region Manager Tony Barr (KTA’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year) for scouting trail conditions, opening up the trail there, and generally promoting the MST in the area.
Next, on June 18-21, we headed up to the northernmost stretches of the MST, in the Tioga Region. In addition to the usual mowing blitz and a couple of known issues, Region Manager Pete Fleszar had scouted an area that was deemed impassable. This was completely opened back up. Thanks also to Ed Lawrence and crew for scouting between the lakes. We had plenty of trail work to keep us occupied; the 16 fabulous volunteers tallied up almost 250 hours of volunteer time and over 9.5 miles of trail worked on.
Throughout June, we lucked out with pretty awesome weather until the last weekend, when we worked in the State College Region June 25-28. Saturday brought a chilly rain, yet our volunteers were not deterred! Throughout the weekend, despite the weather, lodging issues, and equipment challenges, 12 hardy souls put in 160 hours, and we nearly cleared all of the targeted areas. We got the worst parts of MST Section 11, from Pine Creek Hollow Road south to Hairy John State Forest Picnic Area, brushed back. In some spots, this section was nearly closed; now it is an enjoyable trek over the mountains! Thanks to Region Manager Jason Davis for pre-event scouting.
SAVE THE DATE:
🥾 Tool Care Seminars: tentatively planning for 11/8 at the last Trail Care and 11/14 at Scott Farm. “Learn and then do” format wherein you can help prepare KTA tools for winter storage by cleaning, sharpening, etc. Bring your own tools, as well. More information coming soon.
🥾 Trail Care in St. John, Jan. 31-Feb 6, 2027: we’re compiling new price estimates and hope to open registration in the next two months. Those who registered for last year’s snowed-out trip will get first dibs. |
Thank you REI Bedford Distribution Center Volunteers - MST-Everett Trail Care! |
Here's a link to the Trail Care homepage. We'd love to see YOU at a Trail Care Event! Volunteers for the upcoming events are needed!
🗓 Wed. July 8: Weekday Trail Care w/CPC @ Port Royal Wetlands/Greg's Woods July 16-19: Tioga State Forest Trails (bridge and campsite building, etc.)
🗓 July 24-26: ALL WOMEN'S Trail Care in Sproul State Forest (Your chance to stay at Panther Run Cabin and spruce up the Little Beaver Loop)
🗓 Aug. 6-9: Donut Hole Trail (brushcutting, clearing, blazing, etc.)
🗓 Wed. Aug. 12: Weekday Trail Care w/CPC @ Brady Bryner Preserve
🗓 Aug. 20-23: Allegheny Front Trail (brushcutting, treadwork, etc.)
🗓 Aug. 27-30: Hickory Run State Park Trails |
KTA Webinar: Firefly Flickerings
July 14, 2026 - 6:00 pm | Virtual
The delightful illumination of these tiny creatures in the dusky, dark skies atop fields and under tree canopies evokes fond childhood memories. Join us to learn more about this amazing flying creature, Pennsylvania's state insect! This introductory session covers the insect lifecycle, bioluminescence, and some female deception. Your guide for the evening is Mary Patterson, naturalist, PA Master Naturalist, Leave No Trace Instructor, PA State Advocate, and Endorsed Firefly Hike Guide.
Registration is free, but required. Register here.
Wilderness First Aid Certification
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 by July 15 at 9am!
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 by July 15 at 9am!
Trekking on the International Appalachian Trail Ulster-Ireland- International Fundraiser
August 9-20, 2026 | International Appalachian Trail​
The lottery has closed for this event.
Keystone Trails Association Pinchot Trail Slackpack
October 2-4, 2026 | Pinchot State Forest
Join KTA for a three day slackpacking adventure on the Pinchot Trail, a 22 mile loop through the Thornhurst Tract of Pinchot State Forest in northeastern Pennsylvania, named for Gifford Pinchot, twice governor of the state and the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service. This hassle free trip lets you complete an exceptional State Forest Hiking Trail while camping at picturesque Tobyhanna State Park, with KTA staff and volunteers handling guiding, shuttling, and meals. Hike 7 to 9 miles daily across a lush, high plateau dotted with bogs, streams, and waterfalls, carrying only a daypack while overnight gear stays at basecamp and a shuttle handles the rest. The package includes three lunches, two breakfasts, and Friday dinner, plus a group outing to a local restaurant Saturday night. Bring your own camping essentials (or borrow through KTA's gear loaner program), and take advantage of an optional van shuttle to and from Harrisburg.
Learn more and register here!
Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend 2026
October 23-25, 2026 | Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape
Join KTA in the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape for a weekend of guided hikes, water activities, ecological restoration events, biking, and more! Keep an eye on your in-box for an email announcement for when registration opens this month.
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