October 2023 

Why We Promote PA's Trails

PA's hiking trails are one of our state's greatest assets, as they have the potential to benefit us individually and as a community.

The seemingly simple act of walking outside can greatly improve overall well-being and physical and mental health! We encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Fall by supporting your local hiking club. See the list of suggested hikes below in this issue!

Trails are a naturally neutral space where cross-cultural conversational skills and communities can be strengthened. One example of this is National Thrive Outside Day on October 7, an inspiring initiative by the Outdoor Industry Association to empower communities to make outdoor recreation an accessible lifestyle for all.

Our state's economy can benefit from adventurous residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation opportunities through hiking our trails. We're anticipating great things in the future from PA's NEW Office of Outdoor Recreation!

Help us promote PA's trails this Autumn by tagging KTA in your fall hike pictures on Facebook or Instagram!

 KTA News & Announcements 

• How to Plan Your Hike Fest Weekend: 6 Itinerary Ideas!
• NOW OPEN: Sign up for KTA's 100 Mile Trail Challenge! Every mile hiked and every dollar raised supports hiking trails throughout the state of PA
• KTA's Hike Fest was featured on the Where Adventure Lives Podcast
• NEW Benefits for Members including PA Wilds merchandise discounts!
• Trail Challenge 2023 photos can be viewed here on our website
• Meet Julie Queen and Tony Vigliano, KTA's newest board nominees!
• Meet KTA's four newest Representative at Large nominees!
• FROM THE KTA BLOG: "Tips I wish I would have known when I started hiking" [Guest post by Christian Alexandersen, Hemlocks to Hellbenders Podcast]

 Upcoming KTA Events 

Rambles #5: Appalachian Trail at Scott Farm with Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club 
October 6  | Middlesex Twp 

Start your weekend early with this lovely (approx) 6-mile out-and-back Friday afternoon hike to a scenic overlook on Blue Mountain (Kittatinny Ridge). Beginning at the Scott Farm, learn about plans for this historic property and the tireless work of the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club—stewards of this section of the Appalachian Trail.

Learn More & Register

1-Day Trail Care at Gifford Pinchot State Park 
October 7  | Lewisberry, PA 

It's a Code Orange workday! Trail maintenance will occur on Saturday (approx 8am-4pm) only with free camping available starting Friday night through Sunday afternoon! Friends of Pinchot State Park provides lunch on Saturday.

Learn More & Register

Intro to Backpacking: Overnight on the Loyalsock Trail
October 8-9, 2023 | Loyalsock State Forest

​​​Are you a beginner backpacker looking for more experience? This KTA  trip is for you! Join us for an introductory 14-mile overnight backpacking trip on the beautiful Loyalsock Trail (LT)!

Learn More & Register

Trail Care for the Fearless: Shades of Death Trail
October 12-15, 2023 | Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County

Okay, it’s really not that scary! In fact, it's the park’s second most trafficked trail. It’s a wet, rocky 2.5-mile trail, with many roots, and social trails a-plenty. We intend to re-blaze the trail and decommission social trails, mitigate wet areas, and possibly construct some boardwalks!

Learn More & Register

Rambles #6: Appalachian Trail at Bake Oven Knob with Allentown Hiking Club 
October 15  | Andreas 

Starting at the parking lot closest to Bake Oven Knob, we'll trek through the heart of the Kittatinny Ridge for a 6-mile hike on the AT. We'll pass several vistas and shelters, stop for a snack break, and traverse much of PA's famous rocky conditions (hiking boots recommended!). Throughout the hike, you'll learn about Allentown Hiking Club—one of the invaluable organizations that help care for the AT in Pennsylvania! Shuttle services are optional for this event. Lunch at a local restaurant will be on your own.

Learn More & Register

Keystone Hike Fest (Fall Hiking Weekend)
October 20-22, 2023 | Johnstown, PA

25+ hikes to choose from including the Laurel Highlands, John P. Saylor, and more! Six amazing Sunday session options including Wilderness First Aid, Exploring PA's Parks and Forests, Geocaching, and more! Plus, plenty of time to enjoy Johnstown's downtown museums, eateries, and shops!

Learn More & Register

Trail Care for Anyone! Beginners & Veterans Welcome
October 26-29, 2023 | Pinchot Trail System, Lackawanna County 

The 26-mile Pinchot Trail loop is great for beginner backpackers...and this trail care event is great for beginner trail maintainers! You'll get to try skills like DR mowing, brushing, digging, freshening of painted blazes, as well as some chainsaw removal of blowdowns. 

Learn More & Register

ATV Impacts on PA Trails and Forests (in partnership with Sierra Club): Black Forest Trail
November 4, 2023 | Black Forest Trail 

Join retired forester Bob Merrill for an easy hike on a portion of the beloved Black Forest Trail. Explore approximately four miles afoot while learning about the growing threat ATVs and UTVs pose to Pennsylvania’s public lands. Pack a lunch and plenty of water plus rain gear (just in case). Meeting location is the upper parking lot at the Tiadaghton District Office (10 Lower Pine Bottom Road, Waterville, PA 17776). After our meetup, we will caravan to the trailhead. You must wear orange!

Learn More & Register 

National Take A Hike Day with KTA
November 17, 2023 | Fort Hunter Conservancy, Harrisburg, PA 

Get outdoors for some fresh air, scenery, and exercise at Fort Hunter Conservancy! Join us for a strenuous, mountain hike ending with a picturesque view of the Susquehanna River. This program is part of the Park Rx series of programs sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield and in partnership with Dauphin County Parks and Rec.

Learn More & Register

 October Events with Local Clubs & Orgs 

• Friday, 10/6, 9:30am: "Dogs are Hikers, too!" with Day Hikers of Central PA at Detweiler Park
• Saturday, 10/7, 7pm-9pm: "Haunted Lake Loop Trail" at Black Moshannon State Park
• Saturday, 10/7, 7pm: "Free Movie Night: Yogi Bear" with Friends of Shawnee & Blue Knob
• Sunday, 10/8, 9am-11am: "Exploring Life Under Logs at Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve" with Lancaster Conservancy 
• Sunday, 10/8, 10am: "Fall Leaf Viewing Hike at Moraine" (3 miles) with Butler County North Country Trail Association
• Sunday, 10/8, 3pm–6pm: "6 Preserves in 6 Miles" with Delaware Valley AMC
• Friday, 10/13, 5pm–7:30pm: "Fall Foilage Hike" with Endless Mountain Heritage Region & DCNR at the region’s newest state park – the Vosburg Neck
• Saturday, 10/14, 8:30am: "Horse-Shoe Trail" (11 miles) with Chester County Trail Club
• Tuesday, 10/17, 10am: "Deep Hollow, Weiser State Forest" (6.5 miles) with SATC
• Sunday, 10/22, 9:30am, "Fall Season Hike" (7 miles) with Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy 
• Tuesday, 10/24, 9am: "Kelly's Run Nature Preserve" (4-6 miles) with Wilmington Trail Club
• Friday, 10/27, 6:30pm: "Spider Hunt" at Pine Grove Furnace State Park
• Sunday, 11/5, 9am: "Rock Ledges Exploratory Hike" (5 miles) with Alpine Club of Williamsport

 Have you Heard? 

• PA launches NEW Office of Outdoor Recreation
• The iconic American Marten could be one step closer to being reintroduced into PA! Find out the one simple action you can do to help
• Don't get lost this Fall! Brush up on how to read trail blazes
• Hikers beware: 2023 Sunday hunting dates are: 11/12, 11/19, 11/26. Remember to always wear your blaze orange!
• Be on the watch for PA Elk with this Live Stream from Elk Country
• Meet Lancaster Conservancy's newest preserve: Mill Creek
• Thrive Outside Day is based on the shared understanding that all people should have the opportunity to have positive experiences outdoors
• Get ideas to reach a wider audience and spread your club's mission during WeConservePA's "Entering Into Education" online seminar on 11/8, 10am