|
KTA Hosts Hiking Weekend in Mifflin County
The Keystone Trails Association will host its Fall Meeting & Hiking Weekend from Friday, October 1 to Sunday, October 3 in Milroy, Mifflin County.
Mifflin County is located in central Pennsylvania and is part of the Seven Mountains Region. Located in the Kishacoquillas Valley, known locally as both Kish Valley or Big Valley, the area is marked by narrow valleys and steep, rocky ridges. Some of Pennsylvania’s most challenging and rewarding hikes are found in this area, where hikers are treated to a wealth of stunning vistas, rugged climbs and rocky ridge tops, while enjoying the seclusion and solitude of the region.
Milroy is located in close proximity to two of the state’s premier long-distance hiking trails: the Mid State Trail and the Standing Stone Trail. Hikers will be able to enjoy day hikes on these trails as well as other hikes located in the nearby Bald Eagle State Forest and Rothrock State Forest or one of the several State Parks located close by, including Reeds Gap State Park, Penn Roosevelt State Park, and Greenwood Furnace State Park.
After a day on the trails, hikers will enjoy a comfortable stay at the Best Western Nittany Inn Milroy. Meals will be served at the Hartman Center, which is conveniently located approximately one mile from the hotel on Old US 322.
Mark your calendar for October 1-3, 2010, and join KTA in the “Big Valley” this fall! Registration deadline is September 13, 2010.
For complete information click here. Download the registration form here.
**The hiking schedule will be published as soon as it is available.
Interested in learning more? Continue reading below.
Hiking the Big Valley
Look at a relief map of Pennsylvania and you’ll see a unique geological formation in the center of the state. Just south and east of the Allegheny Front, the ridge and valley systems that extend from south central Pennsylvania to the north-eastern part of the state, fold back on themselves in the areas of Centre, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties.
This geological feature presents a large expansion of unbroken forests and mountains, providing unique opportunities for people that enjoy the outdoors.
It is in this region that you will find the Rothrock and the Bald Eagle State Forests, along with the many hiking trails that they contain. This is the region that attendees to the KTA Fall meeting will be visiting and hiking.
There are two long distance hiking trails that pass through this area: the Standing Stone Trail and the Mid State Trail.
The Standing Stone Trail has a terminus located near Greenwood State Park in Rothrock State Forest, and heads in a southerly direction, visiting the more typical ridge and valleys of south central Pennsylvania.
The Mid State Trail, which bisects the state, extending from Maryland to the New York border, follows the folding ridgelines as it passes through the center of both the Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. Hikes on either of these trails provide many breathtaking vistas and traverse through a number of unique natural and wild areas.
Because of the unique geography of the region, you’ll find a number of circuit hikes available in Rothrock State Forest. These circuit hikes will follow ridgelines, dip down into hollows, and parallel streams, without the need of backtracking or following previously hiked sections of trail.
Circuit hikes, along with out-and-back and shuttle hikes, will all be offered during your visit to Central Pennsylvania.
Come experience some of the best views in Pennsylvania as well as discover the hidden treasures of the many natural areas.
Lodging & Meals
LODGING
Best Western Nittany Inn Milroy
5 Commerce Drive
Milroy, PA 17063
717.667.9595
www.bestwestern.com
The Best Western Nittany Inn Milroy is nestled in central Pennsylvania’s Kishacoquillas Valley and offers convenient access to the area’s abundant hiking opportunities.
Hikers will enjoy the well-appointed guest rooms, which feature cable satellite television, high-speed Internet access, a coffee/tea maker and refrigerator, as well as a complimentary continental breakfast served each morning. The entire property is smoke-free.
MEALS
Meals will be served at the Hartman Center - the “headquarters” for the KTA Fall Meeting & Hiking Weekend - which is located approximately one mile from the Best Western on Old US 322.
On Saturday morning, hikers will meet at the Hartman Center after enjoying the complimentary continental breakfast at the Best Western. They will pick up their bag lunch, meet their hike leader and hit the trail! Later back at the Hartman Center, the Saturday banquet will be served buffet-style with vegetarian options available. A breakfast buffet will be dished up on Sunday morning before hikers hit the trails again with their bag lunches.
Hikers that choose another lodging option in Milroy are invited to attend the Saturday dinner and annual meeting for $15.
Reservations for the weekend must be made through KTA. Contact us at 717.238.7017 or ktaadmin@verizon.net for more details.
Download the registration form here.
Directions & Map
View Fall Meeting 2010 in a larger map
Information Resources
Bald Eagle State Forest
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/baldeagle.aspx
Big Valley Area Business Association
www.visitbigvalley.com
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commer & Visitors Bureau
www.juniatarivervalley.org
Mid State Trail Association
hike-mst.org
PA Hikes
www.pahikes.com
Rothrock State Forest
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/rothrock.aspx
Standing Stone Trail
www.hike-sst.org |
