We appreciate your involvement and enthusiasm within the KTA Community! Your support helps us continue and expand the programs that further the mission to protect, provide, preserve, and promote hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania, including our Trail Care Program which will celebrate 40 years in 2024.
KTA experienced many milestones in 2023 including:
Expanding the staff with a new Manager of Communications and Membership, and a new Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training
Releasing a new, 13th edition of the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Guide.
Receiving a sizable bequest, helping to support future mission-centric endeavors.
Diversifying funding with grants from DCNR, REI, and other important partners
Looking forward, we plan to diversify and grow KTA's membership and volunteer base and spearhead new ways to promote PA's hiking trails. All of these efforts will better serve our members, clubs, and the wider hiking community throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
As we approach the end of 2023, let's take a moment to think about the many hiking opportunities we have in Pennsylvania. The effort and collaboration of countless passionate individuals needed to make these opportunities available are possible through your donations.
If you are not in a position to donate please take a moment to think about what way you can further volunteer your time in the coming year to KTA or local organizations (trail and hiking clubs, conservancies, friends groups, etc.) that take care of trails you love. Perhaps consider committing to volunteering at least 40 hours at a KTA or local trail care events in 2024. If you are able, please make your donation securely at: www.kta-hike.org/donate
Thank you in advance for your donation to KTA!
For the trails and those who wander on them,
Wayne E. Gross President, Board of Directors, Keystone Trails Association
Brook Lenker Executive Director, Keystone Trails Association
Trail Care: Chainsaw Training March 24, 2024 | Rauchtown, PA (Tiadaghton State Forest facility)
Chainsaw Safety Training is a one-day introduction to general chainsaw safety skills. It is targeted to KTA Trail Care Volunteers and hiking club volunteers. Topics covered by the Tiadaghton SF Forester include safety, ergonomics, and bucking and limbing techniques, as well as an overview of typical saw operation and maintenance. The class runs from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Lunch is provided, and scholarships may be available upon request. Discounts are available for KTA members, volunteers, trail club representatives, and conservation partners. Register Now >
Wilderness First Aid April 6-7, 2024 | Lebanon, PA
Wilderness First Aid is a two-day introduction to general medical concepts and basic life support skills taught by Tara Cross, a qualified and experienced WMA instructor. It is targeted to the outdoor enthusiast on day trips or short adventures. This course results in a certification in Wilderness First Aid and Adult CPR. Register Now >
Spring Hike Weekend April 19-21, 2024 | Stroudsburg, PA
Registration coming soon! Help us plan and/or host our Spring Hike Weekend! You can volunteer with Event planning, On-site help (registration table, etc), Coordinating hikes, Leading a hike, or Photography/Videography! Sign up to volunteer here.
Fundraiser: International Trip to Newfoundland, Canada July 8-18, 2024
Join KTA for another spectacular hiking adventure, this time to the awe-inspiring west coast of Newfoundland, Canada’s most unique province. This year due to limited spots available and the physical demands required for the level of hiking for this trip, KTA will be using a lottery system and application process to manage the registration process for this event to ensure fairness to and safety of attendees. Learn more & submit your name for the lottery >
Trail Care Update
Next year KTA's Trail Care Program will be celebrating 40 years! Do you have photos from KTA trail care events? Share them with us so we can include them in our recognition of this milestone moment throughout 2024 on social media and our website!
December Events with Local Clubs & Orgs
12/3, 9am: Double Run Lower and Upper Impoundments (5 miles) - Alpine Hiking Club
Say hello toLorain/Stonycreek Hiking Trails! Explore their 88+ acres of land and waterfalls using their 8 pristinely marked hiking trails (and if you'd like, even camp overnight)! They offer other outdoor activities including Geocaching, Land Navigation Course, plus Guided Waterfall and Night Hikes. Visit them in Johnstown, PA!
Featured Partnership
We're happy to sponsor the Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast in 2024. This show highlights PA's beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Listen to interviews with experts, park managers, rangers, foresters, biologists, conservation groups, volunteers, small businesses, and more!
Lisa Deschene, a local writer, shares about her experience in the peacefulness of Cook Forest State Park, "To be among the ancients, aware of their centuries-long lifespan, was unbelievably peaceful. I swooned for those majestic giants, and wanted to know their story..." Read her full article!
Have you heard PA's field of singing rocks?! Ringing Rocks Park, spanning across seven acres, is renowned for its field of boulders that produce a unique metallic sound when struck.
History lover? You can explore a former POW Camp, located only a few miles north of Caledonia State Park.
In 2022, the outdoor industry in Pennsylvania: contributed $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product, created 164,000 jobs, and earned outdoor workers $8 billion in wages and salaries. Find out more about this report!
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