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May 2025
The rewards of spring abound all around us and amongst the activities of Keystone Trails Association. A bluebell hike on the Appalachian Trail and upon the Kittatinny Ridge brought out two dozen people for an afternoon outing and sneak preview of the architectural drawings for KTA's planned improvements to the Scott Farm. A stellar Spring Hiking Weekend at Lake Raystown Resort saw nearly 150 people enjoying the trails and Hiketopia that is Huntingdon County. May kicked off with a memorable, three-day slackpack on the Mid State Trail - Everett Section and two restive nights at the quaint Union Hotel. June brings another slackpack, this time on the northern section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. A few spots remain. The fun continues in summer. Registration has opened for July's Philly Hiking Weekend, offering a more civilized dose of adventure. A Leave No Trace course comes in August to the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) region, then a comprehensive Backpacking for Beginners program in September featuring two different trails. September ends with a Trail Love event on National Public Lands Day, offering a chance to give back to the trails of the ANF, but throughout the coming months there are numerous Trail Care happenings ripe for your engagement. All these opportunities to relish Pennsylvania's wonderlands underscore the necessity for vigilance in protecting them. Let's keep making our collective voices heard. Thanks for being part of our conservation-minded family of outdoor enthusiasts. ~ Brook Lenker, Executive Director.
2025 Trail Care Season
The KTA Trail Care season has begun with a successful Code Orange (one-day) event on the Chuck Keiper Trail Friday, May 2nd. ⬆️ Check out the before and after photo above on the CKT by Al Germann.
#3- May 15-18: Trail Care (PA Wilds) DONUT HOLE TRAIL Camp: Hyner Run SP sites 6-10
May 21: Wednesday Trail Care w/Central PA Conservancy (see details below!) Port Royal, Juniata County
#4- May 29-June 1: Trail Care (PA Wilds) BLACK FOREST TRAIL Camp: Pump Station Fire Tower Cabin
Weekday Trail Care Series
KTA is partnering with Central Pennsylvania Conservancy on the trails at Port Royal Wetlands Preserve. This is a great opportunity for beginners to experience a half day of trail work. Some tasks available include: removal of invasive species, clearing debris off the trail, removing brush alongside the trail, leveling uneven trail sections. KTA will provide all tools, gloves, etc., as well as instruction. More info and sign-up on the website here!
KTA Trail Maintenance Training Institute Recap
April 4-6th brought together a diverse group of veteran and new trail care volunteers at Camp Nawakwa in Adams County! Saturday’s sessions on sustainable trail building and water diversion were followed by trail eyes hikes with digging, lopping, handsawing, and stone step clearing. Sunday had indoor and outdoor chainsaw safety and operations sessions. Stay tuned for more training opportunities!
Spring Hiking Weekend 2025
Keystone Trails Association's 2025 Spring Hiking Weekend was a success thanks to the fantastic work of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau promoting and supporting the weekend and a superb group of volunteers who lined up hikes, mountain biking, cave tours, book discussions, yoga, and evening programming.
Thank you for joining KTA in Huntingdon County! You can view some of our photos here.
MST Everett Region Slackpack Recap
Ten intrepid hikers had the chance to experience a slice of the Mid State Trail (20 miles/32 km) in southcentral PA during the MST Everett Slackpack from May 2-4, 2025. The difficulty of Friday's hike was exacerbated by the unseasonably warm temps and scant leaf cover. Saturday was the most challenging hike with lengthy rocky stretches and uneven footing. Expansive views along the knife edge of Tussey Mountain made it all worthwhile. Sunday's hike along Maple Run was more relaxing, with interesting flora and fauna. We had delicious meals at Black Valley Provender, The Union Hotel, and New Frontier Restaurant, luxuriated in the wonderful hotel rooms at the Union, and had great luck with missing the rain. The most enjoyable part of the weekend was the participants! Hikers are the most easy-going, friendly, and welcoming bunch of people. Good times were had, and many are looking forward to the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Slackpack this June!
KTA Grants-to-Clubs 2025 Recipients
The KTA Grants-to-Clubs program offers funding to KTA member organizations for projects beneficial to trails, the vitality of their organization, and the practice of hiking. KTA is excited to announce the 2025 Grants-to-Clubs Organizations:
BATONA Hiking Club
Big Woods Running Club
Chester County Trail Club
ClearWater Conservancy-Centred Outdoors
Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club
Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy
Lancaster County Conservancy
Lebanon Valley Hiking Club
Mountain Watershed Association
Susquehannock Trail Club
York Hiking Club
Keystone Trails Association's grants support various projects focused on enhancing trail safety, maintenance, and community engagement. Initiatives include installing warning signs near a gun range by the Appalachian Trail, funding events for club members, and honoring a long-serving president with a commemorative bench. Other efforts involve building a shelter at Morgan Hollow, developing wayfinding signage in Donegal Highlands Preserve, securing easements for the Horse-Shoe Trail, and providing equipment for better trail maintenance. Additionally, the Mountain Watershed Association will establish trails in the new Richter Run Natural Area, while the BATONA Hiking Club continues to maintain a section of the Appalachian Trail. These projects aim to preserve trails and promote outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania.
KTA Great Outdoors Reading Challenge
Do you have a favorite book about the Pennsylvania outdoors or a book about the outdoors by a Pennsylvanian? KTA is seeking the next five titles to our Great Outdoors Reading Challenge. Email suggestions to Casey Schneck, at: ktaadmin@kta-hike.org before June 1, 2025, to have your suggestion taken into consideration.
View the first five books in the KTA Great Outdoors Reading Challenge here.
Policy & Action
Glen Onoko Pennsylvania hikers, your voice matters! The beloved Glen Onoko waterfall trail remains closed due to safety concerns. A potential land transfer from the Pennsylvania Game Commission to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources could open it to safer management and maintenance. Please contact your State Representative and urge them to support this transfer to revive access to Glen Onoko!
Stand Up for AmeriCorps! This past month, drastic cuts were made to AmeriCorps, including an estimated 32,000 positions and eliminating $400 million in grants. Other Corps programs throughout the U.S. utilize these positions and funds. The CorpsNetwork estimates that Corps members planted over 884,00 trees last year and assisted in the upkeep of over 19,000 miles of trails.
Three KTA staff members were formerly affiliated with Corps programs. If you’d like to speak up for these programs, you can learn more at the CorpsNetwork.
Pennsylvania State Reptile Representative Perry A. Stambaugh (PA HD86) proposes to designate the Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene Carolina Carolina) as the official Pennsylvania state reptile. Follow along with PA HB401
Volunteer for a KTA tabling event
KTA needs volunteers to help at various tabling events throughout the summer. Trish Turo, @coach_trish, a KTA volunteer and supporter, shares a sentiment after volunteering at the Mechanicsburg Earth Day Event. "Volunteering isn’t always glamorous, but it is always meaningful. Being out there—talking, listening, sharing—has a ripple effect that money alone can’t match. I’m grateful for everyone who stopped by to chat, sign up, or simply say thank you. That level of enthusiasm fuels this work!"
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more, please email Kate Prisby, KTA's Event and Programming Manager, prisby@kta-hike.org
PA Hiking Trail Trailers
In partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, this month we are excited to highlight the Pinchot Trail.
The 22.2-mile Pinchot Trail is an orange-blazed loop through Pinchot State Forest in southern Lackawanna County. Local volunteer Frank Gantz formed the trail from previously existing trails and a few new connectors in the 1970s. The southeastern segment of the trail was relocated in 2018 to reach the popular Choke Creek Falls. The main loop is bisected by the paved Bear Creek Road, and by using that road, hikers can form a sub-loop of 9.8 miles on the northern section or a sub-loop of 13.3 miles on the southern section.
A special thanks to Justin Funck for providing images for this video.
Pinchot Trail
KTA Welcomes Newest Board Member
Christian Alexandersen is the host of the award-winning Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast – which highlights Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors. Christian’s love for the outdoors began in 2021 when he ran one mile in all-then 121 Pennsylvania state parks. Since then, he has volunteered for Keystone Trails Association and PA Parks and Forests Foundation. Christian was recently named to the PA Trails Advisory Committee as an at-large member.
He currently works for the Senate of Pennsylvania and lives in Enola with his wife Abby and cats Jack and Walt.
Meet A PA HIKER
👋 Meet Howard, a KTA supporter from Montgomery County!
Q: What makes hiking in Pennsylvania special/meaningful to you?
A: "I Grew up in a very densely populated area and when I discovered the A.T. many years ago, it opened me up to the beauty and magic of the forests of Pennsylvania."
Quiet Outdoors Webinar May 27, 2025 - 6:00 pm Learn more about the importance of quiet in our lives with presentations by Matt Mikkelsen (Quiet Parks International), Brook Lenker (Executive Director of Keystone Trails Association), and Marci Mowery (President of PPFF) Tune in here!
Appalachian Trail Hike at Little Gap May 29, 2025 - 2:00 pm | Little Gap An easy 4 ½ to 5 mile lollipop hike along the ridgeline of the Lehigh Gorge near Slatington in Lehigh & Carbon Counties on a portion of a recently rerouted Appalachian Trail section affording spectacular views of the area. The hike leader is Jim Foster, coordinator of KTA's A.T. section group that maintains this portion of the trail. Learn about the work done to remediate this Superfund site and restore it to a natural state. After the hike, enjoy dinner (on your own) and conversation at a local restaurant. Register and learn more here!
KTA Webinar: The Underground Railroad of Central Pennsylvania June 17, 2025 | Virtual With the Cumberland Valley being an historic gateway of travel, it became a natural route for freedom-seekers trying to make their way north. However, the area they would enter was the last that legally held enslaved people in Pennsylvania. Join Cumberland County Historical Society Education Director, Matthew March, to discuss the unique role that South Central PA, played in the 1840’s and 50’s. Registration is free, but required.
Underground Railroad Hike June 22, 2025 | Lancaster, PA Hike into the history of the Underground Railroad and the anti-slavery movement in Southern Lancaster County through the Lancaster Conservancy's Fishing Creek Nature Preserve. Close to the Mason Dixon Line, we will trace a path of emancipation for Freedom Seekers who crossed the Susquehanna on what would later be known as the Pilgrim's Pathway to Christiana. Learn more and register here. (registration almost at capacity)
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Slackpack II - Northern Section June 26-29, 2025| Ligonier, PA Join us to hike the northern section of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (appx 41 miles.) The registration fee includes three days of guided hikes, shuttles to and from the lodging and trail, three breakfasts, three lunches and lodging in Ligonier at Thistledown Inn. A full "what to bring" list will be provided to registrants. Information about parking and meeting locations and times will be provided to registered guests prior to our slackpack! Learn more and register here!
Philadelphia Hiking Weekend July 11-13, 2025| Philadelphia, PA Join Us for an Adventure! Experience the Philadelphia Hiking Weekend with Keystone Trails Association: A Three-Day Outdoor Expedition, July 11-13, 2025! Register here!
Leave No Trace Level One Training August 1-3, 2025 | Allegheny National Forest For outdoor enthusiasts and those working on public lands, this land-based ethics equips you to form a more intimate relationship with the human relationship to land so you can have a minimal impact on outdoor spaces and steward them for future generations. The Leave No Trace Level One Training is an internationally recognized certification by outdoor organizations and public land managers. Learn more and register here.
Wales: Mountains & Coast Hiking Adventure | KTA International Trip Fundraiser August 3-14, 2025 | Registration has closed
Backpacking for Beginners 2025 The perfect program for anyone looking to make the transition from day hiking to heading out for an overnight. We'll go over how to pitch a tent, stowing your food safely, what to carry in a first aid kit, how to find the right backpack, and much more. The course starts with a one day workshop in the Quehanna Wild Area on September 13th before a two day trip on the JP Saylor trail on September 20-21st. 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 celebratory one-day trail maintenance extravaganza, volunteers and community partners will tackle multiple trail maintenance projects on several trails in the Allegheny National Forest. An optional forest camporee and cookout on Friday evening and breakfast and lunch will be provided during projects on Saturday. This event is being supported by Athletic Brewing Company's Two For The Trails grant program! Registration opening soon!
Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend 2025 October 17-19, 2025| The PA Wilds Lodging is live. Book your room today, here! This year's event is in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Programming will include hikes, water activities, acid mine drainage reclamation programs, book discussions, bike rides, nature-based art workshops, and much more. With an anticipated 50 activities over the three days, there will be something for everyone no matter their interest, age, or ability level. Program partners will include state parks and forests, Allegheny National Forest, trail clubs, land trusts, and many more.
Wilderness First Aid Training November 1-2, 2025| Mill Run, Pa Wilderness First Aid is a two-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills. It is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. Learn more and register here!
Hikers Wear Your Blaze Orange! The regular Pennsylvania statewide gobbler hunting season runs from May 3-17, 2025. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until noon, and from May 19-31, 2025, when hunting hours run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.- The Pennsylvania Game Commission
"Bark Cabin Natural Area is the 38th Pennsylvania forest to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network and the first in Lycoming County. The 82-acre Bark Cabin Natural Area was established to protect a small grove of old growth hemlocks, mostly found within a 7-acre area within the Natural Area. The Mid State Trail runs adjacent to the tract, where the oldest Eastern hemlocks grow." - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
In an effort to protect wildlife habitat, the Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to spray over 38,000 acres of state game lands this spring. This year’s spraying will occur in the following regions: Southcentral, Northcentral, Southeast, and Northeast. The Northwest and Southwest Regions have no spraying scheduled this year.- The Pennsylvania Game Commission
The Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program is a new initiative that will give homeowners and others the option to remove invasive trees and shrubs from their property and replace them with native trees. - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
After seven years as President and CEO and over 40 years of volunteering for the Appalachian Trail, Sandi Marra has decided to retire from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in January 2026.- The Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Susquehanna Natural Heritage Area is partnering to support a new county-wide parks and trails plan for Lancaster. They seek public comment for the Lancaster County Parks & Trails Master Plan. - Lancaster County Public Planning
Burning bush, privet, Japanese barberry, and butterfly bush all appear to be harmless in home gardens yet they can be detrimental to local ecosystems. Find out more about invasive shrubs and alternatives. Learn more with the Penn State Extension
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has opened a groundbreaking exhibition Uprooted: Plants Out of Place. Visitors learn how plants ride along as passengers, not drivers, from one region to another, and the consequences when an introduced plant becomes a harmful invasive species in its new environment. Uprooted showcases the museum’s historic herbarium collection, home to the largest collection of Western Pennsylvanian plants in the world. Visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Other PA Club & Org Events
5/13: Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation's 16th Annual Parks and Forests Awards Banquet. PPFF
5/16: Eight-day Wilderness First Responder Course provided by Wilderness Medical Associates; learn more and sign up with Gettysburg College
5/16- 5/18: The 2025 Pennsylvania Search and Rescue Training Summit. Learn more and register at PSARC Summit
5/16- 5/18: The Appalachian Trail Days Festival in Damascus, Virginia. Learn more about the biggest event of the year in Damascus and the world's largest celebration of the Appalachian Trail and hiker culture!
5/21: 2025 Pennsylvania Envirothon, hosted this year in Windber, PA. Learn more at Pennsylvania Envirothon
5/23: Celebrate the launch of the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail with CAEDC and the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce! Every attendee who signs up for the trail will receive one free kid-sized cup. Learn more at Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation
5/24: AT Museum and Appalachian Trail Conservancy present a cookout and programming by authors and adventurers Heather Anderson and Christine Reed at the Brickyard Pavilion at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Register with The Appalachian Trail Conservancy
6/7-6/8: The Penn State Campus Recreation Team invites you to be a part of their Leave No Trace event. Each year Leave No Trace selects nominated outdoor spaces that need our collective care and attention.
6/7-6/11: Hybrid Wilderness First Responders at Yellow Breeches Educational Center in Harrisburg. Only 3 spots left, $500. Registration via Blue Mountain Medic.
6/14-6/20: 30th Annual Delaware River Sojourn, celebrate the 2025 River of the Year! Learn more and register at Delaware River Sojourn
6/29: Appalachian Trail Museum's Art & Culture Festival- save the date
Fall 2025: PA Master Naturalist is offering a training program for volunteers in Centre County this fall and is currently accepting applications. Interested? email: Josie Marino
8/2: Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo in Sunbury, PA. Learn more at Susquehanna Greenway
8/15-17: Sierra Club PA's Annual Outing @ Hickory Run State Park: This free event is located at Hickory Run's Group Cabin Campground (think summer camp!) so you don't need to own a tent to participate. Beginning campers are encouraged to attend. If you'd prefer not to camp, you're welcome to join just for the day or find your own place to stay overnight nearby. Register and learn more with Sierra Club Pennsylvania
9/21-9/23: The Greenways and Trails Summit in Harrisburg, PA. Learn more and register with WeConservePA
11/22: The Appalachian Trail Museum is pleased to announce that the 2025 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company, located at 164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, WV.
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