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EVENT #01: May 2, 2025
Chuck Keiper Trail
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What we have planned
Sproul State Forest and KTA have put great emphasis on whipping the CKT back into stellar hiking shape. During 2 Trail Cares in 2024 we accomplished a lot of work, including the much-anticipated Cross Connector reroute. During most of July 2024, Al assisted Sproul, with a PA Outdoor Corps crew, rebenching one side of Boggs Run. There is much more to do; come help us restore this great trail!
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--LOGISTICS--
IF YOU'RE COMING JUST FOR THE DAY / ARRIVING IN THE MORNING:
>Meet us at: The NEW "KTA PA Wilds HQ", Panther Run Cabin, 7:30am
>The driveway sneaks up on you; watch for KTA signs. It is directly off PA-144.
>Map/directions to cabin (see general area map above):
coordinates: 41.15776, -77.89282
street address: 3101 Ridge Rd, Karthaus, PA 16845
goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
>Located in the mountains of Sproul State Forest in Centre County, about 30 minutes southwest of Renovo; 20 minutes north of the Snowshoe (exit 147) exit, or 30 minutes north of the Kylertown (exit 133) exit off I-80. The cabin is ideally situated just west of the CKT, and near many other PA Wilds trails.
>Meet us at: The NEW "KTA PA Wilds HQ", Panther Run Cabin, 7:30am
>The driveway sneaks up on you; watch for KTA signs. It is directly off PA-144.
>Map/directions to cabin (see general area map above):
coordinates: 41.15776, -77.89282
street address: 3101 Ridge Rd, Karthaus, PA 16845
goo.gl/maps/eoAvztfZFe2PRYWm8
>Located in the mountains of Sproul State Forest in Centre County, about 30 minutes southwest of Renovo; 20 minutes north of the Snowshoe (exit 147) exit, or 30 minutes north of the Kylertown (exit 133) exit off I-80. The cabin is ideally situated just west of the CKT, and near many other PA Wilds trails.
IF YOU'RE STAYING OVERNIGHT:
Though this is a one-day work event, camping will be available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at Panther Run Fire Tower Cabin.
(Be among the very first volunteers to stay at KTA's exciting new venture! We were offered the opportunity to lease this cabin from Sproul State Forest, and we leapt at the chance. Current and past Trail Care volunteers, watch your email for the chance to become involved.)
(Be among the very first volunteers to stay at KTA's exciting new venture! We were offered the opportunity to lease this cabin from Sproul State Forest, and we leapt at the chance. Current and past Trail Care volunteers, watch your email for the chance to become involved.)
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Amenities:
• Until the interior of the cabin has had safety upgrades, we'll be camping outside: bring tent, hammock, or car camp • can use inside living room couch/chairs • huge kitchen table, utensils, cookware • outhouse/vault toilet DOES NOT YET HAVE: • electricity or running water • showers can be had at Hyner Run State Park (40 minutes east), or a truck stop shower (a little rough around the edges) at the Snow Shoe exit (20 minutes west) You bring: • all bedding & pillow, toiletries KTA will provide: • potable water • firewood |
OR:
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Hyner Run State Park or lodging nearby. RVs may be allowed in the cabin area.
Make your own arrangements
You're welcome to procure your own campsite in Hyner Run State Park or lodging nearby. RVs may be allowed in the cabin area.
Important notes:
Cell phone coverage: There is minimal coverage- about one bar/4G - enough to send/receive texts and emails, but not pictures. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony may cook a scrumptious dinner one night, and we might opt for dinner out- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
Cell phone coverage: There is minimal coverage- about one bar/4G - enough to send/receive texts and emails, but not pictures. Coverage on the trail and roads getting there can be VERY spotty.
Food/Drink: Generally, bring your own food, drink, and cooking supplies. See FAQ (link) for recommendations. Please list any allergies or dietary restrictions on sign-up.
Tony may cook a scrumptious dinner one night, and we might opt for dinner out- KTA will cover costs for dinner, except alcoholic beverages. Watch for the pre-event email (Mon/Tues) for details.
What else to bring: For more general information about the Trail Care Program and suggested packing lists, see KTA Trail Care FAQ page here.
--Trail Work Details--
Work days:
Definitely Friday, approximately 8-4. IF there are those that can and want to stay for an additional day, we can also work Saturday. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
Chuck Keiper Trail:
The Chuck Keiper Trail (PDF maps here) is named after Charles F. Keiper who was a dedicated conservationist and wildlife law enforcement officer. The trail, located in the Sproul State Forest, is a little over 47 miles in length and is organized into an eastern and western loop. The western loop (about 30 miles) is slightly longer than the eastern loop (approximately 22 miles), and they share a common cross-connector. The CKT is lightly used and goes through some of the wildest and most visually arresting public lands in Pennsylvania, offering remarkable solitude. It is one of the 18 state forest designated hiking trails and is blazed orange. Former KTA Board member wrote an authoritative guide which is out of print. (Maps included in picture slideshow below.)
Definitely Friday, approximately 8-4. IF there are those that can and want to stay for an additional day, we can also work Saturday. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work:
- More info provided after scouting; could involve brushing, rebenching, blazing, lopping, mowing, etc., etc.
- We carpool to trail locations; please let me know if you are not comfortable riding with others or driving on gravel forestry roads. From the campground, drive times should be in the 15-30 minute range.
Chuck Keiper Trail:
The Chuck Keiper Trail (PDF maps here) is named after Charles F. Keiper who was a dedicated conservationist and wildlife law enforcement officer. The trail, located in the Sproul State Forest, is a little over 47 miles in length and is organized into an eastern and western loop. The western loop (about 30 miles) is slightly longer than the eastern loop (approximately 22 miles), and they share a common cross-connector. The CKT is lightly used and goes through some of the wildest and most visually arresting public lands in Pennsylvania, offering remarkable solitude. It is one of the 18 state forest designated hiking trails and is blazed orange. Former KTA Board member wrote an authoritative guide which is out of print. (Maps included in picture slideshow below.)
Notes:
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
SIGN UP FOR 2025 TRAIL CARE #01- Chuck Keiper Code Orange, May 2, HERE!
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through -- please go directly to the form through this link.)
(If you do not receive an email confirmation, your sign-up did not go through -- please go directly to the form through this link.)
--PHOTO GALLERY--
