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EVENT #19: Oct. 9-12, 2025
Chuck Keiper Trail
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What we have planned
Come leaf peep in northcentral PA, and help put the finishing touches on this trail!
UPDATED 9/25/25:
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THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE 2025 CHUCK KEIPER TRAIL CARE BLITZ!
Sproul State Forest and KTA have put great emphasis on whipping the CKT back into stellar hiking shape in the last couple years. During two Trail Care weekends in 2024 we accomplished a lot of work, including the much-anticipated Cross Connector reroute. During most of July 2024 and July 2025, Al assisted Sproul Forestry personnel with a PA Outdoor Corps crew, rebenching both sides of Boggs Run. There is much more to do; come help us restore this great trail!
Other opportunities in 2025:
CODE ORANGE FRIDAYS: May 2, July 25, August 29
(we may work Saturday, too, if volunteers are amenable)
TRAIL CARE WEEKENDS: September 11-14, October 9-12
Sproul State Forest and KTA have put great emphasis on whipping the CKT back into stellar hiking shape in the last couple years. During two Trail Care weekends in 2024 we accomplished a lot of work, including the much-anticipated Cross Connector reroute. During most of July 2024 and July 2025, Al assisted Sproul Forestry personnel with a PA Outdoor Corps crew, rebenching both sides of Boggs Run. There is much more to do; come help us restore this great trail!
Other opportunities in 2025:
CODE ORANGE FRIDAYS: May 2, July 25, August 29
(we may work Saturday, too, if volunteers are amenable)
TRAIL CARE WEEKENDS: September 11-14, October 9-12
--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:
Camping will be available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at Panther Run Fire Tower Cabin.
**The cabin has been inspected, and received new fire extinguishers, fire ladders, CO detectors, etc. So, we can now stay inside the cabin, in the bedrooms upstairs. There are bed platforms; bring your own air mattress, etc., as you would tent camping.
**The cabin has been inspected, and received new fire extinguishers, fire ladders, CO detectors, etc. So, we can now stay inside the cabin, in the bedrooms upstairs. There are bed platforms; bring your own air mattress, etc., as you would tent camping.
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Amenities:
• 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 (Dutch treat). 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 (Dutch treat). 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:
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work **UPDATED 9/25/25**:
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.)
Friday and Saturday approximately 8-4, Sunday 8-noon. Camping available starting Thursday >3pm.
Description of work **UPDATED 9/25/25**:
- We'll be tackling one of the last rough sections, the Burns Run Wild Area. There are plenty of downed trees, brush, and bad sidehill that need attention.
- 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:
Please contact Al Germann, KTA Trail Care Coordinator for PA Wilds, at [email protected], or Jenn Ulmer, KTA Manager of Trail Maintenance and Training, at [email protected] or 570-854-8316 with any questions.
Please contact Al Germann, KTA Trail Care Coordinator for PA Wilds, at [email protected], or 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 #19- Chuck Keiper Weekend, Oct. 9-12, 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--
